Data Centre Facilities Manager - South AfricaFull job descriptionPosition Overview:We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Center Facilities Manager to oversee the maintenance, operations, and strategic development of our data center facilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in managing complex technical environments, ensuring uptime, optimizing energy efficiency, and leading a team of technicians. As the Data Center Facilities Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability, security, and performance of our critical infrastructure.Responsibilities:Facilities Management: Supervise the day-to-day operations of the data center, including monitoring critical systems, addressing facility issues, and coordinating maintenance activities to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of all systems.Uptime and Reliability: Implement strategies to maximize data center uptime and reliability, including maintaining backup power systems, HVAC systems, fire suppression, and security protocols. Minimize downtime and ensure swift response to any incidents or emergencies.Energy Efficiency: Develop and execute energy efficiency initiatives to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Monitor power usage effectiveness (PUE) and implement measures to improve overall efficiency.Capacity Planning: Collaborate with the IT and engineering teams to forecast growth and capacity requirements. Plan for future expansions, upgrades, and deployments to accommodate changing business needs.Vendor Management: Manage relationships with third-party vendors, contractors, and service providers. Oversee procurement processes and ensure vendor compliance with contractual agreements and service level agreements (SLAs).Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of technicians and support staff. Set performance goals, provide training, and ensure a high level of technical expertise within the team.Security and Compliance: Maintain and enforce data center security protocols and compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations. Implement access controls, surveillance systems, and disaster recovery plans.Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of data center operations, maintenance procedures, incident reports, and performance metrics. Generate regular reports for senior management.Budget Management: Develop and manage the data center facilities budget, including operational expenses, equipment upgrades, and capital investments. Identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising reliability.Core competencies, knowledge, and experience:An excellent understanding of the electrical and mechanical systems involved in critical data center operations including systems such as feeders, transformers, generators, switchgear, UPS systems, ATS units, PDU units, chillers, pumps, air handling units, and CRAC units.Proven track record of vendor and contractor management - overseeing and agreeing contracts and providers for services including security, parking, cleaning, technology and so on.Has a strong aptitude for trouble shooting and problem solving.Ability to maintain SLAs through the implementation of proactive issue detection and reporting.Driving the delivery of improvements. Interacting across functional areas to ensure objectives are met. Detailed knowledge of technical and business concepts of a number of related applications areas.Familiarity with industry standards and regulations such as, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, Data Centre Tier III certifications and PCI.Must have technical / professional qualifications:Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP), Certified Data Center Specialist (CDCS), Certified Data Center Management Professional (CDCMP).Proven experience (10+ years) in data center facilities management, including hands-on experience with critical systems and infrastructure.In depth knowledge of the Data Centre ecosystem. (cooling, electrical, networking, and structured cabling).Excellent leadership and team management skills with the ability to effectively motivate and develop technical teams.Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to addressing issues.Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate across departments and interact with vendors and stakeholders.Project management experience and proficiency in using facilities management software and tools.
