HPC Data Centre Operations Manager

Job Title: HPC Data Centre Operations Manager

Salary: Band E S1- £53,818 to £59,199 gross per annum (dependent on skills and experience)

Location: Science and Technology Facilities Council, Daresbury Laboratory, Warrington

Hours: Full time (We understand the importance of work-life balance, and are happy to discuss the possibility of flexible working with applicants)

Contract Type: Permanent

This role requires SC Clearance- Please see end of role profile to see eligibility criteria

Come and do the kind of computing that got you into technology in the first place. Work with cutting-edge tech and world-leading scientists and engineers. And harness the power of some of the country's most advances supercomputers to tackle work that improves daily life in the UK and far beyond.

Put simply, come and discover the impact you can make when you're equipped, encouraged and inspired to perform to your very best.

About Us

The Digital Infrastructure Department delivers first-class IT support and services that underpin the STFC scientific programme of activities and partner organisations. We provide HPC Data Centre facilities, a comprehensive network and communications environment to support the science undertaken by STFC alongside other areas such as Service Desk, Applications, Infrastructure and Cyber Security. We support STFC's projects in big data analytics, machine learning, AI and large computational modelling.

About the Role:

We are looking for a Senior HPC Data Centre Operations Manager to support a busy HPC Data Centre management team; the day-to-day management of the Operational activities supporting the electrical /HVAC mechanical cooling/heating systems and providing 1st line support to our DCMI monitoring suite. This will be an involved and challenging role with significant opportunities for skills development and career progression.

Key Responsibilities:

• Management of the Data Centre mechanical and electrical systems: Ensure the building fabric, its power and cooling systems are managed and maintained to the highest standards to ensure the national HPC Services that depend on the infrastructure are suitably supported. Ensure operation of the plant maximises energy efficiency.

• Safety and security: Ensure that the building, its systems, and services maintain a constant state of safety and security. Adhere strictly to all statutory safety regulations and specific security standards mandated by commercial clients. Ensure the safety of staff, contractors and visitors at all times and where necessary take key safety decisions.

• Strategic planning and design: Our Data centres continuously evolves. Considerable strategic planning around data hall space, power and cooling is required. The job holder is expected to engage fully in the planning and design of new HPC systems or data hall expansion plans.

• Project management: When new services arrive, during upgrades or when new building projects are undertaken, the job holder is expected to project manage those parts of the projects they are responsible for. In this regard their responsibilities will include but not be limited to: space, power, cooling, installation and equipment deliveries.

• Continual improvement: Review of Data centre operations procedures, focusing on cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and power consumption. To assist with the Operations documentation and policies, Disaster Recovery procedures across all STFC Data Centre facilities.

• Problem Solving: Analyse and devise solutions to significant data centre problems which may and do occur within the facility infrastructure. Troubleshoot and resolve any facility issues to the root cause, overseeing third party electrical and mechanical contractors and operations whilst maintaining maintenance preventative schedule plans.

• Daily Contacts and Communications: Liaising with stakeholders at all levels inside and outside the organisation. In particular, working closely with:

o Hartree Department in delivering the UK's foremost High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Data analytics technology centre

o Data Centre Operations team on the day-to-day operations and capacity planning for floor space; power and cooling capacity

o Daresbury Estates and Building Projects Department

• Staff management skills in developing staff, team player

It is anticipated that over time the nature of these duties may change, and the successful candidate will be expected to acquire new skills and take on new and more demanding tasks as the need arises. Training will be given as needed.

Person Specification:

(Please note the below criteria will be assessed at Shortlisting or Interview stage as indicated)

• Working knowledge of the Data centre M&E infrastructure, including UPS systems (Uninterruptible Power Supply), generators, and other critical components. (S/I)

• Awareness of environmental regulations and health and safety requirements specific to Data centres or critical infrastructure for large operational facilities. (S/I)

• Experience of working with and influencing senior management, providing analysis and strategic and policy advice. (S/I)

• Strong project and staff management skills including substantial experience of operational planning and delivery. (S/I)

• Awareness of environmental regulations and health and safety requirements specific to Data centres or critical infrastructure for large operational facilities. (S/I)

• Previous experience in the Building Management Systems or DCIM, including the ability to read and understand electrical and mechanical schematics. (S/I)

• Knowledge and experience in developing remote monitoring and management systems for Data centre infrastructure. (S/I)

Our teams are predominately based at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and Daresbury, whilst this role will be based at our Daresbury site, there will be a requirement to occasionally travel to all STFC sites.

Our Benefits:

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits including a flexible working scheme, a Career Average Revalued Earnings pension scheme, 30 days annual leave allowance, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme.

SC Clearance:

The post you are applying for attracts a National Security Vetting clearance, there are further eligibility requirements, for further details at:

To meet national security vetting requirements, you will normally need to have been resident in the UK for at least 3 years for CTC, 5 years for SC and 10 years for DV prior to the date of application. All DV posts are required to be UK Nationals.

You may still be considered if, for example:

• You've been serving overseas with HM Forces or in some other official capacity as a representative of HM Government

• You were studying abroad

• You were living overseas with parents.

Join us and discover what's possible

About The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)

As one of Europe's largest research organisations, we ask the biggest questions in the universe to find answers that change the world around us. We seek understanding. We're proud of the impact we make. And we're committed to helping build a globally competitive, knowledge-based UK economy. Being part of all this means contributing to work that pushes boundaries and creates possibilities. You'll work with, and learn from, true experts. Whatever your role, you'll be free to question, and encouraged to share ideas. And, in a positive and supportive culture, you'll discover just what a difference you can make when you're equipped and inspired to excel.

We're a place where curious minds thrive. Not bound by profit, we explore ideas that others don't, ask questions that others won't, and discover answers that others are not equipped to find. And, alongside Mars landings and black holes, we also explore diverse, international projects in everything from science and engineering to computing and technology. Whether it's at the cutting edge or behind the scenes, our work is intellectually challenging. It's very often ground-breaking. And it's endlessly, irresistibly fascinating.

For more information about STFC please visit

You can also visit our careers site

About UK Research Innovation (UKRI)

UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria sxapecified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion – a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.