Technical Shift Manager

VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK’s fastest-growing data centre provider. We own, design, build, and operate some of the most energy-efficient, flexible, and secure data centres in Europe.

In 2023, we announced our expansion into continental Europe, starting with Berlin and Milan, with plans to grow further across the region.

At VIRTUS, we aim to be a positive force in the fourth industrial revolution—delivering innovative solutions while staying firmly rooted in our core values: Clarity & Quality, Accountability, Customer Commitment, Purposeful Innovation, and Capability & Growth.

"This is a pooled job posting, as we continuously seek talented individuals for this role throughout the year. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we will reach out to suitable candidates as opportunities arise."

Job Summary

Reporting to the Technical Manager, the Technical Shift Manager will support the site team on all technical plant aspects, coordinating PPM and break/fixes working between the DCM and the Facilities team (subcontracted).

The scope includes Data Centre management, working closely with new and existing customers, operational continuity and the management of service delivery on the sites/campus through our specialist subcontractor who undertakes M&E and ICT tasks.

Working hours: Continental shift pattern - 12-hour shifts between 6am-6pm and 6pm-6am.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Technical Resource:

• Witness all critical works on site.

• Management of M&E tasks to ensure service delivery meets expectations.

• Assist in scenario testing and training for the site teams.

Site Availability:

• Maintaining zero customer downtime including any breaches to contractual SLAs and KPIs.

• Work closely with the Service Management Centre (SMC) on the change control process, that customer communications and incident updates are being accurately reported and managed.

• Draft post-incident reviews.

Third Party Monitoring:

• Ensuring the management of specialist contractors, working across the Data Centres, ensuring contracted service delivery is being received, that reactive tasks are being logged and ensure work is completed to a high standard.

• Ensuring all staff, customers and contractors’ adherence to site policies and operational processes.

Reporting:

• Assisting in the management of the site Maximo CAFM system.

• Work with the Technical/Operations team on weekly and monthly site reports to ensure quality updates.

General Responsibilities:

• Ensure the provision of a safe and healthy working environment, and ensure compliance with all Company policies and procedures, as well as client site policies, procedures and working arrangements, as required.

• A good understanding of the Health and Safety policies, procedures and best practices.

• Out of hours on call for any emergencies.

• Provide support and remote cover to neighbouring Data Centres if / when required.

• Any other reasonable requests made by your line manager.

What success looks like in 12 months’ time:

• Built up an extensive knowledge of the building and driving of the teams knowledge growth.

• Comprehend VIRTUS operations processes ensuring they are followed.

• Have a positive team impact and integrated within your shift team and the wider teams.

• Familiar with customer requirements and report generating.

• Develop team to work safely, effectively and with high regard to human error avoidance.

Person Specification

Experience:

Essential:

• Experience in a Data Centre or other similar critical Management role.

• Strong and demonstrable process management experience in a live operational environment.

• Real-time Incident/fault management experience in a business-critical environment.

• Experience with business continuity, risk management, incident management and day-to-day engineering tasks.

Knowledge:

Essential:

• Good health and safety and environmental knowledge.

• Mechanical or electrical engineering with working knowledge of BMS, PMS and fire systems.

Skills:

Essential:

• Flexible, adaptable and innovative.

• Great team player.

• Strong ownership, accountability and sense of urgency to drive issues to conclusion.

• Good communication skills (verbal and electronic). In line with VIRTUS’ Vetting Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process.

This role comes with an on-call element, which will require the post holder to participate in an out-of-hours on-call escalation rota. 

In line with VIRTUS’ Vetting Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process.

VIRTUS is an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.

We reserve the right to close this post for applications should sufficient applications be received.

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully

VIRTUS Data Centres does not accept unsolicited support from search firms for employment openings. CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any VIRTUS employee without an active, written search agreement for a specified role will become the property of VIRTUS. No fees will be paid for candidates hired from agency submissions made without such an agreement. Existing agency partnerships must adhere to position-specific terms outlined in their agreements. Please refrain from calling or emailing regarding this matter.