Data Center Operations & Design Manager (AI Infrastructure & Operations) at NAFFCO

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

18 May, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

17 Feb, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Data Center Operations, AI Infrastructure, Technical Design, Client Engagement, Power Systems, Cooling Solutions, Network Topology, Physical Security, Capacity Planning, Thermal Modelling, Technical Sales, Commercial Proposals, Stakeholder Management, Risk Assessment, Vendor Management, Continuous Improvement

Industry

Design Services

Description

Job Description: We are seeking an experienced Data Center Operations & Design Manager (AI Infrastructure & Operations) to lead the delivery, optimisation and commercial engagement for large-scale AI compute environments across the UAE and wider region. The role combines technical design leadership with client-facing selling responsibilities and requires excellent communication and problem-solving capabilities. The successful candidate will ensure robust, scalable and compliant data centre solutions that meet performance, availability and cost targets for AI workloads. Key Responsibilities – Operations, Design & Client Engagement Lead the design, deployment and operational readiness of AI infrastructure including power, cooling, rack and pod layouts, network topology, and physical security for high-density compute environments. Provide technical sales support and commercial input to bids, proposals and quotations for AI data centre projects; translate customer requirements into practicable, costed solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, procurement, facilities, network and cloud teams) to develop integrated designs and delivery plans that align with project timelines and budget. Author and review technical submittals, specification documents, single-line diagrams, P&IDs, capacity plans and handover documentation required for project approvals and construction. Conduct site surveys, risk assessments and readiness reviews; recommend mitigation measures to ensure continuity, resilience and safety for critical infrastructure. Define operational procedures, maintenance regimes and monitoring strategies for AI-specific workloads, including capacity forecasting, power management and thermal optimisation. Deliver clear technical presentations and solution demonstrations to clients, consultants and internal stakeholders to influence decision making and secure project approvals. Manage third-party vendors and contractors, ensuring work meets specification, quality standards and statutory/regulatory requirements. Drive continuous improvement initiatives by analysing incidents, performance data and lessons learned to improve reliability and reduce total cost of ownership. Essential Technical Knowledge – AI Infrastructure & Data Centre Systems Deep understanding of data centre electrical and mechanical systems including UPS, generators, PDUs, cooling (in-row, rear-door, chillers), and high-density cooling solutions suitable for GPU/AI racks. Familiarity with network architectures for AI workloads (high-throughput, low-latency fabrics), cabling, and rack/pod layout best practice. Experience with capacity planning, power and thermal modelling tools, and interpreting vendor test/certification data for compute and cooling equipment. Knowledge of industry standards and codes relevant to data centres (e.g. IEC, BS, local building regulations, fire protection and health & safety requirements). Competence in producing technical drawings, specifications, and documentation for procurement and construction phases. Selling and Communication Skills – Technical Commercial Leadership Proven ability to present complex technical solutions in a clear, persuasive manner to clients, consultants and senior stakeholders. Experience preparing commercial proposals, responding to RFIs/RFPs and negotiating scope and commercial terms to win projects. Strong stakeholder management skills to build trust-based relationships and collaborate effectively across technical and commercial teams. Ability to tailor messaging for technical and non-technical audiences while maintaining credibility and technical accuracy. Problem Solving and Analytical Capabilities – Delivering Reliable AI Infrastructure Apply structured problem-solving to diagnose operational issues, identify root causes and implement effective corrective actions. Evaluate trade-offs between performance, resilience and cost when developing design options for AI deployments. Prioritise and manage multiple concurrent projects, making data-driven decisions under pressure to meet critical deadlines. Champion a continuous improvement mindset by capturing lessons learned and translating them into tangible process and design improvements. Personal Qualities and Values Proactive, accountable and results-oriented with a practical, hands-on approach to delivery. Detail-focused and highly organised, maintaining quality and compliance in a fast-paced environment. Collaborative team player who fosters inclusion, knowledge sharing and professional development. Committed to upholding the highest health, safety and sustainability standards in all activities. Essential Qualifications and Experience Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, Telecommunications, Data Centre Engineering or related discipline (or equivalent experience). Minimum 5 years’ experience in data centre design, operations or infrastructure delivery, with demonstrable exposure to high-density AI/GPU environments preferred. Proven track record in technical sales or pre-sales support for complex infrastructure projects, including preparing proposals and delivering presentations to clients. Strong knowledge of local UAE regulations and building codes is advantageous. High proficiency with MS Office, CAD/BIM tools and capacity/modelling software; experience with monitoring and DCIM platforms is desirable. Valid UAE driving licence preferred and ability to travel to project sites as required.

Responsibilities

This role involves leading the design, deployment, and operational readiness of large-scale AI data center infrastructure, covering power, cooling, networking, and physical security across the UAE region. The manager will also provide technical sales support, translate customer needs into costed solutions, and manage cross-functional delivery plans.