Director, Standards and Compliance – Data Centers & Critical Environments

Job Title

Director, Standards and Compliance – Data Centers & Critical Environments

We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Data Center Standards & Compliance Lead to ensure operational excellence and regulatory adherence across our client’s mission-critical environments. This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining data center and mission critical standards, policies, and compliance frameworks that align with industry best practices, internal governance, and external regulatory requirements. This role could require travel of 25-50%.

Standards Development & Implementation

• Define and maintain best in class technical and operational standards for data center and mission critical infrastructure, including power, cooling, security, operational programs and environmental controls.
• Collaborate with engineering, operations, and facilities teams to ensure consistent application of standards across all sites.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Monitor and enforce compliance with internal policies, industry regulations (e.g., ISO, Uptime Institute, ASHRAE, NFPA), and client-specific requirements.
• Develop & manage internal audit program while conducting regular audits, inspections, and gap analysis to identify risks and recommend corrective actions.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain comprehensive documentation of standards, procedures, and compliance records.
• Prepare reports for leadership and stakeholders on compliance status, audit findings, and remediation efforts.
• Website development for managing standards and documentation.

Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver training programs to ensure staff are knowledgeable about standards and compliance requirements.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on regulatory and operational best practices.

Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and regulatory changes.
• Lead initiatives to enhance data center reliability, efficiency, and compliance posture.

Other

• Support new business strategies with an emphasis on identified target clients.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to ensure a high level of client satisfaction, delivering key initiatives and ensuring consistency in processes, reporting and operational delivery.
• Consult with clients on changing industry trends/projections/budget planning/etc.
• Identify opportunities for delivery, service quality, innovation, and process improvement on an ongoing basis.
• Support sales and marketing efforts to secure new business for the Data Center segment.
• Establish and implement standard processes and best practices that maximize efficiency, while managing business and operational risk.

• BA/BS degree required, or equivalent direct experience in data center management and operations. Advanced degree strongly preferred.
• 15+ years in Data Center facilities maintenance, Facilities Engineering and/or technical services management, including outsourced facility management in Data Centers
• Experience with high-level, complex Facility and Engineering operations including asset management, maintenance best practices, Safety, Quality, ISO, etc.
• Technology:
  Expertise with asset management/CMMS platforms, highly proficient with MS Office Suite, including ability to perform Internet based research
• Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills required.
• Strong competency in strategic planning, execution, and business acumen
• Competency in Resource Allocation and Implementation
• Accomplished relationship management and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational abilities required.
• Team strategic development and leadership experience

Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary…