Data Center Operations Leader

Req ID: 341414 

NTT DATA strives to hire exceptional, innovative and passionate individuals who want to grow with us. If you want to be part of an inclusive, adaptable, and forward-thinking organization, apply now.

We are currently seeking a Data Center Operations Leader to join our team in Alpharetta, Georgia (US-GA), United States (US).

Position Overview:

The Data Center Operations Leader will be responsible for the management, oversight, and continuous improvement of Tier 3+ enterprise-class data center facilities, including both primary production and secondary disaster recovery sites. This role requires a deep understanding of physical and logical infrastructure, including server, storage, and network components, as well as a strong background in data center security based on NIST 800-53 standards. The successful candidate will ensure the highest levels of availability, reliability, and security for critical IT infrastructure while leading a team of data center professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Data Center Management:
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple Tier 3+ data center facilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.
• Manage all physical and logical aspects of the data center, including power, cooling, space, and cabling infrastructure, as well as server, storage, and network equipment.
• Lead administration and engineering of physical and virtual servers utilizing Windows, Linux and Unix Operating Systems
• Manage the operation and maintenance of the enterprise SAN and NAS Storage
• Manage the administration of the client’s virtualization platform
• Develop and implement data center policies, procedures, and operational guidelines to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity:
• Manage disaster recovery site(s) and ensure synchronization with primary data center operations.
• Develop, maintain, and test disaster recovery and business continuity plans in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Lead incident response and root cause analysis for any data center outages or disruptions, ensuring timely resolution and documentation.
• Security and Compliance:
• Implement and enforce data center security measures based on NIST 800-53 standards.
• Collaborate with security teams to ensure physical and logical security controls are effectively deployed and monitored.
• Conduct regular audits and assessments to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards.
• Capacity Planning and Resource Management:
• Monitor and analyze data center capacity, utilization, and performance metrics to ensure adequate resources are available to meet current and future needs.
• Coordinate with IT infrastructure teams to plan and execute hardware and software upgrades, expansions, and decommissions.
• Manage vendor relationships, including contracts, service level agreements (SLAs), and performance reviews.
• Team Leadership and Development:
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of data center professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and manage staff training programs to ensure team members are up-to-date with the latest technologies and industry trends.
• Oversee staffing, including recruitment, scheduling, and performance evaluations.
• Project Management:
• Lead and participate in data center-related projects, including new facility build-outs, migrations, and technology refreshes.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, and ensure successful execution within scope, time, and cost constraints.
• Reporting and Documentation:
• Prepare and present regular reports on data center operations, performance, capacity, and incidents to senior management.
• Maintain accurate documentation of data center layouts, equipment inventories, and operational procedures.

Qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is required.
• A Master's degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in data center operations, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing Tier 3+ data centers.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience leading the operations and maintenance of Windows and Linux Operating Systems on physical and logical servers
•  5 Years of Experience leading the operation and maintenance of SAN and NAS storage including replication and other data protection methods.
• Proven experience managing both primary production and secondary disaster recovery facilities.
• Strong understanding of physical and logical data center infrastructure, including server, storage, and network components.
• Certifications:
• VMware Certified Professional (VCP) is desired
• Azure or AWS Cloud Certification is desired.
• Data Center Certified Associate (DCCA) or equivalent certification is desired.
• Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP) or Certified Data Center Specialist (CDCS) is highly preferred.
• ITIL v3 Foundation Certification is preferred.
• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) is highly desirable.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent project management certification is preferred.
• Skills and Knowledge:
• In-depth knowledge of NIST 800-53 standards and their application in data center security.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities, with a focus on delivering results.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with capacity planning, resource management, and vendor management.
• Strong project management skills, with experience leading complex data center projects.

About NTT DATA

NTT DATA is a $30 billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long term success. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure and connectivity. We are one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is a part of NTT Group, which invests over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. Visit us at us.nttdata.com

Whenever possible, we hire locally to NTT DATA offices or client sites. This ensures we can provide timely and effective support tailored to each client’s needs. While many positions offer remote or hybrid work options, these arrangements are subject to change based on client requirements. For employees near an NTT DATA office or client site, in-office attendance may be required for meetings or events, depending on business needs. At NTT DATA, we are committed to staying flexible and meeting the evolving needs of both our clients and employees. NTT DATA recruiters will never ask for payment or banking information and will only use @nttdata.com and @talent.nttdataservices.com email addresses. If you are requested to provide payment or disclose banking information, please submit a contact us form, https://us.nttdata.com/en/contact-us.

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