📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Data Center Operations Manager, Global Server Operations (English, French)
Company: Google
Location: Saint-Ghislain, Wallonia, Belgium
Job Type: On-site
Category: Data Center Operations Management
Date Posted: 2025-06-13
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead and manage teams responsible for data center operations, ensuring smooth functioning of Google's global server infrastructure.
Oversee the installation, configuration, testing, and maintenance of server hardware and software, as well as networking components.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive strategic initiatives, improve processes, and enhance data center security.
Manage projects within the team, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Communicate effectively with team members, stakeholders, and clients in English and French.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong leadership, technical, and communication skills to manage teams and drive critical data center initiatives. Fluency in both English and French is essential for supporting client relationship management in the region.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Team Management: Oversee the day-to-day management of data center operations teams, ensuring smooth functioning and high performance.
Project Management: Manage the implementation of projects within the team, from planning to execution and delivery.
Problem Solving: Identify and resolve problems within the data center infrastructure, collaborating with cross-functional teams to create effective solutions.
Strategic Initiatives: Drive strategic initiatives to improve data center operations, processes, and security, working closely with partners and stakeholders.
Communication: Facilitate communication between shifts and stakeholders, ensuring priorities are aligned and issues are addressed promptly.
Budget Management: Manage projects within the allocated budget, ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively.
Client Relationship Management: Support client relationship management in the region by communicating in English and French.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a mix of technical, managerial, and leadership responsibilities. Strong problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and excellent communication abilities are crucial for success in this position.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a related technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience:

8+ years of experience in computing infrastructure, networking, operating systems, or hardware.
3+ years of experience managing technical teams, vendor or agreement management, and delivery.
Experience working in data center environments, including building and operating large-scale infrastructure, network and compute architecture, and life cycle, and Linux/Unix system administration (preferred).
Experience initiating and executing strategic initiatives in a global environment (preferred).
Ability to lead and improve Environmental Health and Safety initiatives (preferred).

Required Skills:

Fluency in English and French for client relationship management in the region.
Strong communication, leadership, and team management skills.
Proficiency in data center operations, server hardware, software, and networking components.
Experience in project management, budget management, and strategic planning.
Ability to analyze data and drive changes to address trends and issues.

Preferred Skills:

Experience working in data center environments and managing data center operations teams.
Familiarity with Google's Linux cluster and server software.
Knowledge of Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) best practices.
Ability to travel up to 30% of the time as needed.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a unique blend of technical, managerial, and leadership skills. Candidates with experience in data center operations, team management, and strategic initiative execution are strongly preferred.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate experience in managing data center operations teams, including team management, project management, and strategic initiative execution.
Showcase proficiency in server hardware, software, and networking components through relevant projects and case studies.
Highlight problem-solving skills and ability to identify and resolve issues within data center infrastructure.
Display strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Technical Documentation:

Provide detailed project documentation, including project plans, budgets, and timelines.
Include case studies demonstrating problem-solving skills, strategic initiative execution, and data-driven decision-making.
Showcase knowledge of data center operations best practices, server hardware, software, and networking components.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a traditional web portfolio is not required for this role, candidates should be prepared to provide detailed project documentation and case studies demonstrating their experience and skills in data center operations management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €80,000 - €120,000 per year (based on local market research and industry standards for data center operations management roles in Belgium)

Benefits:

Competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Opportunities for professional development, including training, mentorship, and career growth.
A dynamic and innovative work environment, with a focus on collaboration and teamwork.
The opportunity to work for a global leader in technology, with a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.

Working Hours: Full-time, with the possibility of working flexible hours and overtime as needed to support data center operations and maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary and benefits information is based on local market research and industry standards for data center operations management roles in Belgium. Actual compensation may vary depending on the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Technology, with a focus on search, advertising, and cloud computing.

Company Size: Large, with over 135,000 employees worldwide.

Founded: 1998, with a mission to "organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful."

Team Structure:

Data Center Operations teams, responsible for managing and maintaining data center infrastructure.
Cross-functional teams, including IT, engineering, and product management, working collaboratively to drive innovation and improve data center operations.
Global teams, with data centers and operations centers located around the world.

Development Methodology:

Agile and iterative development processes, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
Collaboration and cross-functional teamwork, with a emphasis on open communication and knowledge sharing.
Data-driven decision-making, with a focus on using data and analytics to inform strategy and improve operations.

Company Website: https://www.google.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's company culture is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a dynamic, global team environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Data Center Operations Management Career Level: This role is a senior management position, responsible for overseeing data center operations teams and driving strategic initiatives to improve data center security, performance, and efficiency. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in data center operations, team management, and strategic initiative execution.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Data Center Operations Manager or a similar senior leader within the organization. The role may also have indirect reporting relationships with cross-functional teams, including IT, engineering, and product management.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on Google's global server infrastructure, ensuring that data centers are operating efficiently, securely, and reliably. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of data center operations, server hardware, software, and networking components, and be able to drive strategic initiatives to improve data center performance and security.

Growth Opportunities:

Opportunities for career growth within the Data Center Operations team, including promotions to senior management or leadership positions.
Opportunities for professional development, including training, mentorship, and career coaching.
Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives, driving innovation and improvement in data center operations.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and professional development within Google's Data Center Operations team. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage teams, and improve data center operations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with data centers and operations centers located around the world.

Office Location(s): Saint-Ghislain, Wallonia, Belgium, with additional data centers and operations centers in other regions.

Workspace Context:

Data center environments, with a focus on server hardware, software, and networking components.
Collaborative workspaces, with a focus on open communication and knowledge sharing.
Flexible work arrangements, with the possibility of working flexible hours and overtime as needed to support data center operations and maintenance.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the possibility of working flexible hours and overtime as needed to support data center operations and maintenance.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires on-site work in a data center environment, with the possibility of working flexible hours and overtime as needed to support data center operations and maintenance. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a dynamic, global team environment.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen: A brief phone call to discuss the candidate's experience, skills, and qualifications for the role.
On-site Interview: A series of on-site interviews with data center operations team members, focusing on technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit.
Final Interview: A final interview with the hiring manager or a senior leader within the organization, focusing on the candidate's strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and long-term fit for the role.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight experience in managing data center operations teams, including team management, project management, and strategic initiative execution.
Showcase proficiency in server hardware, software, and networking components through relevant projects and case studies.
Demonstrate problem-solving skills and ability to identify and resolve issues within data center infrastructure.
Provide detailed project documentation, including project plans, budgets, and timelines.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on knowledge of server hardware, software, and networking components.
Prepare for questions on data center operations best practices, server management, and networking protocols.
Practice problem-solving scenarios, focusing on identifying and resolving issues within data center infrastructure.

ATS Keywords: Data Center Operations, Server Management, Team Management, Project Management, Strategic Initiatives, Data Analytics, Linux Administration, Networking, Environmental Health and Safety, Troubleshooting, Installation, Configuration, Communication, Problem Solving, Strategic Thinking, Leadership, Client Relationship Management, Technical Support.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background in data center operations, server management, and networking, as well as excellent communication, leadership, and team management skills. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage teams, and improve data center operations through a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Server Technologies:

Google's Linux cluster and server software.
Server hardware, including rack-mountable servers, storage systems, and networking components.
Server software, including operating systems, databases, and middleware.

Networking Technologies:

Networking hardware, including routers, switches, and hubs.
Networking protocols, including TCP/IP, Ethernet, and Wi-Fi.
Network management tools, including network monitoring and management software.

Data Center Infrastructure:

Electrical and HVAC systems, including power distribution units (PDUs), uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and cooling systems.
Data center management tools, including data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software and building management systems (BMS).

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical background in data center operations, server management, and networking. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their proficiency in Google's Linux cluster and server software, as well as their knowledge of server hardware, software, and networking components.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Data Center Operations Values:

Reliability: Ensuring that data centers are operating efficiently, securely, and reliably at all times.
Innovation: Driving continuous improvement and innovation in data center operations, server management, and networking.
Collaboration: Working effectively with cross-functional teams, including IT, engineering, and product management, to drive strategic initiatives and improve data center operations.
Customer Focus: Ensuring that data centers are meeting the needs of Google's customers and users, providing reliable, secure, and efficient services.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with IT, engineering, and product management teams to drive strategic initiatives and improve data center operations.
Open Communication: Fostering open and transparent communication within the data center operations team and with cross-functional teams.
Knowledge Sharing: Encouraging knowledge sharing and learning opportunities within the data center operations team and across the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Google's data center operations team values reliability, innovation, collaboration, and customer focus. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a dynamic, global team environment, driving strategic initiatives and improving data center operations through strong communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Managing data center operations teams in a dynamic, global environment.
Identifying and resolving issues within data center infrastructure, including server hardware, software, and networking components.
Driving strategic initiatives to improve data center security, performance, and efficiency.
Managing projects within the team, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Communicating effectively with team members, stakeholders, and clients in English and French.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Opportunities for professional development, including training, mentorship, and career coaching.
Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives, driving innovation and improvement in data center operations.
Opportunities to gain exposure to new technologies, tools, and best practices in data center operations, server management, and networking.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and professional development within Google's Data Center Operations team. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage teams, and improve data center operations through strong communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Server Management: Questions on server hardware, software, and networking components, as well as best practices in server management and data center operations.
Problem Solving: Scenarios that require candidates to identify and resolve issues within data center infrastructure, demonstrating strong problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
Leadership: Questions that assess the candidate's ability to lead and manage data center operations teams, drive strategic initiatives, and improve data center operations.

Company & Culture Questions:

Company Knowledge: Questions that assess the candidate's understanding of Google's mission, values, and culture, as well as their familiarity with Google's products and services.
Team Fit: Questions that assess the candidate's ability to work effectively in a dynamic, global team environment, driving collaboration and knowledge sharing within the data center operations team and across the organization.
Customer Focus: Questions that assess the candidate's understanding of Google's customers and users, as well as their ability to provide reliable, secure, and efficient data center services.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Project Case Studies: Highlight experience in managing data center operations teams, including team management, project management, and strategic initiative execution.
Technical Deep Dive: Demonstrate proficiency in server hardware, software, and networking components, as well as best practices in data center operations and server management.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Showcase strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify and resolve issues within data center infrastructure.
Communication & Collaboration: Highlight excellent communication, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing skills, demonstrating the ability to work effectively in a dynamic, global team environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong technical, leadership, and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of data center operations, server management, and networking. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their ability to drive strategic initiatives, manage teams, and improve data center operations through a combination of technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Operations Manager, Global Server Operations (English, French) position at Google:

Review the Job Description: Carefully review the job description, ensuring that you meet the minimum qualifications and understand the role's requirements and responsibilities.
Update Your Resume: Tailor your resume to highlight your experience and skills in data center operations, server management, and networking, as well as your ability to manage teams, drive strategic initiatives, and improve data center operations.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Prepare a portfolio that showcases your experience in managing data center operations teams, including team management, project management, and strategic initiative execution. Highlight your proficiency in server hardware, software, and networking components, as well as your problem-solving skills and ability to identify and resolve issues within data center infrastructure.
Practice for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your knowledge of server hardware, software, and networking components, as well as best practices in data center operations and server management. Practice problem-solving scenarios and prepare for questions on your leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
Research Google: Familiarize yourself with Google's mission, values, and culture, as well as its products and services. Prepare for questions on your understanding of Google's customers and users, as well as your ability to provide reliable, secure, and efficient data center services.

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

Data Center Operations Manager, Global Server Operations (English, French)