Senior Data Center Operations Engineer at Dimension Data

• Data Centre Operations (DCO) person: Data Centre - manages the operational day to day tasks onsite and assists the Site Manager/ Senior Operations manager in operational tasks such as budgeting, estimating, planning and objective setting to support installations and assurance.
• Data Centre Operations (DCO) person: Data Centre manages implementation of processes and procedures, tools and techniques for monitoring and managing the performance of automated systems and services.
• Data Centre Operations (DCO) person: Data Centre works closely with the Data Centre teams and manages all aspects of service delivery into the various service delivery contracts and ensures continued focus on the execution of agreed services plans and initiatives.
• Data Centre Operations (DCO) person: Data Centre facilitates and assists the Site manager in order to manage and monitor the implementation of operational activities and process in order to deliver on approved operational plans and to continuously enhance service delivery.

Plan and manage implementation of processes and procedures in the Data Centre

• Plans approach and implementation of Shared Operations strategies to support the Data Centre.
• Assists with Managing the budget and other financial goals, directing short-term and long-range planning
• Incorporate input from business strategies for products and services into operating models relating to the Data Centre.
• Communicate and cascade the technology focus areas operational objectives to senior managers and department heads
• Put plans in place to achieve performance goals, allocate resources and assess / update / improve the processes and policies of the Data Centre.
• Identify potential risks and recommend mitigation strategies in technology focus area as aligned to overall shared operations approaches
• Involved in the Planning and execution of maintenance rotations and Vendor management with relation to uptime of the DC
• Assists the Site Manager or in cases directly Manages Health and Safety protocols within the DC and is responsible to make sure all Vendor Safety files are up to date

Operational Optimisation

• Implement operational processes and improvements related to the processes for each section in the Data Centre.
• Enforce and monitor operating policies to support overall business and company policies and objectives in technology focus area
• Ensure compliance with operating policies and procedures to support the operations work flow and deals with non-compliance in Data Centre.
• Monitor critical service and efficiency points to support and enhance technology focus area capabilities
• Measure effectiveness and efficiency of operational processes both internally and externally and finds ways to improve processes in the Data Centre.
• Monitor that operational activities comply with organisational requirements for quality management, legal stipulations and general duty of care
• Recommends changes to the operating model as the business grows and develops
• Utilises automated systems to ensure they support current business practices and enhance service delivery.
• Plans and carries out Operational checks to optimize facilities functionalities not limited but including DCIM, Security systems and systems monitoring.

Operations Management and Technology Leadership

• Research new technologies, trends and advancements in the market to enhance operational capabilities
• Provide input into and manage the introduction of new technologies defined by the strategy to the business including availability of proper technical tools and IT services
• Provide technical leadership direction, frameworks and technology roadmaps to meet business strategic relating to:
• Manages 24x7 operations and maintenance function for the data centre facility.
• Maintains 24x7 operations of all critical data centre building support systems (HVAC, Electrical, Lab support, etc.)
• Provides 24x7 up time to on site computer server facility, UPS (Uninterruptable Power Supply) systems and emergency/critical generators.
• Develops, plans, and implements annual shut down program for preventative maintenance activities.
• Manages multiple subcontractors supporting the operations and maintenance functions.
• Conduct risks assessments of the data centre facilities and implementation thereof

Client Management and escalations

• Review delivery of support throughout the Data Centre and manages risks and opportunities
• Implement and manage the escalations framework including diagnosing service delivery problems
• Initiate and report on actions to maintain or improve levels of service
• Report on trends in fulfillment, assurance and escalations in the Data Centre and identifies improvement areas

Budget management

• Where applicable - Implement and manage the operational aspects of the annual budget in the technology focus area
• Assist in budgeting, estimating, planning and objective setting in technology focus area
• Assist with investigation and managing cost control mechanisms
• Monitor budget and report on deviations
• Manage costs and adherence to financial guidelines and thus ensure proper control over expenditure
• Check orders and manages inventory in technology focus area

Reporting and Metrics

• Based on DCIM tools - Compile metrics reports relating to performance, systems and people in the Data Centre.
• Identifies risk areas and non-compliance and reports on solutions

Data Centre and people Management

• Where applicable - Design deliverables and targets through analysis of the business operational plans for employees in technology Area
• Resource the technology area with the right talent and skills across all levels
• Provide coaching and feedback to management and peers on how to improve and sustain their performance and foster a culture of development and continuous learning
• Assess capability in technology area and maintain a drive of continuous certification and technology relevance
• Lead the area by managing talent related processes
• Lead the area in such a manner as to foster innovation and technological excellence

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Data Centre accreditation
• Facility Management advantageous
• 7 – 10 years Data Centre Facilities Management and/or Data Centre Engineering
• Management experience
• Technical knowledge relevant to Data Centre