Alan Braithwaite, Datum’s Data Centre Operations Manager, did not set out to build a career in data centres. In fact, as he puts it, it all happened by accident. With a degree in sports science and a diploma in audio engineering, his route into the sector was anything but conventional. But after starting out in data cabling and then moving into telecoms, the next step began to feel obvious. “I should be working in data centres,” he thought. “It’s more money and more fun!”
60 seconds with ... Alan Braithwaite
Posted on in Blog
Our Data Centre Operations Manager
Why the data centre sector?
For Alan, one of the biggest draws to the data centre sector has always been the people. He describes himself as “a bit of an introvert and geek,” and says the sector is full of like-minded individuals who are not only passionate about what they do, but enjoyable to work with too.
He’s also particularly driven by the pace of change within the sector, the influence the industry has on everyday life, and the growing opportunity to make operations more sustainable. While data centres may not always seem like the most obvious place to make an environmental difference, Alan believes small changes can still have a significant impact.
Lessons from a mission-critical environment
Working in a mission-critical environment is about far more than infrastructure, according to Alan. He thinks the biggest lesson he has learned is the importance of trust, empathy and teamwork. “Leading with empathy and building teams you could trust with your life is the only way to be in this industry”, he says.
“In a world where operations run 24/7 and even the smallest mistake can have major consequences, technical excellence matters, but so does the confidence that everyone around you will bring the same level of care and professionalism.”
A day in the life of a data centre manager
Alan believes that empathy, trust and consistency are essential, because “data centres are ultimately powered by people”. When teams feel supported and empowered, he says, they make better decisions, work together more effectively and respond more confidently under pressure. Rather than seeing management as directing from above, Alan describes his job as supporting the team and removing obstacles. “I’m more of a clerk to my staff than a manager,” he says. “My focus is mostly on making sure people have what they need to do their jobs well.”
Alan also places huge importance on process discipline – he believes that reliable operations that maintain the high standards our clients expect are built on strong procedures, attention to detail and a culture of continuous improvement.
The goal, every day, is simple: keep the operation safe, resilient and reliable while backing the people who make that possible.
Why Alan chose Datum
After working in a very large organisation, Alan felt he was ready for somewhere he could make a more visible impact. What stood out during the interview process was the culture: a close-knit business where people are trusted, involved and encouraged to contribute.
Alan says that Datum’s practical, people-led approach immediately resonated with him, particularly the emphasis on internal development, low staff turnover and creating an environment where people genuinely want to build their careers. For Alan, what sets Datum apart is its approachable culture and strong sense of ownership.
“There is not the same distance between decision-makers and the people doing the work, and ideas are not lost in layers of management. People are expected to contribute, support one another and play an active role in delivering for clients. It is a demanding environment, but one where people clearly enjoy what they do.”
Excitement about what comes next
Alan feels that there is plenty to be excited about. With the recent opening of MCR2 and another facility now being built in Farnborough (FRN2), Alan sees a real opportunity to help shape the next phase of the business.
For someone who enjoys building things that last – whether that means teams, processes or operational frameworks – it is exactly the kind of challenge he relishes. “Being part of Datum’s growth journey and helping lay those foundations is something I’m really looking forward to,” he says.
Life outside work
Even Alan needs a break and his focus shifts firmly to family life when he’s not at work. Originally from South Africa, he is now married with three children and considers his family to be his main hobby these days.
When he does get spare time, he enjoys being outdoors with his hunting dog, either trail running or mountain biking. Music remains a constant thread through his life, and he still loves seeing bands live and still occasionally dabbles in DJing.
Alan's take on tech
As for the tech he could not do without, the answer is simple: a way to listen to music and a decent pair of headphones.
And if he could banish one thing to Room 101 his vote goes to unnecessary meetings. “If a conversation could have been an email, a Teams message or a five-minute chat, it probably shouldn’t have taken an hour of everyone’s day!”
Datum in three words
People-focused. Ambitious. Authentic.
And judging by the way he talks about his approach to work, those qualities seem to fit rather well to Alan too…