Data Center Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Chinsali, Zambia – Technology

Job Description

Position:Data Center Operations Manager

Company:Microsoft Zambia

Location:Chinsali, Zambia

Experience:8+ years

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Technology

Department:Operations

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Microsoft Zambia is a leading global technology company dedicated to empowering every person and organization on the planet to achieve more. With a strong presence across Africa, Microsoft Zambia drives digital transformation through cloud services, AI, and innovative solutions that support businesses, governments, and communities. The company’s commitment to sustainability, inclusive growth, and local talent development makes it a premier employer for professionals seeking impactful careers in technology.

Operating from multiple locations in Zambia, Microsoft Zambia collaborates closely with local partners, educational institutions, and NGOs to foster a vibrant ecosystem of innovation. The organization values diversity, continuous learning, and a culture of collaboration, ensuring that every employee can thrive while contributing to the nation’s digital future. As part of its expansion strategy, Microsoft Zambia is establishing a state‑of‑the‑art data center in Chinsali, creating new opportunities for skilled professionals in the region.

Job Overview

The Data Center Operations Manager will lead the day‑to‑day operations of Microsoft’s new data center in Chinsali, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security of critical infrastructure. This role is pivotal in supporting Microsoft’s cloud services, AI platforms, and enterprise solutions across Zambia and the broader Southern African region. The manager will oversee a multidisciplinary team, manage vendor relationships, and implement best‑in‑class operational processes aligned with Microsoft’s global standards.

For more information about Microsoft’s commitment to the Zambian market, visit the main website: https://zambiajobssearch.com

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the data center operations team, including engineers, technicians, and support staff.
• Ensure 99.9% uptime by monitoring infrastructure, managing incidents, and implementing preventive maintenance.
• Develop and enforce operational policies, security protocols, and compliance standards in line with Microsoft’s global guidelines.
• Coordinate with capacity planning, network, and security teams to optimize resource utilization and scalability.
• Manage relationships with third‑party vendors, service providers, and local authorities to guarantee seamless service delivery.
• Oversee change management processes, ensuring minimal disruption during upgrades, patches, and hardware refreshes.
• Prepare and present operational performance reports, KPI dashboards, and risk assessments to senior leadership.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging automation, AI‑based monitoring, and industry best practices.
• Ensure environmental sustainability by implementing energy‑efficient practices and monitoring power usage effectiveness (PUE).
• Act as the primary point of contact for emergency response, disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and team‑building abilities with a track record of managing technical teams.
• Deep knowledge of data center infrastructure, including power, cooling, networking, and virtualization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Azure, Windows Server, and hyper‑visor technologies (Hyper‑V, VMware).
• Experience with monitoring tools such as System Center Operations Manager, Azure Monitor, or equivalent.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to make data‑driven decisions under pressure.
• Effective communication skills for stakeholder engagement across technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Understanding of ISO 27001, SOC 2, and other compliance frameworks relevant to data center operations.
• Commitment to safety standards and a strong safety‑first mindset.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline is required. Advanced certifications such as Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate, Cisco CCNP Data Center, or ITIL Foundation are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive experience in data center operations, with at least three (3) years in a managerial or lead role. Proven experience managing large‑scale, mission‑critical environments and delivering high‑availability services is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package aligned with market standards for senior technology leaders.
• Performance‑based bonuses and stock‑option opportunities.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage for employee and dependents.
• Generous paid time off, parental leave, and flexible working arrangements.
• Professional development budget, including certifications, conferences, and training programs.
• Access to Microsoft’s global employee assistance programs and wellness initiatives.

Explore additional career resources at: https://www.angolajobsearch.com/

Training

• Onboarding program covering Microsoft’s data center architecture, security policies, and operational tools.
• Continuous technical training on Azure services, AI workloads, and emerging data center technologies.
• Leadership development workshops focused on strategic planning, change management, and people management.
• Mentorship opportunities with senior engineers and global data center experts.

Working Environment

The role is based in a modern, purpose‑built data center facility in Chinsali, featuring advanced cooling systems, redundant power supplies, and secure access controls. Employees benefit from a collaborative culture that encourages innovation, knowledge sharing, and a strong sense of community. Microsoft Zambia promotes a healthy work‑life balance, offering on‑site amenities, wellness programs, and a supportive environment for personal growth.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience through the Microsoft Careers portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial virtual interview followed by on‑site assessments.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Microsoft Zambia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status.