Senior Director Operations Engineering

Who are we?

Equinix is the world's digital infrastructure company, operating over 250 data centers across the globe. Digital leaders harness Equinix's trusted platform to bring together and interconnect foundational infrastructure at software speed. Equinix enables organizations to access all the right places, partners, and possibilities to scale with agility, speed the launch of digital services, deliver world-class experiences, and multiply their value, while supporting their sustainability goals.

Joining our operations team means that you will be at the forefront of all we do, maintaining critical facilities infrastructure as part of a close-knit team delivering best-in-class service to our data center customers. We embrace diversity in thought and contribution and are committed to providing an equitable work environment that is foundational to our core values as a company and is vital to our success.

Senior Director Operations Engineering, Risk & Problem Management

Job Summary

The Senior Director of Engineering, Problem & Risk Management, will be responsible for leading the Problem Management and Risk Management function within the Engineering department. This role is vital in ensuring the operational resilience, stability, reliability, and availability of our technology platforms by proactively identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks, as well as identifying and resolving (recurring) technical issues.

The Senior Director will work closely with cross-functional teams including Incident, Change and Asset Management, (Data Center) Operational Excellence, company-wide Equinix Enterprise Risk, Compliance, and Field Operations teams in all three regions, to drive continuous improvement and safeguard the organization's critical facility assets.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the Problem & Risk Management functions within the Engineering department.

• Lead and mentor a team of problem managers, risk managers, and engineers, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Collaborate with executive leadership to ensure alignment of problem and risk management strategies with overall business objectives.

Problem Management

• Oversee the identification, analysis, and resolution of (recurring) issues across the critical facility assets in all our data centers.

• Ensure thorough root cause analysis (RCA), utilizing structured methodologies (e.g., 5-Whys, Ishikawa) is conducted for incidents and the identification of systemic issues, and that permanent corrective actions are implemented effectively.

• Manage the entire lifecycle of problems, from detection and prioritization to documentation and resolution, minimizing impact on business operations.

Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to technology and operations, ensuring the protection of the organization's assets and operations.

• Develop and implement risk management frameworks, policies, and procedures in alignment with industry standards.

• Monitor emerging risks, industry trends, and regulatory changes, adjusting strategies as needed to address potential threats.

Physical Audits

• Continue and optimize a system of identifying the highest risk data centers where physical audits of critical infrastructure and its operations will have to be performed.

Process Improvement

• Continuously evaluate and enhance problem and risk management processes to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness.

• Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, dashboards, and reports to monitor performance and drive accountability.

• Lead post-incident reviews and drive cross-functional initiatives to prevent recurrence of issues and mitigate risks proactively.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Incident-, Change- and Asset management, the overall company risk department, Operational Excellence, the regional Field Ops teams, the Compliance departments, and other key stakeholders to ensure problems and risks are managed effectively.

• Facilitate communication and coordination among teams to minimize downtime, manage risks, and ensure seamless operations.

• Lead cross-functional task forces during major incidents or risk events, ensuring swift and effective resolution and mitigation.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure adherence to regulatory requirements, industry standards, and internal policies related to risk management and problem resolution.

• Implement governance processes to track and manage risks, incidents, and problems, ensuring compliance with relevant frameworks (e.g., ITIL).

• Provide regular reports to senior leadership on the status of problem and risk management activities, including key trends, metrics, and action plans.

Stakeholder Communication

• Serve as the point of escalation for complex or high-impact problems and risks, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication with stakeholders.

• Provide executive leadership with regular updates on risk exposure, problem resolution progress, and key initiatives.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and trust in problem and risk management efforts.

Team Leadership

• Manage a global team of subject matter experts motivating them around a clear, shared vision.

• Shape a collaborative, transparent, and entrepreneurial culture, in tandem with the extended global operations leadership and the corporate leadership team.

Qualifications

Education

• Strong intellect ideally with a bachelor's or master's degree or equivalent experience in engineering or related field.

Experience

• Substantial experience in engineering in data centers or a related field such as mission critical, oil and gas, chemicals, aerospace or transportation with a core focus on problem management and risk management.

• Demonstrable leadership experience as a manager of leaders (directors), steering similar-sized cross-functional teams (c20) in a complex, fast-paced environment.

• Proven experience in implementing and managing problem and risk management processes aligned with industry standards (e.g., ITIL).

Skills

• Strong technical background with deep knowledge of critical facility infrastructure, data center operations, risk management, and operational environments.

• Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to assess complex issues and risks and drive effective solutions.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels of the organization.

• Experience with risk assessment methodologies, root cause analysis (RCA), and incident management tools.

• Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies for monitoring, logging, managing incidents/problems, and assessing risks.

Attributes

• Consistent record in seeing the 'bigger long-term picture' and thinking strategically while achieving short-term results.

• Tight-knit collaboration skills and confirmed ability to work cross-functionally with diverse business unit leaders.

• Outstanding ability to influence and cultivate deep relationships with a range of internal stakeholders (especially sales) to drive customer value.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and persuasively.

• Proactive, transparent and inclusive 'in-service' authentic leadership style able to work comfortably in a non-hierarchical, matrixed context comprising a broad range of collaborators.

• Inspirational leader adept at inspiring behavior change through motivating teams, planning initiatives, designating priorities, and being decisive when faced with ambiguity.

Work Environment

• Able and willing to travel occasionally (6-10 times / year) to various company locations and partner sites.

• The Senior Director of Engineering, Problem & Risk Management, will work in a collaborative environment with a mix of on-site and remote work arrangements.

• Fluency in English is essential.

Compensation

The United States targeted pay range for this position in the following location is / locations are:

• San Francisco, CA / Bay Area: $179,000 to $304,000 per year.

• California (Non-SF/Bay Area), Connecticut, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Washington state: $172,000 to $293,000 per year.

• Colorado, Nevada, Rhode Island: $159,000 to $271,000 per year.

Our pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is based on additional factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training. This position may be offered in other locations. Your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process. The targeted pay range listed reflects the base pay only and does not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Employees are eligible for bonus, and equity may be offered depending on the position. Details about our company benefits can be found at the following link: USA Benefits eBook.

Equinix is committed to ensuring that our employment process is open to all individuals, including those with a disability. If you are a qualified candidate and need assistance or an accommodation, please let us know by completing this form.

Equinix is an Equal Employment Opportunity and, in the U.S., an Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to unlawful consideration of race, color, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, place of birth, citizenship, sex, pregnancy / childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic partnership status, age, veteran or military status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, political / organizational affiliation, status as a victim or family member of a victim of crime or abuse, or any other status protected by applicable law.

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