Facility Supervisor

iColo is a leading data center company in Africa, providing colocation services and supporting the critical infrastructure needs of businesses. As a Digital Realty Company, it is part of a global provider of cloud- and carrier-neutral data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions.

The Facility Supervisor at iColo, a Digital Realty Company, is responsible for the day-to-day operational oversight of the data center. This role involves supporting the management of critical facility systems, equipment, and building infrastructure, including their installation, repair, and maintenance. The supervisor will assist the Facility Manager in leading the operations team, planning and executing projects aimed at upgrading and improving both critical and non-critical infrastructure systems. A key aspect of the role is to develop the necessary tools, processes, and a strong safety culture to ensure effective scalability. Reporting directly to the Facility Manager, this position is integral to the Operations team, collaborating with various internal departments and engaging with external clients, contractors, and suppliers. The role is critical for maintaining the high reliability and efficiency of data center operations.

1. Assist the Facility Manager in identifying training needs for the Operations Team and coordinating relevant training and mentorship programs.
2. Manage and oversee sub-contracted workforce to ensure quality and compliance with standards.
3. Assign, prioritize, and review work plans, including providing estimates and inspections as required.
4. Support the Facility Manager on designated projects and initiatives.
5. Provide technical consultation and leadership on facility-related projects, reviewing system specifications within areas of expertise and monitoring implementation.
6. Plan and manage work schedules, including shift rotations and leave planning for the Operations Team.
7. Act as the Operations team lead in the absence of the Area Facility Manager.
8. Execute preventive and corrective maintenance of buildings and equipment to minimize downtime.
9. Conduct daily surveillance and proactive monitoring of all data center systems and equipment.
10. Support the Facility Manager in planning and executing data center and equipment maintenance schedules.
11. Accurately document all maintenance and repair activities in a timely manner.
12. Oversee and document repairs and maintenance performed by contractors, ensuring quality and compliance with standards.
13. Proactively monitor SLA indicators, identify gaps, and implement corrective measures.
14. Provide input on power usage, capacity planning, and infrastructure optimization.
15. Serve as the first point of contact for the Customer Service Centre on technical requests.
16. Act as the first line of response for alarms, resolving or escalating issues according to established guidelines.
17. Participate in the 24/7 call-out roster to ensure continuous operational support.
18. Execute the physical customer implementation process within the data center.
19. Collaborate with the Customer Implementation Department to install or supervise the commissioning and decommissioning of customer equipment, ensuring complete documentation of the process and outcomes.
20. Deliver Value-Added Services (VAS) to customers in line with agreed standards and timelines.
21. Maintain an up-to-date asset register of all equipment within the data center.
22. Evaluate, coordinate, and submit purchase requests for materials and supplies for approval by the Facility Manager.
23. Research and recommend materials, coordinate with external vendors and contractors, and provide informal cost estimates or work sequencing updates to the Facility Manager as required.
24. Collaborate with the Facility Manager and Health & Safety Manager to develop and implement safety plans for the data center.
25. Enforce iColo’s safety policies, procedures, and training programs, ensuring safe work practices are consistently applied.
26. Conduct regular safety training sessions for staff and contractors.
27. Monitor equipment and installations to ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.
28. Support the Facility Manager and the Health and Safety Manager in developing and maintaining comprehensive emergency response plans and procedures for the data center.
29. Support in investigation of accidents and incidents, conducting regular safety inspections across the facility and common areas to ensure activities are carried out safely and appropriately.
30. Maintain accurate and up-to-date operational documents and reports.
31. Analyse operational data and reports, providing recommendations and decisions in consultation with the Facility Manager.
32. Establish and improve tools and procedures for monitoring, continuously integrating additional iColo systems into service monitoring as they become available.
33. Track utility consumption and propose efficiency improvement initiatives.
34. Maintain and update monitoring scripts to ensure accuracy of thresholds and alerts.
35. Develop and refine alert mechanisms and escalation procedures in line with management-defined SLAs.
36. Share knowledge and industry best practices by building close working relationships with operations teams and supervisors across the company.
37. Conduct working methods and initiatives to maintain and improve agreed PUE levels.
38. Support sustainability initiatives by monitoring energy consumption, identifying efficiency opportunities, and contributing to green data center practices.
39. Perform any other duties as assigned by the line manager or senior management.

1. Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
2. At least 8 years of progressive engineering experience, with a minimum of 4 years specifically in a data center or other mission-critical operations environment.
3. Proven leadership experience with the ability to guide, empower, and develop technical teams.
4. Good understanding of data center technologies, industry best practices, and familiarity with construction and project management processes.
5. Strong technical expertise in the maintenance and operation of critical data center infrastructure, including UPS systems, generators, transformers, power distribution panels, and fire suppression systems.
6. Proficient in advanced Microsoft Office Suite (including MS Project) and AutoCAD, with the ability to quickly adapt to other applications and software used within iColo.io.
7. Proactive, customer-oriented mindset with a commitment to operational excellence.
8. Strong attention to detail, combined with a practical, hands-on approach to problem-solving.
9. Effective leadership and team management capabilities.
10. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across teams and organizational levels.
11. Resilient and resourceful, with the ability to remain composed and solution-focused in challenging situations.
12. Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with sound judgment and the confidence to make timely and effective decisions.
13. Self-motivated and capable of working independently while being a positive team player.