📍 Job Overview

• Job Title: Data Center Services - VMware Solution Manager
• Company: Continental
• Location: Timișoara, Romania
• Job Type: Full-time
• Category: Infrastructure & Operations
• Date Posted: 2025-06-25
• Experience Level: 5-10 years
• Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the design, optimization, and management of Continental's virtualization and datacenter infrastructure.
• Provide expert-level VMware support and drive automation to ensure a scalable, secure, and high-performing IT environment.
• Oversee external service providers to ensure compliance with SLAs, high availability, disaster recovery, and security standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role combines infrastructure architecture, service design, and provider management, making it a critical position for Continental's IT strategy.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

• Datacenter Infrastructure Design & Optimization

  • Design and optimize compute, storage, networking, and backup with a focus on VMware virtualization.
  • Implement best practices for scalability, availability, and security, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
  • Plan and manage technology refresh cycles, capacity, and future scalability.

• Service Provider & Vendor Management

  • Oversee external service providers, ensuring contractual compliance and high-quality service delivery.
  • Manage SLAs, evaluate vendor performance, and drive continuous improvement.
  • Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity strategies with service providers.

• VMware Virtualization Architecture & Operations

  • Design, implement, and optimize VMware platforms for performance and security.
  • Define and maintain virtualization best practices (HA, FT, DR, resource management).
  • Ensure seamless integration of VMware with storage, networking, and security.

• Advanced VMware Troubleshooting & Level 3 Support

  • Provide expert-level support and act as the escalation point for VMware-related incidents.
  • Troubleshoot and optimize virtualization environments for efficiency and reliability.
  • Lead root cause analysis (RCA) and implement long-term solutions.

• IT Service Management & Governance

  • Establish a support hierarchy (L1-L3) and ensure documentation and escalation procedures are in place.
  • Manage incident, change, and problem management processes.
  • Identify and implement automation and cost optimization opportunities.

• Innovation & Future Strategy

  • Evaluate emerging technologies and define automation strategies to improve operations.
  • Stay updated on datacenter and virtualization trends to drive future improvements.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a deep understanding of datacenter technologies and a proven track record in VMware architecture and operations. The successful candidate will be expected to drive innovation and continuous improvement in Continental's IT infrastructure.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Experience: 5+ years of experience working in data center technologies or operations, with a focus on VMware virtualization. Management experience is a plus.

Required Skills:

• Strong understanding of datacenter stack components, technologies, and architecture.
• Expertise in VMware vSphere, Aria, VSAN, DC-LAN, and NSX.
• Experience in VMware Horizon, VDI, SRM, capacity planning, and resource optimization.
• Knowledge of monitoring and performance management, capacity planning, IT security & compliance, risk management, and industry standards.
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, with intercultural sensitivity.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Experience in service management tools and software, and ITSM processes (ITIL, project management).

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience with contract & SLA management, performance evaluations, issue escalation & problem resolution, cost & budget control.
• Experience in a multinational corporation with an international work environment.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and automation strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in datacenter infrastructure management, with a strong focus on VMware virtualization. They should also possess excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong understanding of datacenter infrastructure design and optimization, with a focus on VMware virtualization.
• Showcase your ability to manage service providers and vendors, ensuring compliance with SLAs and security standards.
• Highlight your expertise in VMware architecture and operations, with a focus on advanced troubleshooting and level 3 support.
• Provide examples of your ability to manage IT service management and governance, with a focus on incident, change, and problem management processes.

Technical Documentation:

• Document your approach to datacenter infrastructure design and optimization, including your use of VMware virtualization.
• Explain your strategy for managing service providers and vendors, ensuring compliance with SLAs and security standards.
• Describe your approach to VMware architecture and operations, including advanced troubleshooting and level 3 support.
• Detail your experience with IT service management and governance, including incident, change, and problem management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: Your portfolio should demonstrate your ability to lead the design, optimization, and management of Continental's virtualization and datacenter infrastructure. It should also showcase your expertise in VMware virtualization, service provider management, and IT service management.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is estimated to be between €45,000 and €60,000 per year, based on market research and Continental's compensation structure for similar roles in Romania.

Benefits:

• 13th salary
• Performance bonus
• Christmas & Easter bonus
• Seniority bonus
• Flexible working time
• Competitive salaries & benefits
• Health & wellness (Life Assurance, Private Health and Dental Insurance, Sport activities, Canteen, 24/7 Helpline with Psychologists)
• Different discounts (tires, glasses, medical, shopping, etc.)
• Relocation bonus for non-Timișoara residents
• Professional development opportunities (in Technical and Leadership Areas)
• International work environment & traveling opportunities

Working Hours: The standard working hours for this position are 40 hours per week, with flexible working time arrangements available.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and Continental's compensation structure for similar roles in Romania. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Continental is a multinational automotive parts manufacturing company, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability.

Company Size: Continental is a large corporation with over 200,000 employees worldwide. This means that the successful candidate will have ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: Continental was founded in 1871 and has since grown into one of the world's leading automotive suppliers.

Team Structure:

• The IT team at Continental is structured to support the company's global operations, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
• The Data Center Services team is responsible for the design, optimization, and management of Continental's virtualization and datacenter infrastructure.
• The team works closely with other IT departments, including Software Development, IT Security, and IT Operations, to ensure the smooth operation of Continental's IT systems.

Development Methodology:

• Continental uses Agile methodologies for software development, with a focus on iterative development and continuous improvement.
• The IT team follows ITIL best practices for service management, with a focus on incident, change, and problem management processes.
• The Data Center Services team uses a combination of Agile and traditional project management methodologies to ensure the successful delivery of datacenter infrastructure projects.

Company Website: Continental Tires

📝 Enhancement Note: Continental's focus on innovation and sustainability makes it an attractive employer for IT professionals looking to make a significant impact in a global organization.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Data Center Services & Infrastructure Manager: This role is responsible for leading the design, optimization, and management of Continental's virtualization and datacenter infrastructure. The successful candidate will have a proven track record in datacenter infrastructure management, with a strong focus on VMware virtualization.

Reporting Structure: The Data Center Services & Infrastructure Manager reports directly to the Head of IT Infrastructure Services.

Technical Impact: This role has a significant impact on Continental's IT infrastructure, ensuring the smooth operation of the company's global IT systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving innovation and continuous improvement in Continental's datacenter infrastructure.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Growth: The successful candidate will have the opportunity to gain experience in emerging technologies and automation strategies, driving continuous improvement in Continental's datacenter infrastructure.
• Leadership Development: With Continental's focus on career development, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to progress into a leadership role within the IT department.
• International Opportunities: As a multinational corporation, Continental offers international work environment and traveling opportunities, allowing the successful candidate to gain experience in different cultures and regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The successful candidate will have the opportunity to drive innovation and continuous improvement in Continental's datacenter infrastructure, with a significant impact on the company's global IT systems. With Continental's focus on career development, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to progress into a leadership role within the IT department.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Continental's Timișoara office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to support the company's global operations.

Office Location(s): Continental's Timișoara office is located in the western part of the city, with easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The Data Center Services team works in an open-plan office, with a focus on collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• The team has access to modern development tools, multiple monitors, and testing devices to ensure the smooth operation of Continental's IT systems.
• The team works closely with other IT departments, including Software Development, IT Security, and IT Operations, to ensure the smooth operation of Continental's IT systems.

Work Schedule: The standard working hours for this position are 40 hours per week, with flexible working time arrangements available. The team follows a core hours policy, with the ability to work remotely on an as-needed basis.

📝 Enhancement Note: Continental's modern, collaborative workspace and flexible working time arrangements make it an attractive employer for IT professionals looking to balance work and personal life.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

1. Online Application Review: The HR team will review your application and portfolio to ensure that you meet the required qualifications for the role.
2. Phone or Video Screen: You will have a brief phone or video call with the HR team to discuss your application and answer any questions you may have about the role.
3. Technical Interview: You will have a technical interview with the Data Center Services team, focusing on your expertise in datacenter infrastructure management, VMware virtualization, and service provider management.
4. Final Interview: You will have a final interview with the Head of IT Infrastructure Services, focusing on your cultural fit and long-term career goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Highlight your expertise in datacenter infrastructure design and optimization, with a focus on VMware virtualization.
• Showcase your ability to manage service providers and vendors, ensuring compliance with SLAs and security standards.
• Provide examples of your experience with IT service management and governance, including incident, change, and problem management processes.
• Tailor your portfolio to demonstrate your understanding of Continental's business and the specific requirements of the Data Center Services & Infrastructure Manager role.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

• Brush up on your knowledge of datacenter infrastructure management, with a focus on VMware virtualization and service provider management.
• Familiarize yourself with Continental's business and the specific requirements of the Data Center Services & Infrastructure Manager role.
• Prepare for questions on your experience with IT service management and governance, including incident, change, and problem management processes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical expertise and cultural fit with Continental's IT team. By preparing thoroughly and tailoring your portfolio to the specific requirements of the role, you will give yourself the best chance of success.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Datacenter Infrastructure:

• Compute: VMware vSphere, ESXi, vCenter, vSAN, NSX
• Storage: NetApp, EMC, Dell EMC
• Networking: Cisco, Arista, Juniper
• Backup: Veeam, Commvault

Service Provider & Vendor Management:

• Continental works with a range of external service providers and vendors, including IBM, Dell EMC, and Cisco.
• The successful candidate will be responsible for managing these relationships to ensure compliance with SLAs and security standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of Continental's technology stack and the specific requirements of the Data Center Services & Infrastructure Manager role. They will also have experience managing external service providers and vendors to ensure compliance with SLAs and security standards.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Continental's IT Values:

• Innovation: Continental is committed to driving innovation in IT, with a focus on emerging technologies and automation strategies.
• Collaboration: Continental's IT team works closely together, with a focus on knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• Customer Focus: Continental's IT team is committed to delivering high-quality IT services that meet the needs of the business.
• Sustainability: Continental is committed to driving sustainability in IT, with a focus on energy efficiency and waste reduction.

Team Culture:

• The Data Center Services team is a close-knit, collaborative group, with a focus on knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.
• The team works closely with other IT departments, including Software Development, IT Security, and IT Operations, to ensure the smooth operation of Continental's IT systems.
• The team has a strong focus on innovation and emerging technologies, with a commitment to driving continuous improvement in Continental's datacenter infrastructure.

📝 Enhancement Note: Continental's focus on innovation, collaboration, and customer focus makes it an attractive employer for IT professionals looking to make a significant impact in a global organization.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

• Datacenter Infrastructure Optimization: The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing Continental's datacenter infrastructure for scalability, availability, and security.
• VMware Virtualization Optimization: The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing Continental's VMware virtualization environment for performance and efficiency.
• Service Provider Management: The successful candidate will be responsible for managing Continental's relationships with external service providers and vendors to ensure compliance with SLAs and security standards.
• IT Service Management: The successful candidate will be responsible for managing Continental's IT service management processes, including incident, change, and problem management.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Technical Training: Continental offers a range of technical training opportunities, with a focus on emerging technologies and automation strategies.
• Leadership Development: With Continental's focus on career development, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to progress into a leadership role within the IT department.
• International Opportunities: As a multinational corporation, Continental offers international work environment and traveling opportunities, allowing the successful candidate to gain experience in different cultures and regions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The successful candidate will face a range of technical challenges, with a focus on datacenter infrastructure optimization, VMware virtualization optimization, service provider management, and IT service management. With Continental's focus on innovation and continuous improvement, the successful candidate will have ample opportunities for learning and development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

• Datacenter Infrastructure Design & Optimization:

  • Can you describe your approach to datacenter infrastructure design and optimization, with a focus on VMware virtualization?
  • How do you ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices in datacenter infrastructure design and optimization?
  • Can you provide an example of a datacenter infrastructure project you have led, and the outcomes you achieved?

• VMware Virtualization Architecture & Operations:

  • Can you describe your experience with VMware vSphere, Aria, VSAN, DC-LAN, and NSX?
  • How do you ensure the seamless integration of VMware with storage, networking, and security?
  • Can you provide an example of a complex VMware virtualization project you have led, and the challenges you faced?

• Service Provider & Vendor Management:

  • Can you describe your experience with contract & SLA management, performance evaluations, issue escalation & problem resolution, and cost & budget control?
  • How do you ensure compliance with SLAs and security standards when working with external service providers and vendors?
  • Can you provide an example of a successful service provider management project you have led, and the outcomes you achieved?

• IT Service Management & Governance:

  • Can you describe your experience with incident, change, and problem management processes?
  • How do you ensure the establishment of a support hierarchy (L1-L3) and documentation and escalation procedures?
  • Can you provide an example of an IT service management project you have led, and the challenges you faced?

Company & Culture Questions:

• Continental's Business: Can you describe your understanding of Continental's business and the specific requirements of the Data Center Services & Infrastructure Manager role?
• IT Strategy: How do you see yourself contributing to Continental's IT strategy and driving innovation and continuous improvement in the company's datacenter infrastructure?
• Team Dynamics: How do you see yourself fitting into Continental's IT team, and how would you contribute to the team's culture and values?

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Tailor your portfolio to demonstrate your expertise in datacenter infrastructure design and optimization, with a focus on VMware virtualization and service provider management.
• Highlight your experience with IT service management and governance, including incident, change, and problem management processes.
• Use your portfolio to tell a story about your technical expertise and cultural fit with Continental's IT team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process for this role is designed to assess your technical expertise and cultural fit with Continental's IT team. By preparing thoroughly and tailoring your portfolio to the specific requirements of the role, you will give yourself the best chance of success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Data Center Services - VMware Solution Manager position at Continental:

1. Submit Your Application: Click the 'Apply' button on the job listing to submit your application.
2. Tailor Your Portfolio: Customize your portfolio to demonstrate your expertise in datacenter infrastructure design and optimization, with a focus on VMware virtualization and service provider management.
3. Optimize Your Resume: Highlight your relevant experience and skills in datacenter infrastructure management, VMware virtualization, and service provider management.
4. Prepare for Technical Interviews: Brush up on your knowledge of datacenter infrastructure management, with a focus on VMware virtualization and service provider management. Familiarize yourself with Continental's business and the specific requirements of the Data Center Services & Infrastructure Manager role.
5. Research Continental: Learn about Continental's business, culture, and values to ensure a strong cultural fit with the company.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.