Commissioning Manager · On-Site

Freelance Contract, Data Centre Construction

Location: West of Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Duration: 18 months initial, with scope for extension to 3 years

Working Pattern: 5 days per week, fully site based

Start: 1st of October

Reporting to: Project Director / Delivery Lead (end client)

The Project

A hyperscale data centre construction programme west of Cologne. The role sits directly with the end client rather than under a main contractor, giving full ownership of the commissioning programme from design review through to client handover. Long runway, committed funding and a genuine route to extension across subsequent phases.

Role Purpose

The Commissioning Manager owns the delivery of the full Cx programme, Level 0 through Level 5, across mechanical, electrical and controls systems. You are accountable for the commissioning schedule, the quality of the documentation, the readiness of each system before it is witnessed, and the safe, sequenced transition of the facility from construction into operation. You act as the client's technical authority in every Cx conversation on site.

Key Responsibilities

Programme and planning

• Own, maintain and drive the commissioning programme, aligning Cx milestones with construction completion, energisation and handover dates.
• Develop and issue the Commissioning Plan, system readiness criteria and level by level acceptance gates.
• Chair weekly commissioning coordination meetings with contractors, the Cx agent, controls vendors and client stakeholders.
• Track and report progress, risk and readiness to the client leadership team.

Level 0 to 2

• Review design documentation, submittals, specifications and vendor drawings for commissionability at Level 0.
• Oversee Factory Acceptance Testing (Werksabnahme) for critical plant including UPS, generators, switchgear, chillers and CRAH units, attending witness points where required.
• Verify equipment delivery, installation quality and static checks against specification at Level 2, and control the punch list process.

Level 3 to 4

• Manage pre-functional and functional performance testing across all systems, verifying that scripts are executed, results are recorded and deviations are closed.
• Oversee Site Acceptance Testing, load bank testing and single system performance verification.
• Verify controls, BMS, EPMS and alarm points, including graphics and trending validation.
• Sign off Level 4 documentation on behalf of the client before progression to integrated testing.

Level 5

• Lead Integrated Systems Testing, including full load, black building testing, utility failure simulation and redundancy proving (N+1, 2N as applicable).
• Verify failure mode response, load transfer, cooling recovery times and thermal ride through against design intent.
• Own the resolution of all Level 5 findings through to close out.

Safety, quality and handover

• Interface closely with the site Energy Marshal and electrical authorisation regime, ensuring all Cx activity runs under the correct permits and isolations.
• Enforce safe systems of work throughout all testing, including LOTO discipline and system status control.
• Assemble and validate the full Cx documentation pack, O&M manuals, as builts, training records and system manuals.
• Deliver client operations team training and manage the transition from construction control into operational control.

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrable experience managing commissioning through to Level 5 on completed data centre, hyperscale or mission critical projects.
• Strong technical grasp across both electrical and mechanical critical systems, including UPS, generators, MV and LV switchgear, chilled water, CRAH/CRAC and BMS.
• Proven ownership of a commissioning programme, not solely attendance or support to a Cx agent.
• Fluent German (C1 minimum). The role requires managing German speaking contractors and running site meetings in German.
• Working English for interface with the international client and vendor teams.
• Full and unrestricted right to work in Germany. No sponsorship available.
• Able to commit to 5 days per week on site for the full contract duration.
• Registered as freelance in Germany, or able to register (Gewerbeanmeldung or equivalent structure) prior to start.

Desirable

• Experience delivering for a hyperscale end client rather than a contractor.
• Familiarity with German commissioning and handover practice, including Werksabnahme, VOB abnahme process and TÜV interfaces.
• Working knowledge of DIN VDE 0105-100 and DGUV Vorschrift 3 as they apply to test and energisation activity.
• Formal Cx accreditation, for example CxA, ACG, BCxP or equivalent.
• Previous NRW or Frankfurt market experience.
• SCC/SCP or equivalent site safety certification.

Contract Details

• Freelance contract, day rate negotiable and dependent on experience and level of Cx ownership demonstrated.
• 18 months initial term with realistic extension to 3 years subject to programme.
• Direct engagement with the end client.
• Site based, west of Cologne. Candidates outside daily commuting distance should factor accommodation into their rate expectation.