📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Cluster Operations Leader, Data Center Operations
Company: Amazon
Location: Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Job Type: On-site
Category: Data Center Operations Management
Date Posted: 2025-08-01
Experience Level: 10+ years

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and manage operations teams in one or more Amazon Data Centers, ensuring safety, security, availability, scaling, efficiency, and cost optimization.
Plan and execute Data Center Operations components of new data center and colocation expansions.
Maintain and optimize mechanical, electrical, and controls systems for Amazon data centers.
Respond to safety, security, and availability incidents, driving incident management and resolution.
Continuously improve operational processes, procedures, methods, and tools to enhance performance and efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a seasoned operations manager with extensive experience in data center operations, team leadership, and project delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong analytical mindset, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of driving continuous improvement in mission-critical environments.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Manage and develop operations teams, including data center operations managers, engineering operations managers, logistics operations managers, and their teams.
Attain organizational performance goals and objectives related to safety, security, availability, scaling, efficiency, and cost.
Plan and execute Data Center Operations components of new data center and colocation expansions.
Operate and maintain mechanical, electrical, and controls systems for Amazon data centers, including preventive maintenance, corrective maintenance, and change management.
Respond to safety, security, and availability incidents, driving incident management and resolution.
Continuously improve operational processes, procedures, methods, and tools to enhance performance and efficiency.
Collaborate with various stakeholders, including design engineers, data center planning, construction, and commissioning teams, and global program owners.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves strategic planning, resource allocation, and process optimization. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working across global teams and time zones, driving results through ownership and accountability, and learning continuously to stay curious.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field. Relevant military experience may be considered.

Experience: 10+ years of relevant operations management experience, including managing teams of 100-200 people and geographically distributed management teams.

Required Skills:

Proven ability to hire, develop, and lead high-performing technical teams
Strong analytical and communication skills, including written and verbal proficiency in English
Demonstrated ability to analyze data, create effective presentations, and drive data-based decisions
Experience in mission-critical operations environments
Experience in managing capital and operating expenditures and profit and loss
Experience in work force shaping and management, including training and hiring strategies
Expertise in one or more continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean or Six Sigma
Broad knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems in a critical or controlled environment
Broad knowledge of information technology infrastructure domains

Preferred Skills:

JLPT N3 or higher proficiency in Japanese
Experience in data center operations, including safety, security, and availability management
Familiarity with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and cloud computing technologies

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates with experience in data center operations, continuous improvement methodologies, and cloud computing technologies will have a competitive advantage in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in managing large teams and delivering complex projects in mission-critical environments.
Showcase successful incident management and resolution cases, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to drive data-based decisions.
Highlight your experience in continuous improvement, including Lean or Six Sigma methodologies and their application in data center operations.
Present your understanding of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems, as well as information technology infrastructure domains.

Technical Documentation:

Prepare a portfolio showcasing your analytical skills, including data analysis, presentation creation, and data-driven decision-making examples.
Demonstrate your experience in managing capital and operating expenditures, as well as profit and loss.
Explain your approach to work force shaping and management, including training and hiring strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a web portfolio in the traditional sense is not required for this role, candidates should be prepared to present their relevant experience, achievements, and problem-solving skills through case studies, presentations, and other supporting materials.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: ¥30,000,000 - ¥40,000,000 per year (Based on market research and experience level)

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision care
Retirement savings plan with company match
Generous paid time off and parental leave
Employee discounts on Amazon products and services
Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling for incident response and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary estimates are based on market research and experience level. Benefits are subject to change and may vary depending on the employee's location and employment status.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: E-commerce and cloud computing

Company Size: Large (Over 1,000,000 employees worldwide)

Founded: 1994

Team Structure:

Operations Teams: Data Center Operations Managers, Engineering Operations Managers, Logistics Operations Managers, and their respective teams.
Stakeholder Teams: Design Engineers, Data Center Planning, Construction, Commissioning, and Global Program Owners.
Cross-functional Teams: Collaboration with various teams across AWS to ensure safe, secure, and efficient data center operations.

Development Methodology:

Agile/Scrum: Used for project planning, execution, and delivery.
Continuous Improvement: Lean and Six Sigma methodologies are employed to drive operational excellence.
Incident Management: ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) framework is used for incident management and resolution.

Company Website: Amazon.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's culture is customer-obsessed, innovative, and data-driven. The company values builders who can think big, drive results, learn continuously, and demonstrate strong judgment while remaining open to diverse perspectives.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: Senior Manager (Data Center Operations)

Reporting Structure: Direct reports include Data Center Operations Managers, Engineering Operations Managers, Logistics Operations Managers, and their teams. The role reports to the Data Center Operations Director or similar senior leadership position.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on Amazon's global data center infrastructure, ensuring the safety, security, availability, scaling, efficiency, and cost optimization of AWS services.

Growth Opportunities:

Career Progression: Opportunities for advancement to Director or Vice President levels within Data Center Operations or related fields.
Technical Skill Development: Continuous learning and development opportunities, including training programs, certifications, and mentorship.
Technical Leadership: Potential to lead cross-functional teams, drive strategic initiatives, and contribute to architecture decisions.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant growth potential for experienced operations managers looking to advance their careers in data center operations, cloud computing, or related fields.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with flexible work arrangements for incident response and maintenance windows.

Office Location(s): Tokyo, Japan

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Open-plan offices with dedicated spaces for team meetings and brainstorming sessions.
Technical Infrastructure: Access to relevant software, hardware, and tools for data center operations management.
Cross-functional Interaction: Regular collaboration with various teams across AWS, including design, engineering, and business teams.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible scheduling for incident response and maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and customer obsession.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief conversation to assess communication skills, cultural fit, and relevant experience.
Behavioral and Situational Questions: In-depth discussions about your approach to data center operations, team leadership, and problem-solving.
Case Studies and Scenarios: Presentations and discussions on real-world data center operations challenges and your proposed solutions.
Final Interview: A meeting with senior leadership to discuss your fit for the role, career aspirations, and alignment with Amazon's leadership principles.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience in managing large teams and delivering complex projects in mission-critical environments.
Showcase successful incident management and resolution cases, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to drive data-based decisions.
Present your experience in continuous improvement, including Lean or Six Sigma methodologies and their application in data center operations.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and controls systems, as well as information technology infrastructure domains.
Practice data analysis, presentation creation, and data-driven decision-making exercises.
Prepare for behavioral and situational questions related to data center operations, team leadership, and problem-solving.

ATS Keywords: Operations Management, Team Leadership, Project Delivery, Analytical Skills, Communication Skills, Data Analysis, Continuous Improvement, Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, Controls Systems, Information Technology, Safety Management, Security Management, Incident Management, Budget Management, Process Optimization, Data Center Operations, AWS, Cloud Computing, Lean, Six Sigma, ITIL.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is comprehensive and designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit. Preparation should focus on real-world examples, data-driven decision-making, and a deep understanding of data center operations and Amazon's leadership principles.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Data Center Infrastructure:

Mechanical Systems: HVAC, power distribution, and fire suppression systems.
Electrical Systems: Power generation, distribution, and backup systems.
Controls Systems: Building automation, access control, and security systems.

IT Infrastructure:

Server and Storage: Amazon's proprietary hardware and software solutions, as well as third-party vendors.
Networking: High-speed, low-latency network connectivity between data centers and AWS services.
Monitoring and Management: Proprietary tools and third-party software for data center infrastructure monitoring and management.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's data center infrastructure is proprietary and designed to support the global operations of AWS services. Candidates should be familiar with data center operations, cloud computing, and relevant technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Data Center Operations Values:

Customer Obsession: Focus on delivering the safest, most secure, and most reliable data center operations for AWS customers.
Ownership: Take responsibility for driving results and delivering on commitments.
Invent and Simplify: Continuously improve data center operations through innovation and simplification.
Learn and Be Curious: Stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices in data center operations and cloud computing.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Teams: Regular collaboration with various teams across AWS, including design, engineering, and business teams.
Peer Learning: Knowledge-sharing and mentorship opportunities within and across teams.
Data-driven Decision Making: Incorporate data and analytics into daily operations and decision-making processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Amazon's data center operations teams value customer obsession, ownership, innovation, and continuous learning. Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and collaborating with various teams across AWS.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Safety and Security: Ensuring the safety and security of Amazon's data centers and the data they house.
Scalability: Designing and implementing data center infrastructure that can scale to meet the growing demands of AWS services.
Efficiency: Optimizing data center operations to maximize resource utilization and minimize costs.
Continuous Improvement: Identifying and implementing opportunities for process improvement, automation, and innovation in data center operations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Training Programs: Amazon offers various training programs, certifications, and mentorship opportunities to support the professional development of its employees.
Community Involvement: Encouraging employees to participate in industry events, conferences, and community initiatives related to data center operations and cloud computing.
Technical Mentorship: Providing opportunities for employees to mentor and be mentored by industry experts in data center operations and related fields.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technical challenges and learning opportunities in this role are significant and offer candidates the chance to grow both personally and professionally in the dynamic and innovative field of data center operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Data Center Operations: Describe your experience in managing data center operations, including safety, security, availability, scaling, efficiency, and cost optimization.
Incident Management: Walk through a real-world incident you've managed, highlighting your approach to incident response, resolution, and prevention.
Continuous Improvement: Explain your experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies, and how you've applied them in data center operations.

Company & Culture Questions:

Amazon Leadership Principles: Describe a time when you demonstrated one or more of Amazon's leadership principles in a professional setting.
Customer Obsession: Explain how you've gone above and beyond to ensure customer satisfaction in a previous role.
Innovation: Describe a time when you identified a problem or opportunity and developed an innovative solution to address it.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Storytelling: Use real-world examples and case studies to illustrate your experience, achievements, and problem-solving skills.
Data-driven Decision Making: Highlight your ability to analyze data, create effective presentations, and drive data-based decisions in data center operations.
Collaboration: Emphasize your experience working with cross-functional teams, stakeholders, and other data center operations professionals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is comprehensive and designed to assess the candidate's technical skills, leadership abilities, and cultural fit. Preparation should focus on real-world examples, data-driven decision-making, and a deep understanding of data center operations and Amazon's leadership principles.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Operations Manager position:

Submit your application through the Amazon Jobs portal, including your resume, portfolio, and any relevant certifications.
Prepare for the phone screen by brushing up on your communication skills, cultural fit, and relevant experience.
Research Amazon's leadership principles and be ready to discuss how you've demonstrated them in previous roles.
Practice data analysis, presentation creation, and data-driven decision-making exercises to prepare for case studies and scenarios.
Prepare real-world examples and case studies to showcase your experience, achievements, and problem-solving skills in data center operations.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and data center operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with Amazon before making application decisions.

Cluster Operations Leader, Data Center Operations