Syntys is a leading digital infrastructure platform specializing in the design, development, and operation of carrier-neutral data centers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With an established and expanding network of facilities across strategic markets, Syntys delivers secure, resilient, and scalable infrastructure for hyperscalers, AI clusters, and wholesale colocation providers. Through purpose-built facilities and build-to-suit solutions, Syntys supports the growing demand for cloud, AI, and advanced computing infrastructure, enabling the continued growth of the digital economy.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Syntys is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing and optimizing day-to-day operations across headquarters and all markets. The role provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure efficient, scalable, and high-quality operations supporting Syntys’ ambitious growth in the data center and digital infrastructure sector.

The COO oversees HQ and Market Operations, IT, Procurement, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), and Sustainability, ensuring operational excellence, risk management, and effective support for hyperscalers, wholesale colocation providers, and strategic partners. The role plays a critical part in building the operational foundation required to meet world-class standards for reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

Operational Leadership & Excellence

• Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of operational processes across HQ and Market operations to ensure efficiency, scalability, and service excellence.
• Establish and oversee operational standards, KPIs, and governance frameworks to ensure consistency and alignment across all Syntys locations.
• Ensure operational readiness, service quality, and risk management across all data center operations.
• Collaborate with Country Managers and OpCos to drive operational alignment and excellence in all markets.

IT & Technology Operations

• Oversee the Group’s IT function, ensuring robust, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure and services to support business needs.
• Lead the development and implementation of digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, automation, and business resilience.
• Ensure cybersecurity, data protection, and IT risk management are fully integrated into operations.
• Collaborate with other leaders to ensure technology investments support operational and commercial objectives.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Lead the Group Procurement function to ensure efficient, transparent, and cost-effective sourcing of goods and services.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies to support operational needs, vendor performance, and supply chain resilience.
• Oversee strategic supplier relationships and contract negotiations to ensure value for money and alignment with project timelines.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards.

Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) & Risk Management

• Establish and enforce EHS standards, policies, and programs to ensure a safe, compliant, and risk-aware working environment across all operations.
• Drive a culture of safety excellence and regulatory compliance across all Syntys sites.
• Lead incident prevention, reporting, and response initiatives to minimize operational disruptions and ensure employee well-being.
• Ensure robust risk management practices are embedded in all operational activities.

Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility

• Lead the development and implementation of sustainability strategies that align with Syntys’ environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments.
• Drive operational initiatives to reduce environmental impact, improve energy efficiency, and promote sustainable power strategies within Syntys operations.
• Collaborate with the CEO, Commercial, and Engineering teams to integrate sustainability into operational and infrastructure planning.
• Represent Syntys in sustainability-related forums and with external stakeholders.

Leadership & Team Development

• Build, lead, and develop high-performing operational teams across HQ and Markets, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Set clear performance expectations, KPIs, and development plans for operational leaders and teams.
• Ensure effective succession planning and leadership development within the operations function.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Commercial, Engineering, Finance, HR, and Legal teams to ensure operational alignment with strategic business objectives.
• Support Commercial teams in translating client requirements, especially from hyperscalers, into operational deliverables.
• Collaborate on infrastructure development plans to ensure operational readiness and sustainability integration.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 15 years of progressive leadership experience in data center operations, infrastructure, or technology-driven environments.
• Proven experience managing hyperscaler operations, client requirements, and critical infrastructure.
• Strong background in IT operations, procurement, supplier management, and EHS.
• Demonstrated success in leading sustainability initiatives within an operational environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, IT, or a related field (required).
• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or equivalent (preferred).
• Fluent in English; Arabic language capability preferred.