Site Technical Specialist at CBRE Excellerate

About the role:

• The Data Centre Technical Specialist is responsible for providing on-site technical leadership and specialist support for a single data centre site, ensuring the safe, compliant, and uninterrupted operation of all critical engineering systems. The role ensures that all electrical, mechanical, and environmental infrastructure operates in accordance with CBRE standards, client requirements, and South African statutory regulations.
• The incumbent acts as the site-based technical authority, supporting operational teams, managing critical risk, and driving engineering excellence to achieve 100% uptime and availability with zero impact to the client’s business operations. The role is hands-on, operationally focused, and integral to maintaining compliance, resilience, and reliability of the data centre.

What you will bring:

• Recognised apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in Electrical, Mechanical, or Building Services Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience working within a Critical Environment (Data Centre, Hospital, or similar mission-critical facility).
• Minimum 5 years’ High Voltage (HV) switching experience, where applicable to site infrastructure.
• Proven experience operating at Senior Technician / Technical Specialist / Technical Manager level in a critical facility.
• Health & Safety, Risk Management, and Authorised Person training is advantageous

Skills required:

• Strong technical leadership and hands-on troubleshooting capability.
• Ability to manage and influence site-based teams and specialist contractors.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Competent in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation.
• Strong planning, coordination, and prioritisation skills.
• Clear and professional verbal and written communication

Knowledge required:

• Expert understanding of critical electrical systems (HV/LV distribution, UPS, generators, ATS, switchgear).
• Comprehensive knowledge of HVAC and cooling plant used in data centres.
• Knowledge of fire detection, suppression, and environmental monitoring systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable South African legislation and standards, including:
• Occupational Health and Safety Act
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA)
• Relevant SANS standards and Codes of Practice
• Full understanding of site Statements of Work (SoW), SLAs, and client technical standards

Behavioural Competencies:

• Calm, decisive, and methodical approach during normal and emergency conditions.
• Strong client-service orientation with high ethical standards.
• Proactive and improvement-focused mindset.
• High attention to detail and procedural discipline.
• Ability to work under pressure in a 24/7 operational environment

What you will be doing:

Critical Environment & Risk Management (CERM)

• Own and embed CERM processes at site level, conduct risk reviews and audits:
• Act as the site owner of the Critical Environment & Risk Management (CERM) framework, ensuring it is fully implemented, maintained, and embedded into daily operations.
• Identify, assess, and document all critical engineering risks associated with electrical, mechanical, HVAC, fire, and life safety systems.
• Maintain and regularly update the site risk register, ensuring mitigation actions are tracked, prioritised, and closed out.
• Ensure all critical activities are governed by approved risk assessments, method statements (RAMS), and permits to work.
• Conduct scheduled and ad-hoc CERM audits and compliance reviews at site level.
• Ensure lessons learned from incidents, near misses, and RCAs are formally incorporated into risk controls and procedures.
• Support the Data Centre Manager in statutory compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and applicable SANS standards.
• Act as technical advisor during emergency situations to ensure risks are managed without compromising uptime or safety

Technical Operations:

• Implement and maintain SOPs, EOPs, and technical standards

Other:

• Standards & Compliance
• Asset, Capacity & Spares Management
• Contractor, Change & Project Interface Management
• Incident Management
• Emergency Response & RCA
• Operational Efficiency & Value Protection
• Reporting, Training & Continuous Improvement