What does a data center operations manager do?
Typically working in the information technology industry, a data center operations manager is responsible for overseeing a company's data center operations, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. It is their duty to set goals and guidelines, supervise different teams, manage schedules and budgets, coordinate various departments, implement data security protocols, and monitor the quality of software and hardware, ensuring compliance with the company's standards and regulations. Moreover, a data center manager must address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and efficiently.
Data center operations manager responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real data center operations manager resumes:
- Manage client service levels and escalate to appropriate management if impending issues threaten to jeopardize ability to meet agree upon SLA.
- Direct ERP BaaN 5c implementation projects and manage resources engage in design/coding/testing activities.
- Define architecture, develop requirements, and lead the design of security framework to reduce vulnerability and risks.
- Improve baseline compliance of UNIX and Linux platforms.
- Implement new in-house cellular billing system using UNIX hardware.
- Review of all current documentation and processes to ensure ITIL compliance.
- Develop SQL for reporting and trend analysis of ERP and manufacturing data.
- Maintain and support LAN systems that include file, print, email, and remote access servers.
- Align with management to designate ITIL technology solutions allowing resources to be train and deploy on strategic technologies.
- Review configurations of OS and software packages install, perform quality control checks, identify and document emergent issues.
- Maintain infrastructure support device compliance with DoD security requirements.
- Schedule UNIX backups utilizing Alexandria, which include troubleshooting and escalation management.
- Develop multiple IP and VOIP training programs enhancing technician performance and significantly increasing morale.
- Analyze and evaluate system security technology, policies and training requirements in support of DoD policies.
- Improve processes by acting as focal point in recommending overall network architecture and server architectural strategy and solutions for business units.
Data center operations manager skills and personality traits
We calculated that 15% of Data Center Operations Managers are proficient in Infrastructure, Project Management, and Process Improvement. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Organizational skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Data Center Operations Managers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Infrastructure, 15%
Manage 24x7x365 organization consisting of four supervisors and eight computer operators responsible for first and second level infrastructure support.
- Project Management, 8%
Utilize project management skills by analyzing project requirements and prioritizing accordingly.
- Process Improvement, 4%
Performed assessment on data center operation groups within the company and made process improvement suggestions.
- Cloud, 4%
Led project to move the editorial system, and email to the cloud.
- Linux, 4%
Monitor 8 systems running Linux, Oracle, Open VMS and UNIX ensuring availability to users nationwide.
- Performance Reviews, 4%
Produced performance reviews and performed all personnel administrative processes up to and including termination.
"infrastructure," "project management," and "process improvement" are among the most common skills that data center operations managers use at work. You can find even more data center operations manager responsibilities below, including:
Leadership skills. A big part of what data center operations managers do relies on "leadership skills." You can see how essential it is to data center operations manager responsibilities because "top executives must be able to shape and direct an organization by coordinating policies, people, and resources." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical data center operations manager tasks: "consolidated the shift leadership team between the two san antonio data centers in order to create a more agile team. "
Communication skills. Another common skill required for data center operations manager responsibilities is "communication skills." This skill comes up in the duties of data center operations managers all the time, as "top executives must be able to convey information clearly and persuasively." An excerpt from a real data center operations manager resume shows how this skill is central to what a data center operations manager does: "provide communications to account services group concerning all infrastructure activities and their impact to customers. "
The three companies that hire the most data center operations managers are:
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Compare different data center operations managers
Data center operations manager vs. Director, technical operations
A director of technical operations is in charge of spearheading the efforts in optimizing business operations. Their responsibilities revolve around performing research and analysis to determine the best operational practices, setting goals and objectives, allocating budgets, coordinating different departments, and evaluating the performance of technicians and engineers. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to serve as a driving force that leads and encourages the workforce to meet goals and new heights, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a data center operations manager are more likely to require skills like "infrastructure," "performance reviews," "hvac," and "data operations." On the other hand, a job as a director, technical operations requires skills like "network infrastructure," "architecture," "strategic direction," and "r." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Directors, technical operations really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $143,691. Comparatively, data center operations managers tend to make the most money in the technology industry with an average salary of $130,320.The education levels that directors, technical operations earn slightly differ from data center operations managers. In particular, directors, technical operations are 3.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a data center operations manager. Additionally, they're 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data center operations manager vs. Operations superintendent
Operations Superintendent plans and oversees the daily operations of an organization. They have the authority to set objectives and guidelines, establish budgets and schedules, delegate tasks among staff, and develop strategies to optimize operations and meet project requirements. It is also their responsibility to monitor the performance of the workforce and resolve issues promptly and efficiently. Moreover, an Operations Superintendent leads and encourages the employees to reach goals while implementing their policies and regulations.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real data center operations manager resumes. While data center operations manager responsibilities can utilize skills like "infrastructure," "project management," "cloud," and "linux," operations superintendents use skills like "safety program," "osha," "direct supervision," and "safety standards."
Operations superintendents earn a lower average salary than data center operations managers. But operations superintendents earn the highest pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $106,725. Additionally, data center operations managers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $130,320 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Operations superintendents tend to reach similar levels of education than data center operations managers. In fact, they're 2.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for data center operations managers in the next 3-5 years?
Eric Olsen
Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business
Data center operations manager vs. General manager of operations
General managers of operations are employed to oversee the overall operations of businesses. Their responsibilities include the improvement of the efficiency of the operations and overall management. They coordinate the primary performance goals for direct reporting functions and set the strategies for the organization. It is their responsibility to communicate strategy as well as results to employees. They also engage with the corporate officers in the strategic planning and development of the organization or enterprise.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, data center operations managers are more likely to have skills like "infrastructure," "project management," "cloud," and "linux." But a general manager of operations is more likely to have skills like "develop team," "financial statements," "logistics," and "payroll."
Most general managers of operations achieve a similar degree level compared to data center operations managers. For example, they're 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Data center operations manager vs. Operations manager, district
A district operations manager is a managerial professional who manages the daily operations of stores within the assigned district as well as provides support to managers in ensuring quality and budget performance. The district operations manager must work with the store management to create and implement action plans to address deficiencies discovered during a store audit. They are required to evaluate areas of operational concern and provide support during the implementation of solutions. District operations managers must also create a cooperative environment between operations and sales departments to motivate all employees to enhance customer service.
Types of data center operations manager
Updated January 8, 2025
