Data Center Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Kafue, Zambia – Technology / Cloud Services

Job Description

Position: Data Center Operations Manager

Company: IBM Zambia

Location: Kafue, Zambia

Experience: 5-7 years of experience in data center operations, infrastructure management, and IT service delivery

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

Employment Type: Full-time

Industry: Technology / Cloud Services

Department: Operations

Salary: SSP 120,000 – 180,000 per month

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

IBM Zambia is a leading global technology and consulting firm with a strong presence in the Zambian market. As part of IBM’s worldwide network, the Zambian branch delivers cutting‑edge cloud solutions, artificial intelligence services, and enterprise infrastructure to a diverse client base ranging from government agencies to private sector enterprises. The company is committed to driving digital transformation across Zambia, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable economic growth. With a focus on employee development, IBM Zambia offers a collaborative environment where talent thrives, and career pathways are clearly defined. This role contributes directly to IBM’s mission of building a smarter, more connected Zambia, and supports the broader goal of expanding high‑performance data center capabilities throughout the region.

Job Overview

The Data Center Operations Manager will lead the day‑to‑day management of IBM Zambia’s data center facilities, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security of critical IT infrastructure. Reporting to the Regional Infrastructure Director, the manager will oversee a team of engineers and technicians, coordinate maintenance activities, and implement best practices for capacity planning, energy efficiency, and disaster recovery. This position plays a pivotal role in supporting IBM’s cloud services portfolio, enabling seamless delivery of SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS solutions to clients across Zambia and neighboring countries. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, enhancing service level agreements, and contributing to IBM’s reputation as a trusted technology partner. For more information about IBM Zambia’s vision and values, visit https://zambiajobssearch.com/.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all data center operations, including power, cooling, networking, and server hardware.
• Develop and enforce operational policies, procedures, and standards to ensure compliance with industry regulations and IBM’s internal guidelines.
• Monitor system performance metrics, conduct root‑cause analysis, and implement corrective actions to maintain 99.9% uptime.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules, hardware upgrades, and capacity planning initiatives.
• Oversee security protocols, including physical access controls, CCTV monitoring, and incident response.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams such as Cloud Architecture, Security, and Service Delivery to align infrastructure with business objectives.
• Manage vendor relationships, negotiate service contracts, and ensure timely delivery of third‑party services.
• Prepare and present operational reports, KPI dashboards, and budget forecasts to senior leadership.
• Drive sustainability initiatives by optimizing energy consumption and implementing green‑IT practices.
• Mentor and develop the data center team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of data center infrastructure, including power distribution, cooling systems, and rack management.
• Proficiency with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V) and cloud technologies (IBM Cloud, AWS, Azure).
• Experience with monitoring tools such as Nagios, Zabbix, or IBM Tivoli.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and a data‑driven approach to decision making.
• Effective leadership and team‑building skills with a focus on mentorship.
• Project management expertise, preferably with PMP or PRINCE2 certification.
• Understanding of ITIL service management framework.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, for stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline is required. Advanced certifications such as Cisco CCNA/CCNP, VMware VCP, or IBM Certified Specialist are highly desirable.

Experience

Applicants must have 5‑7 years of hands‑on experience managing data center operations, preferably within a large‑scale enterprise or cloud service provider environment. Prior experience leading technical teams and handling vendor contracts is essential.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from SSP 120,000 to SSP 180,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and annual salary reviews are part of the package.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and public holidays.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Transportation allowance for commuting to the Kafue data center.

Training

• Access to IBM’s global learning platform for continuous skill development.
• Certification sponsorship for industry‑recognized credentials.
• On‑the‑job training in emerging technologies such as edge computing and AI‑driven infrastructure management.

Working Environment

The role is based at IBM’s state‑of‑the‑art data center in Kafue, featuring modern facilities, secure access, and a collaborative workspace. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that values diversity, innovation, and work‑life balance. Flexible working arrangements are available, with occasional on‑site requirements for critical maintenance activities.

Application Process

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

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