Data Center Operations Manager

About Mistral At Mistral AI, we believe in the power of AI to simplify tasks, save time, and enhance learning and creativity. Our technology is designed to integrate seamlessly into daily working life. We democratize AI through high-performance, optimized, open-source and cutting-edge models, products and solutions. Our comprehensive AI platform is designed to meet enterprise needs, whether on-premises or in cloud environments. Our offerings include le Chat, the AI assistant for life and work. We are a dynamic, collaborative team passionate about AI and its potential to transform society. Our diverse workforce thrives in competitive environments and is committed to driving innovation. Our teams are distributed between France, USA, UK, Germany and Singapore. We are creative, low-ego and team-spirited. Join us to be part of a pioneering company shaping the future of AI. Together, we can make a meaningful impact. See more about our culture on https://mistral.ai/careers. About the Role Mistral AI is seeking a Data Center Operations Manager to lead the build and run operations of our new data center in Borlänge, Sweden. As the first hire for this site, you will be responsible for establishing operational excellence, managing local teams, and ensuring the reliability, security, and efficiency of our AI infrastructure. Key Responsibilities • Lead the operational management of Mistral’s data center in Borlänge, overseeing build-out, day-to-day operations, and scalability to support our AI infrastructure. • Hire and manage a local team of hardware engineers to support operations, maintenance, and troubleshooting. • Oversee hardware deployment, upgrades, and decommissioning, ensuring alignment with Mistral’s infrastructure goals. • Monitor and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with data center providers and subcontractors. • Manage incidents and request tickets, ensuring timely resolution and clear communication with stakeholders. • Ensure adherence to security protocols, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements at the data center. • Provide regular updates to internal teams and external partners on operational status, risks, and improvements. • Establish processes and best practices for data center operations, ensuring high availability and performance. • Manage local contracts with DC providers and OEM. Qualifications & Experience • Degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, or related field, or equivalent experience, with a strong understanding of data center technical requirements and operations. • Proven track record in data center operations, hardware management, or infrastructure support, preferably in HPC or cloud environments. • Proven experience in recruiting, mentoring, and scaling a technical operations team from a greenfield deployment. • Experience managing large-scale infrastructure projects, including build-outs, migrations, or upgrades. • Strong ability to coordinate and lead vendors, contractors, and internal teams, including review, escalation, and contractual engagement. • Comfortable with contract negotiation and management. • Hands-on troubleshooting skills and ability to work and lead in critical situations and aggressive timelines. • Knowledge of data center security standards (physical and digital) and compliance requirements. • Language Skills: Fluency in English and Swedish is a plus. Why Join Mistral? • Impact: Play a pivotal role in scaling Mistral’s cutting-edge AI infrastructure. • Growth: Opportunity to shape data center operations from the ground up in a high-growth startup environment. • Collaboration: Work with a talented, cross-functional team passionate about AI and technology. • Flexibility: Competitive compensation, benefits, and the chance to contribute to revolutionary projects.