What does a data center manager do?
A data center manager is responsible for supervising the data management systems and ensuring the stability of the database to support the business operations and employee relations. Datacenter managers maintain the safety and security of the systems to prevent unauthorized access to information. They analyze the features and structures of network systems to identify technical solutions and perform troubleshooting should there be any inconsistencies. A data center manager leads the data team to secure storage and upgrade server customization for clients' needs.
Data center manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real data center manager resumes:
- Manage and monitor various Microsoft and Linux servers.
- Utilize Visio to properly configure equipment in racks and to manage proper inventory control.
- Manage team that install all program changes and upgrades while nightly batch processing run.
- Manage the design and implementation of virtualization, network, storage and server infrastructure landscapes.
- Lead team's SOX audits in the management of policies and procedures for governance and compliance.
- Manage daily package builds, data refresh request as well as CNC administration including user provisioning and security workbench.
- Conduct administrative duties for the entire NOC staff; including scheduling and payroll time tracking.
- Maintain all hardware maintenance contracts for multiple platforms including IBM zSeries mainframe, iSeries servers, and Unix and windows environments.
- Perform hardware warranty/ RMA requests.
- Review SDLC work-flow with project team.
- Maintain both internal and external DNS servers.
- Ensure technicians meet project schedules while maintaining incident response within SLA.
- Replace legacy systems with open source systems running on Linux and VM-Ware.
- Monitor for system and network outages and troubleshoot and escalate as necessary.
- Implement use of SharePoint for an internal cloud repository for the database.
Data center manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 11% of Data Center Managers are proficient in Project Management, Data Centers, and Cloud. They’re also known for soft skills such as Management skills, Time-management skills, and Business skills.
We break down the percentage of Data Center Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Project Management, 11%
Functioned as project leader on numerous initiatives working within the Bank's structured project management methodology.
- Data Centers, 7%
Directed a team of engineers to create an environment focused on safety and reliability within the Data Center providing continuous availability.
- Cloud, 7%
Install framework for Private Cloud Computing utilizing Cisco Technology.
- Client Facing, 5%
Created and published service level reports for distribution to clients, allowing client facing teams to provide contractual reporting.
- HVAC, 4%
Monitored irregularities within the facility and all infrastructures during the overnight hours including building environmental issues - electrical power and HVAC.
- Customer Service, 4%
Introduced program to establish and maintain customer service focus while providing quality service in a production environment.
Common skills that a data center manager uses to do their job include "project management," "data centers," and "cloud." You can find details on the most important data center manager responsibilities below.
Business skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of data center managers is business skills. This skill is critical to many everyday data center manager duties, as "it managers must develop and implement strategic plans to reach the goals of their organizations." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "work with provisioning team, to plan for new install request based on business requirement. "
Leadership skills. data center manager responsibilities often require "leadership skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "it managers must lead and motivate it teams or departments so that workers are efficient and effective." This resume example shows what data center managers do with leadership skills on a typical day: "provided leadership, vision and development for data center relationship team. "
Organizational skills. A commonly-found skill in data center manager job descriptions, "organizational skills" is essential to what data center managers do. Data center manager responsibilities rely on this skill because "some it managers must coordinate the work of several different it departments to make the organization run efficiently." You can also see how data center manager duties rely on organizational skills in this resume example: "exercised outstanding organizational skills to administer mainframe systems, ensure timely batch flows, and steer prompt resolution to abends. "
Communication skills. Lastly, "communication skills" is an important element of what a data center manager does. Data center manager responsibilities require this skill because "it managers must explain their work to top executives and give clear instructions to their subordinates." This resume example highlights how data center manager duties rely on this skill: "managed the data processing, communications, data backups and security of the data center infrastructure. "
The three companies that hire the most data center managers are:
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Compare different data center managers
Data center manager vs. Information technology director
An information technology (IT) Director is an individual responsible for the management, strategy, and execution of an organization's IT infrastructure. He/She supervises a team of workers while working with the organization's management and external vendors and advisors. Aside from managing workers, an IT director should possess problem-solving skills and an aptitude for organizational thinking. An IT director must also identify new market opportunities and should lead an effort to improve the organization's IT process.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between data center managers and information technology director. For instance, data center manager responsibilities require skills such as "client facing," "hvac," "slas," and "structured cabling." Whereas a information technology director is skilled in "erp," "crm," "sql server," and "software development." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Information technology directors tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $145,076. In contrast, data center managers make the biggest average salary, $125,536, in the finance industry.information technology directors tend to reach similar levels of education than data center managers. In fact, information technology directors are 3.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Data center manager vs. Manager, systems engineering
A systems engineering manager is responsible for monitoring the efficiency of the company's technology systems and network infrastructure. System engineering managers inspect the output deliverables of computer systems, identifying process improvement techniques to improve optimal performance and maintain high-quality results. They handle the department's budget and allocate adequate resources to support project management operations and requirements. A systems engineering manager must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, handling technical complexities, and configuring system management tools.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, data center manager responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "cloud," "hvac," "customer service," and "slas." Meanwhile, a manager, systems engineering has duties that require skills in areas such as "systems engineering," "architecture," "dod," and "infrastructure." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Managers, systems engineering may earn a lower salary than data center managers, but managers, systems engineering earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $131,371. On the other hand, data center managers receive higher pay in the finance industry, where they earn an average salary of $125,536.In general, managers, systems engineering achieve similar levels of education than data center managers. They're 4.6% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data center manager vs. Information technology technical services manager
An information technology/technical services manager is responsible for supervising the operations of the information technology team, assisting the technical staff in providing efficient performance by improving technology systems and network infrastructure to support business functions. This job requires extensive knowledge of the technology industry, as well as an excellent command of programming and system processes to ensure smooth navigation and consistent transitions. An information technology/technical services manager also handles the development of new network systems according to business requirements and client specifications.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, data center managers are more likely to have skills like "cloud," "client facing," "hvac," and "structured cabling." But a information technology technical services manager is more likely to have skills like "service management," "itsm," "process improvement," and "service delivery."
Information technology technical services managers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $124,604. Data center managers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $125,536.When it comes to education, information technology technical services managers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to data center managers. In fact, they're 4.7% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Data center manager vs. Network operations manager
Network operations managers are information technology (IT) professionals who are responsible for managing the operation and stability of an organization's network. These managers usually work with local area networks (LAN) or sometimes with wide area networks (WAN), where information can be shared in a building or between different locations. They serve as the middlemen between the IT department and the company's management team to provide an understanding of their IT needs. Network operations managers must also assist the human resource team in recruiting new employees and providing training related to the field of information technology.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between data center managers and network operations managers, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a data center manager might have more use for skills like "cloud," "client facing," "structured cabling," and "develop team." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of network operations managers require skills like "network services," "network performance," "network security," and "voip. "
The hospitality industry tends to pay the highest salaries for network operations managers, with average annual pay of $109,619. Comparatively, the highest data center manager annual salary comes from the finance industry.In general, network operations managers hold similar degree levels compared to data center managers. Network operations managers are 1.4% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of data center manager
Updated January 8, 2025
