Data Center Operations Manager, Global Server Operations
📍 Job Overview
- Job Title: Data Center Operations Manager, Global Server Operations
- Company: Google
- Location: Reno, Nevada, United States
- Job Type: On-site
- Category: Server Administration & Infrastructure
- Date Posted: August 1, 2025
- Experience Level: 5-10 years
- Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Role Summary
- Manage a team of Data Center Technicians responsible for server hardware and software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Oversee operational procedures, ensuring safety and compliance standards are met.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet goals and manage facility activities.
- Troubleshoot and repair equipment, servers, and infrastructure based on identified issues.
- Implement and drive safety culture, contributing to Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) initiatives.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong background in data center operations, team management, and vendor management to ensure smooth server operations and team coordination.
💻 Primary Responsibilities
- Lead a team of Data Center Technicians, setting individual and team priorities, and providing regular feedback and coaching.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to meet goals and stakeholders to manage facility activities and implement strategies.
- Maintain, monitor, and execute security and operational procedures, tracking trends to identify improvement opportunities.
- Repair, fix, and perform preventative maintenance on equipment, servers, machines, or infrastructure based on identified issues.
- Support and contribute to the implementation of EHS and other compliance programs, ensuring environmental and safety incidents are resolved and reported.
📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends, night shifts, holidays, and shift-based schedules as needed.
🎓 Skills & Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a technical field or equivalent practical experience.
Experience: 5 years of experience in computing infrastructure, networking, operating systems, or hardware, with 2 years of experience managing technical teams, vendor or contract management, and delivery.
Required Skills:
- Data center operations experience
- Team management and leadership skills
- Vendor management experience
- Linux/Unix system administration skills
- Network architecture and hardware installation experience
- Problem-solving skills
- Data gathering, analysis, and presentation skills
- Ability to work non-standard hours and shift-based schedules
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in data center environments
- Ability to build and lead a collaborative team environment
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Experience with data gathering, analysis, and presentation skills
📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements
Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience in data center operations, including server hardware and software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Showcase team management and leadership skills through previous projects or case studies.
- Highlight problem-solving skills and experience working with cross-functional teams.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide documentation of past projects, including server hardware and software installation procedures, troubleshooting steps, and maintenance schedules.
- Include any relevant certifications or training in data center operations, team management, or Linux/Unix system administration.
💵 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: The US base salary range for this full-time position is $105,000 - $151,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
Benefits:
- Bonus
- Equity
- Benefits
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends, night shifts, holidays, and shift-based schedules as required.
📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is also influenced by job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Learn more about benefits at Google.
🎯 Team & Company Context
🏢 Company Culture
Industry: Google is a multinational technology company specializing in internet-related services and products, including online advertising technologies, search engine, cloud computing, software, and hardware.
Company Size: Google has over 135,000 employees worldwide, with a significant presence in data center operations and server management.
Founded: Google was founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin.
Team Structure:
- The Data Center Operations team is responsible for managing and maintaining Google's global server infrastructure.
- The team consists of Data Center Technicians, Team Leads, and Managers, working together to ensure smooth server operations and user experience.
Development Methodology:
- Google follows Agile methodologies for project management and continuous improvement.
- The company emphasizes data-driven decision-making, with a focus on gathering, analyzing, and presenting data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
Company Website: Google
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and user-focused design. The Data Center Operations team plays a critical role in maintaining the infrastructure that supports Google's products and services.
📈 Career & Growth Analysis
Web Technology Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position within the data center operations and server administration field. It requires a strong background in data center operations, team management, and vendor management to ensure smooth server operations and team coordination.
Reporting Structure: The Data Center Operations Manager reports directly to the Data Center Operations Director and oversees a team of Data Center Technicians.
Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on Google's global server infrastructure, ensuring high availability, performance, and security for the company's products and services.
Growth Opportunities:
- Team Lead: Transition to a Team Lead role, overseeing a larger team of Data Center Technicians and managing multiple data center sites.
- Senior Manager: Progress to a Senior Manager position, responsible for multiple teams and data center regions, with additional strategic and budgetary responsibilities.
- Specialization: Develop expertise in specific areas of data center operations, such as server hardware, network architecture, or energy efficiency.
📝 Enhancement Note: Google offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development within the data center operations and server administration fields. Employees can advance their careers through internal promotions, transfers, or by pursuing specialized roles within the organization.
🌐 Work Environment
Office Type: Google's data center facilities are secure, climate-controlled environments designed to house and maintain the company's server infrastructure. The workspaces are equipped with the necessary tools and equipment for server installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Office Location(s): Reno, Nevada, United States
Workspace Context:
- Server Racks: Data Center Technicians work with server racks, ensuring proper cable management, airflow, and power distribution.
- Network Equipment: Technicians interact with network equipment, such as switches, routers, and hubs, to maintain network connectivity and performance.
- Collaboration: The team works closely with cross-functional teams, including network engineers, system administrators, and software developers, to ensure optimal server performance and user experience.
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with the ability to work non-standard hours, including weekends, night shifts, holidays, and shift-based schedules as required.
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data center facilities are designed to provide a safe, efficient, and comfortable work environment for Data Center Technicians. The company prioritizes employee well-being and offers competitive benefits and compensation packages.
📄 Application & Technical Interview Process
Interview Process:
- Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss your experience, qualifications, and availability for on-site interviews.
- On-site Interview: A series of interviews with Data Center Technicians, Team Leads, and Managers, focusing on your technical skills, team management experience, and problem-solving abilities.
- Technical Challenge: A hands-on assessment of your data center operations and server administration skills, including hardware installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks.
- Final Interview: A meeting with the Data Center Operations Director to discuss your fit for the role and the team, as well as your long-term career goals.
Portfolio Review Tips:
- Highlight your experience in data center operations, server hardware and software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Include any relevant certifications or training in data center operations, team management, or Linux/Unix system administration.
- Showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
Technical Challenge Preparation:
- Brush up on your data center operations and server administration skills, focusing on hardware installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks.
- Familiarize yourself with Google's data center infrastructure and the specific hardware and software used in the company's server environment.
- Prepare for behavioral questions that assess your team management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
ATS Keywords: Data Center Operations, Team Management, Vendor Management, Linux Administration, Network Architecture, Problem Solving, Safety Culture, Data Analysis, Server Hardware, Server Software, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), Compliance Programs
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills, team management experience, and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience in data center operations, server administration, and team management, as well as your long-term career goals.
🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure
Server Technologies:
- Linux/Unix operating systems
- Server hardware (e.g., rack-mount servers, blade servers, storage systems)
- Network equipment (e.g., switches, routers, hubs)
- Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools
Development & DevOps Tools:
- Google's internal tools for data center management and monitoring
- Ticketing systems (e.g., JIRA, ServiceNow) for tracking and managing incidents and requests
- Collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Slack) for communication and coordination with cross-functional teams
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data center operations and server administration teams use a combination of proprietary and industry-standard tools to manage and maintain the company's global server infrastructure. Familiarize yourself with these tools and technologies to ensure a successful interview and onboarding process.
👥 Team Culture & Values
Data Center Operations Values:
- Safety First: Prioritize the safety of yourself and your team members, as well as the security and integrity of the data center environment.
- Collaboration: Work effectively with cross-functional teams to ensure optimal server performance and user experience.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and refine data center operations and server administration processes to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Customer Focus: Understand and address the needs of internal and external customers, ensuring high availability, performance, and security for Google's products and services.
Collaboration Style:
- Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with network engineers, system administrators, and software developers to ensure optimal server performance and user experience.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning: Share knowledge and best practices with your team members to improve data center operations and server administration skills.
- Regular Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with your team members, as well as with cross-functional teams and stakeholders, to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards common goals.
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data center operations and server administration teams prioritize safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The company values employees who are customer-focused, innovative, and committed to driving results through teamwork and effective communication.
⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities
Technical Challenges:
- Hardware Failure: Troubleshoot and resolve hardware-related issues, such as server crashes, power supply failures, or network connectivity problems.
- Network Congestion: Identify and address network congestion or performance bottlenecks to ensure optimal server performance and user experience.
- Data Center Expansion: Participate in data center expansion projects, including the installation and configuration of new server hardware and network equipment.
- Emergency Response: Respond to emergencies, such as power outages, natural disasters, or security incidents, to minimize downtime and ensure the safety of data center personnel.
Learning & Development Opportunities:
- Certifications: Pursue relevant certifications, such as those offered by the Data Center Industry Association (DCIA) or the Green Grid, to enhance your knowledge and skills in data center operations and server administration.
- Conferences & Events: Attend industry conferences and events, such as the Data Center World or the Green Data Center Conference, to network with other professionals and learn about emerging trends and best practices.
- Mentorship: Seek mentorship opportunities within Google or through industry organizations to gain insights and guidance from experienced data center operations and server administration professionals.
📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data center operations and server administration teams face a variety of technical challenges, from hardware failures and network congestion to data center expansion and emergency response. Employees are encouraged to pursue learning and development opportunities to enhance their skills and advance their careers within the organization.
💡 Interview Preparation
Technical Questions:
- Data Center Operations: Describe your experience in data center operations, including server hardware and software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Team Management: Discuss your approach to team management, including strategies for setting priorities, providing feedback, and driving performance improvement.
- Problem Solving: Share examples of your problem-solving skills, focusing on hardware-related issues, network congestion, or other data center challenges.
Company & Culture Questions:
- Google's Data Center Infrastructure: Explain your understanding of Google's global server infrastructure and the role of the Data Center Operations team in maintaining it.
- Data Center Expansion: Describe your experience with data center expansion projects, including the installation and configuration of new server hardware and network equipment.
- Emergency Response: Discuss your approach to emergency response, including protocols for minimizing downtime and ensuring the safety of data center personnel.
Portfolio Presentation Strategy:
- Hardware Installation & Maintenance: Demonstrate your ability to install, maintain, and troubleshoot server hardware and network equipment through live demos or case studies.
- Team Management: Highlight your team management skills through examples of successful projects or initiatives, focusing on your ability to set priorities, provide feedback, and drive performance improvement.
- Problem Solving: Showcase your problem-solving skills through examples of hardware-related issues, network congestion, or other data center challenges, and explain your approach to resolving them.
📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical skills, team management experience, and problem-solving abilities. Be prepared to discuss your experience in data center operations, server administration, and team management, as well as your long-term career goals.
📌 Application Steps
To apply for this Data Center Operations Manager, Global Server Operations position:
- Submit your application through the application link provided.
- Prepare your portfolio by highlighting your experience in data center operations, server hardware and software installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Include any relevant certifications or training in data center operations, team management, or Linux/Unix system administration.
- Research Google's data center infrastructure and the role of the Data Center Operations team in maintaining it. Familiarize yourself with the company's data center expansion projects, emergency response protocols, and commitment to safety and environmental sustainability.
- Prepare for technical interviews by brushing up on your data center operations and server administration skills, focusing on hardware installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks. Familiarize yourself with Google's data center infrastructure and the specific hardware and software used in the company's server environment. Prepare for behavioral questions that assess your team management, problem-solving, and communication skills.
⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and data center operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.
Application Requirements
Candidates must have a bachelor's degree in a technical field and at least 5 years of experience in computing infrastructure. Additionally, 2 years of experience managing technical teams and the ability to work non-standard hours are required.