LATAM Real Estate Site Leader and Project Management

As a Lead, Data Center Management at Kyndryl, you are responsible for the overall management of site operations, facility governance, asset management, and operational excellence across assigned data center locations. You will ensure the efficient operation of facilities while driving cost optimization, compliance, service quality, and strategic initiatives aligned with Kyndryl's global standards.

The role combines operational leadership, stakeholder management, financial oversight, and project execution, serving as the primary representative of Real Estate & Facilities (RE&F) and Kyndryl within the site ecosystem and external communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Site Operations & Facility Management
• Own and manage day-to-day data center site operations.
• Ensure effective governance of facility assets and site infrastructure.
• Maintain high standards of operational performance, safety, compliance, and service delivery.
• Manage and maintain comprehensive site records and documentation for reporting, audits, and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as the site-level owner of data integrity for all facility-related information.

Oversee the implementation and execution of processes related to:

1. 1. Real estate services
   2. Construction activities
   3. Facility management services

• Financial Management & Cost Optimization
• Manage site operating expenses and financial performance.
• Identify, develop, and implement cost-saving initiatives while maintaining service quality and operational resilience.
• Support annual business planning processes.
• Provide input into regional Opex and Capex budget planning.
• Monitor and manage site-level financial performance against approved budgets.
• Vendor & Contract Management
• Manage third-party service provider performance at the site level.
• Establish performance expectations and service delivery standards.
• Drive operational accountability through performance reviews and governance processes.
• Negotiate contracts and commercial agreements to achieve optimal service levels and cost efficiency.
• Ensure supplier compliance with contractual, operational, and safety requirements.
• Governance, Standards & Continuous Improvement
• Drive implementation of RE&F project management standards, methodologies, processes, and governance frameworks.
• Execute global initiatives at the site level.
• Implement global standards, technologies, and best practices.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance operational effectiveness and facility performance.
• Ensure alignment with corporate policies, regulatory requirements, and industry standards.
• Stakeholder & Resource Management
• Represent RDC and Kyndryl with service partners, suppliers, customers, and external communities.

Leverage site resources effectively, including:

1. 1. People
   2. Technology
   3. Communication channels

• Partner with key stakeholders to ensure successful facility operations and project delivery.
• Build strong working relationships across business functions and leadership teams.

Project Management Responsibilities

• Project Delivery
• Manage facility projects from initiation through completion.
• Lead building openings, closures, expansions, consolidations, and refurbishment projects.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to quality standards.
• Develop project plans, schedules, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Monitor project performance and communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including:

• Territory Leadership
• Site Leadership
• Marketing
• Security
• Corporate Health & Safety
• Chief Information Office (CIO)
• Human Resources
• Real Estate & Facilities Teams
• External Service Providers and Contractors

Strategic Execution

• Translate business objectives into successful facility and infrastructure projects.
• Support workplace and operational transformation initiatives.
• Drive innovation and operational excellence across assigned sites.
• Ensure facilities reflect Kyndryl's commitment to quality, sustainability, safety, and employee experience.

Required Competencies

1. Data Center Operations Management
2. Facility Management
3. Real Estate & Construction Governance
4. Financial & Budget Management
5. Vendor and Contract Management
6. Project & Program Management
7. Risk Management
8. Stakeholder Engagement
9. Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
10. Cross-Functional Leadership
11. Communication & Negotiation Skills
12. Strategic Planning & Execution

What You'll Bring

You are an experienced facilities and data center professional with a proven track record of managing complex operations, delivering strategic projects, and driving continuous improvement. Beyond your technical expertise, you demonstrate a growth mindset and are committed to ongoing professional development.

You are customer-focused, ensuring operational decisions support business objectives and stakeholder satisfaction. You thrive in collaborative, multicultural environments and effectively build relationships across organizational boundaries to achieve common goals.

Required Skills and Experience

Facilities & Site Operations

• Extensive experience managing data center facilities, critical infrastructure, and site operations.
• Proven ability to maintain highly available, safe, and compliant facility environments.
• Strong understanding of facilities management, vendor governance, and operational excellence.
• Demonstrated success in driving workplace experience, sustainability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Accountable for the overall condition, appearance, functionality, and performance of assigned facilities and sites.
• Responsive and proactive in addressing stakeholder and employee feedback related to facilities and workplace services.

Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across multiple business functions.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives and coordinating diverse teams to achieve business objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective relationships with customers, suppliers, partners, and senior leadership.

Education & Languages

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Advanced proficiency in English, both written and verbal.

Project Execution & Governance

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of facility, infrastructure, and real estate projects.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, ensuring business requirements are clearly understood and achieved.
• Coordinate internal teams, contractors, and service providers to deliver project objectives successfully.
• Provide project governance, oversight, and reporting to ensure compliance with corporate standards, budgets, timelines, and quality requirements.
• Drive project performance through effective risk management, issue resolution, and continuous monitoring.
• Ensure all projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with strategic business goals.

Team Development & Collaboration

• Support regional and global initiatives that promote collaboration, engagement, and knowledge sharing.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Conduct project close-out reviews, capturing lessons learned and opportunities for future improvement.
• Act as a mentor and trusted advisor to colleagues and project teams.
• Financial Management & Risk Oversight
• Support annual operating and capital budget planning processes.
• Identify and implement cost optimization opportunities while maintaining operational excellence and service quality.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure projects remain within approved budgets.
• Ensure compliance with corporate governance standards, regulatory requirements, and audit controls.
• Proactively identify operational and project risks and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Support business continuity, resilience, and risk management initiatives across the site portfolio.

Preferred Skills and Experience

Certifications

Professional certifications in data center operations, facilities management, sustainability, business continuity, or project management are highly desirable, including:

• Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP)
• Data Center Design Awareness (DCDA)
• Energy Efficiency Professional (EPRO)
• Business Continuity Management (BCM)
• Operations Professional (OPRO)
• PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent project management certification

Additional Competencies

• Project Management: Strong expertise in project delivery, capital planning, resource management, and vendor governance.
• Multitasking & Prioritization: Ability to successfully manage multiple concurrent projects and operational priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all organizational levels.
• Analytical Thinking: Strong capabilities in forecasting, investment planning, budgeting, reporting, audit readiness, and data-driven decision-making.
• Leadership & Influence: Demonstrated ability to lead diverse regional teams and influence stakeholders within complex matrix organizations.
• Organization & Problem Solving: Exceptional organizational, analytical, and critical-thinking skills with a proactive approach to resolving challenges.