Company Profile nLighten is a European platform of distributed edge data centers, designed to meet the growing demand for AI, 5G, and hybrid cloud deployments. As a rapidly expanding provider, we offer scalable colocation hubs and best-in-class energy solutions across Europe. Our innovative and sustainable approach to digital infrastructure ensures reliability, efficiency, and future-ready solutions for our clients.

nLighten’s current footprint is 34 data centers in 7 European countries, with the ambition to grow to 100 sites during the next 3-4 years.

About The Role

We are looking for an experienced and commercially sharp Head of Facility to own the technical and operational integrity of our physical infrastructure across all 34 sites. This is a new Director-level role within the Operations organisation, leading the central Facility function across Critical Environment Engineering, Ops Excellence & Academy, and Vendor & Contract Management. The ideal candidate combines deep engineering credibility in critical environments with the leadership and commercial rigour to build a function from the ground up.

Key Responsibilities

M&E Standards and Technical Governance Define and enforce M&E engineering standards across all 34 sites, covering UPS, generators, cooling, LV distribution, and BMS. Own the change request process for all M&E-related works across the portfolio. Lead root cause analysis (RCA) for critical environment incidents and drive corrective actions through to completion.

Conduct site technical assessments and publish maturity findings and improvement plans. PPM and Maintenance Governance Own the Planned Preventive Maintenance (PPM) programme across all sites and vendors. Review, challenge, and approve maintenance scopes before work is instructed, preventing unnecessary cost and scope creep.

Work with Regional Directors to ensure maintenance plans are executed on time and to standard. Vendor and Contract Governance Oversee all R&M and cleaning contracts across 7 countries. Ensure vendors are qualified, onboarded, and performing to contractual and HSE standards.

Support contract renewals, tenders, and consolidation initiatives led by the Vendor & Contract Manager. PUE and Energy Performance Lead the PUE improvement programme across the portfolio. Work with Regional Directors and site teams to identify and implement efficiency improvements.

Monitor energy performance data via the DCIM platform and Intelligence Hub. Ops Excellence and Academy Oversee the Operations Playbook and site maturity assessments across all sites. Ensure the Operations Academy delivers consistent, role-based training across all regions.

Drive standardisation of operational processes across the three legacy estates. Team Leadership Build and lead the Facility function: recruit, onboard, and develop three sub-function leads. Set clear objectives, KPIs, and performance expectations for each team member.

Act as the primary technical interface between Operations and the CTO function. Travel frequently across our 7 countries and 34 sites as required.

What We’Re Looking For

10+ years in data centers or other mission-critical environments, with at least 3 years in a senior management role. Proven experience managing a multi-site facilities or operations function across multiple geographies. Track record of managing outsourced M&E maintenance programmes and vendor relationships.

Experience building or restructuring operational teams from a low base. Strong working knowledge of data center critical systems: power, cooling, UPS, generators, LV distribution. Comfortable reading and reviewing technical documentation, MOPs, and maintenance scopes.

Familiarity with DCIM platforms, asset management, and PUE monitoring tools. Strong commercial acumen, able to challenge vendor pricing, scope, and performance with confidence.