Operations Director, Kouvola
Drive operational excellence and lead world-class data center performance at atNorth in Kouvola — ensuring uptime, safety, and sustainability across every site.
The Operations Director holds end-to-end responsibility for operational leadership, customer satisfaction, and long-term performance of the data center. This role ensures availability, safety, compliance, and alignment with atNorth’s strategic goals — while driving a culture of continuous improvement and customer-centric operations.
You’ll lead a highly skilled team, oversee performance and safety programs, and collaborate across regions to ensure best-in-class service delivery and operational reliability.
Main areas of responsibility
Operational Leadership & Performance
Lead day-to-day operations of the data center, ensuring uptime, safety, and compliance.
Define and implement key performance metrics and governance structures to track performance and drive improvement.
Act as the primary operational contact for customers, ensuring exceptional service and timely resolution of issues.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
People & Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across multiple functions and disciplines.
Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
Manage team performance, staffing, and career development to support long-term growth and retention.
Strategic & Financial Management
Develop and execute the operational strategy for the site in alignment with corporate objectives.
Manage budgets, forecasts, and investments, ensuring cost-efficiency and value creation.
Represent the site in senior-level discussions, customer engagements, and industry forums.
Safety, Compliance & Quality
Oversee the Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) program and ensure adherence to company policies.
Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards.
Ensure accurate documentation, asset management, and process governance.
Collaboration & Cross-Functional Engagement
Work closely with Development, Engineering, Sales, and IT to ensure seamless coordination of operations and project delivery.
Oversee the commissioning and start-up of new buildings and expansions, ensuring all systems and processes are ready for operational handover.
Manage vendor relationships, service contracts, and performance evaluation programs.
Required competence
- 10+ years of experience in data center operations or equivalent, including 5+ years in a senior management role.
Deep understanding of data center infrastructure or equivalent
Strong knowledge of facility design, maintenance, and compliance frameworks.
Experience in monitoring tools, incident management, and business continuity planning.
Proven experience leading large, diverse technical teams.
Strong strategic vision and ability to translate business goals into operational execution.
Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and financial management.
Excellent communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Data-driven mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced, 24/7 operational environment.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Relevant certifications (e.g. CDCMP, CDCP, ITIL) are an advantage.
Fluent in English; proficiency in a Nordic language is an asset.
At atNorth, we believe that sustainable success starts with the wellbeing of our people. Our commitment to building an open, transparent, and inclusive culture is not just a priority—it is a core part of how we lead, grow, and deliver excellence.
Through regular one-to-one engagements and monthly wellbeing surveys, we listen carefully to our teams, ensuring that every voice is heard and every opportunity for improvement is embraced. We recognize that innovation and collaboration thrive where people feel truly connected, which is why we come together each week to share ideas, strengthen relationships, and nurture a sense of belonging—sometimes over a simple breakfast and good conversation.
At atNorth, we are building more than infrastructure. We are building a community where people can do their best work and shape the future together.
Please submit your application latest on 12th November. We will be going through the applications during the application period.
- Department
- Operations
- Locations
- Kouvola, Finland
Kouvola, Finland
About atNorth
atNorth is the leading Nordic data center company specializing in scalable high-density colocation and built-to-suit facilities that meet the unique needs of today’s AI and high performance workloads.
With more than 15 years of proven expertise, atNorth delivers secure, flexible and sustainable infrastructure, powered entirely by renewable energy and benefitting from advanced cooling technologies, including several Direct Liquid Cooling and Direct to Chip installations.
By combining operational excellence and a commitment to environmental responsibility with trusted customer relationships that enable rapid scalability, atNorth empowers businesses to grow while minimizing their environmental impact.
Headquartered in Reykjavik, Iceland, atNorth operates eight data centers across strategic Nordic locations, with a site to open in Ballerup, Denmark in 2025, as well as its tenth under construction in Kouvola, Finland and its eleventh site in Varde Municipality, Denmark. The business has also secured land for a future mega site in the Sollefteå Municipality in Sweden.
For more information, visit atNorth.com or follow atNorth on LinkedIn.
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