Drive operational excellence and lead world-class data center performance at atNorth in Kouvola — ensuring uptime, safety, and sustainability across every site.

The Operations Director holds end-to-end responsibility for operational leadership, customer satisfaction, and long-term performance of the data center. This role ensures availability, safety, compliance, and alignment with atNorth’s strategic goals — while driving a culture of continuous improvement and customer-centric operations.

You’ll lead a highly skilled team, oversee performance and safety programs, and collaborate across regions to ensure best-in-class service delivery and operational reliability.

Main areas of responsibility

Operational Leadership & Performance

• Lead day-to-day operations of the data center, ensuring uptime, safety, and compliance.

• Define and implement key performance metrics and governance structures to track performance and drive improvement.

• Act as the primary operational contact for customers, ensuring exceptional service and timely resolution of issues.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.

People & Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across multiple functions and disciplines.

• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.

• Manage team performance, staffing, and career development to support long-term growth and retention.

Strategic & Financial Management

• Develop and execute the operational strategy for the site in alignment with corporate objectives.

• Manage budgets, forecasts, and investments, ensuring cost-efficiency and value creation.

• Represent the site in senior-level discussions, customer engagements, and industry forums.

Safety, Compliance & Quality

• Oversee the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) program and ensure adherence to company policies.

• Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.

• Ensure accurate documentation, asset management, and process governance.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Engagement

• Work closely with Development, Engineering, Sales, and IT to ensure seamless coordination of operations and project delivery.

• Oversee the commissioning and start-up of new buildings and expansions, ensuring all systems and processes are ready for operational handover.

• Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, and performance evaluation programs.

Required competence

• 10+ years of experience in data center operations or equivalent, including 5+ years in a senior management role.

• Deep understanding of data center infrastructure — power, cooling, networking, and fire safety systems.

• Strong knowledge of facility design, maintenance, and compliance frameworks.

• Experience in monitoring tools, incident management, and business continuity planning.

• Proven experience leading large, diverse technical teams.

• Strong strategic vision and ability to translate business goals into operational execution.

• Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.

• Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.

• Data-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.

• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.

• Relevant certifications (e.g. CDCMP, CDCP, ITIL) are an advantage.

• Fluent in English; proficiency in a Nordic language is an asset.

At atNorth, we believe that sustainable success starts with the wellbeing of our people. Our commitment to building an open, transparent, and inclusive culture is not just a priority—it is a core part of how we lead, grow, and deliver excellence.

Through regular one-to-one engagements and monthly wellbeing surveys, we listen carefully to our teams, ensuring that every voice is heard and every opportunity for improvement is embraced. We recognize that innovation and collaboration thrive where people feel truly connected, which is why we come together each week to share ideas, strengthen relationships, and nurture a sense of belonging—sometimes over a simple breakfast and good conversation.

At atNorth, we are building more than infrastructure. We are building a community where people can do their best work and shape the future together.

How does this sound? If you have the skills and passion for this, then please send your application with the salary expectation via this link. We are looking forward to hearing from you soon.