Director, Operational Readiness

Role Overview

• Execute site readiness assessments against defined frameworks, evaluating people, process, and technology readiness prior to any new deployment or site activation
• Administer the Go-Live Gate Process, tracking readiness criteria across all active deployments and escalating gaps that require resolution before approval to proceed
• Coordinate pre-commissioning and acceptance testing activities in collaboration with construction, engineering, and operations teams, ensuring all systems are validated prior to operational handoff
• Maintain and execute the Site Readiness Checklist and Commissioning Runbook for each deployment, adapting to site-specific requirements while adhering to standard process
• Support the Customer Readiness Framework by verifying that staffing, SLAs, documentation, access controls, and support processes are confirmed and in place prior to customer go-live
• Maintain the Readiness Scorecard for all active deployments, providing accurate and timely status updates to leadership and stakeholders
• Identify readiness gaps early and coordinate with Standards & Governance, Technical Training, and site teams to resolve issues before they become go-live blockers
• Serve as a key operational liaison with construction and project management teams during the transition from build to operate
• Document lessons learned from each deployment to continuously improve the readiness process and inform future gate criteria
• Support the development of the broader Operational Readiness function as the team and portfolio scale

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in data center operations, commissioning, or critical infrastructure project coordination, with direct involvement in site activations or large-scale deployments
• Hands-on experience executing commissioning and integrated systems testing (IST) processes in a data center or mission-critical facility environment
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent deployment readiness workstreams, track open items, and drive closure under schedule pressure
• Strong working knowledge of data center systems including power distribution, cooling, network infrastructure, and building management systems
• Experience coordinating cross-functional teams spanning construction, engineering, IT, and operations in a deployment or handoff context
• Familiarity with customer-facing operational requirements including SLA documentation, access management, and support readiness for colocation or HPC environments
• Experience with project management tools and methodologies; PMP certification a plus
• Familiarity with data center standards including Uptime Institute Tier standards, TIA-942, ASHRAE, and NFPA
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field
• Certifications preferred: PMP, CDCP, Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Specialist, or equivalent industry credentials.

Tech Stack

• PMP
• Go

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Base salary range $170,000 – $200,000 (commensurate with experience) + bonus + sign-on equity grant.
• Long-Term Growth: Eligible to participate in Riot’s equity incentive programs and share in the success you help build.
• 401(k) with Immediate Vesting: Generous company match
• Comprehensive Health Coverage: Multiple medical plan options that include 100% employer-paid premiums.
• Wellness & Lifestyle Perks: Enjoy free gym memberships, pet insurance, childcare discounts, and more to support your life both in and out of work.