Deputy General Manager - Data Center Operations (Thailand)
A rapidly expanding global data center operator is entering the Thailand market and is seeking a Deputy General Manager to support the launch, build-out, and long-term operation of its local platform. This is a rare opportunity to step into a foundational leadership role within a high-growth, international environment focused on mission‑critical infrastructure at scale.
This position works closely with the General Manager and group headquarters, taking responsibility for day-to-day operations, regulatory readiness, project delivery, and commercial execution, while helping to establish a best‑in‑class data center operation in Thailand.
Key Responsibilities
Market Entry, Build & Project Delivery
- Support end-to-end development of large-scale data center projects, from design and construction through commissioning and operational handover.
- Coordinate closely with engineering, contractors, consultants, and supply chain partners to ensure delivery timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
- Oversee design compliance, capacity planning, technical standards, safety considerations, and operational readiness.
- Manage multi-phase development programs, including contractor oversight, risk mitigation, regulatory compliance, and workforce planning.
- Establish vendor governance frameworks and manage supply chain and delivery risks.
Operations & Reliability Leadership
- Oversee operational teams covering engineering, facilities management, security, and service delivery.
- Develop, implement, and continuously refine operational procedures and governance frameworks.
- Establish preventive and predictive maintenance programs to ensure high availability and resiliency.
- Lead operational audits, stress testing, business continuity, and disaster recovery readiness.
Commercial & Customer Interface
- Support customer onboarding, service delivery, SLA management, and issue escalation.
- Partner with commercial and sales teams on RFP responses, technical due diligence, and customer engagements.
- Maintain awareness of local and regional pricing trends, utility costs, currency exposure, and market competitiveness.
- Support contract management, commercial risk assessment, and customer relationship management.
Regulatory, Compliance & Risk
- Ensure full compliance with local regulatory requirements covering permits, safety, environmental standards, taxation, energy usage, and business operations.
- Support industry certifications and audits (e.g. ISO, SOC, PCI, Uptime Institute).
- Lead regulatory mapping across permits, incentives, investment frameworks, and special economic zones.
- Establish internal controls, cybersecurity alignment, incident response, and operational risk frameworks.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities and key stakeholders.
Financial & Administrative Oversight
- Assist with budgeting, cash flow forecasting, cost control, P&L oversight, and financial reporting.
- Track KPIs and performance metrics across operations.
- Prepare structured bi-weekly and monthly reports for senior leadership and group stakeholders.
- Support talent development, training plans, and headcount planning.
Strategic & Leadership Responsibilities
- Serve as second-in-command to the General Manager, assuming executive responsibility when required.
- Drive a high-performance culture focused on accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Identify opportunities for automation, digitalization, and operational optimization.
- Build a strong local talent base and trusted vendor ecosystem.
- Act as a senior representative of the business with customers, partners, and authorities.
- Lead with a hands-on, problem-solving mindset in a fast-evolving, start-up-style environment.
Group & Head Office Collaboration
- Work closely with centralized functions including HR, Finance, Legal, IT, Procurement, Security, and Compliance.
- Translate global policies and standards into effective local execution models.
- Ensure consistent reporting, governance, and alignment with international frameworks and technology roadmaps.
- Support digital transformation initiatives across operations and reporting.
Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)
- Establish and maintain EHS programs suitable for mission-critical environments.
- Promote a strong safety culture across staff, contractors, and partners.
- Ensure emergency preparedness and environmental management best practices are in place.
Candidate Profile
- 10+ years experience in data centers, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, or cloud operations.
- Proven exposure to data center development and live operations.
- Demonstrated experience dealing with local authorities, permitting, and regulatory bodies.
- Background in start-up, growth-stage, or greenfield operational environments.
- Strong technical understanding of MEP systems, facility operations, and reliability frameworks.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and cross-cultural communication skills.
- Fluency in Thai and English is essential.
Why This Role
- Play a pivotal role in building a national data center platform from the ground up
- Join a high-growth, internationally backed infrastructure group
- Enjoy broad leadership exposure, autonomy, and long-term career progression
- Make a tangible impact on Thailand's digital and data infrastructure landscape
