Job Description
Position: Data Center Operations Manager
Company: Liquid Telecom
Location: Bloemfontein, South Africa
Experience: 5+ years in data center operations or related field
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related discipline
Employment Type: Full-time
Industry: Telecommunications and Data Services
Department: Operations
Salary: SSP 600,000 – 900,000 per annum
Vacancies:1
Company Overview
Liquid Telecom is a leading pan‑African telecommunications provider delivering high‑speed fiber connectivity, cloud services, and data centre solutions across 15 countries. With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, Liquid Telecom supports businesses, governments, and communities in achieving digital transformation. The company’s extensive network infrastructure and state‑of‑the‑art data centres enable reliable, secure, and scalable services that drive economic growth throughout Africa. As part of its expansion strategy, Liquid Telecom is investing heavily in new data centre facilities in South Africa, creating a dynamic environment for professionals seeking career advancement. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of a world‑class data centre ecosystem while working in the vibrant city of Bloemfontein.
Job Overview
The Data Center Operations Manager will lead the day‑to‑day management of Liquid Telecom’s Bloemfontein data centre, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security of all hosted services. Reporting to the Regional Operations Director, you will oversee a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and support staff, coordinating maintenance, capacity planning, and incident response. This position is critical to maintaining service level agreements (SLAs) for high‑profile clients and supporting the company’s reputation for excellence in the telecommunications sector. For more information about the company’s vision, visit https://southafricajobsearch.com.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage daily operations of the Bloemfontein data centre, including power, cooling, and network infrastructure.
- Develop and enforce operational policies, procedures, and best practices to meet industry standards such as ISO 27001 and Uptime Institute Tier certifications.
- Lead incident management, root‑cause analysis, and post‑incident reviews to continuously improve reliability.
- Coordinate capacity planning and forecasting to support business growth and client demand.
- Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance schedules, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service level agreements for equipment and support services.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Prepare and present operational performance reports to senior leadership.
- Mentor and develop technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
Required Skills
- Strong knowledge of data centre infrastructure, including power distribution, cooling systems, and networking.
- Proficiency in monitoring tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Nagios) and ticketing systems.
- Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities under pressure.
- Leadership experience with the ability to motivate cross‑functional teams.
- Effective communication skills for interacting with clients, vendors, and executive management.
- Project management expertise, preferably with PMP or PRINCE2 certification.
- Understanding of cybersecurity principles and data protection regulations.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field is required. Advanced certifications such as Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) or Certified Data Centre Expert (CDCE) are highly desirable.
Experience
Minimum of five years managing data centre operations, with at least two years in a supervisory or managerial capacity. Experience in a telecommunications environment and familiarity with Tier III/Tier IV data centre standards are essential.
Salary
The role offers a competitive salary ranging from SSP 600,000 to SSP 900,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Performance‑based bonuses and benefits are included.
Benefits
- Comprehensive medical aid and life insurance coverage.
- Retirement savings plan with company matching.
- Annual leave and paid sick days in line with South African labour law.
- Professional development allowance for certifications and training.
- Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
Training
- On‑boarding program covering Liquid Telecom’s systems, safety protocols, and corporate culture.
- Access to internal learning platforms for technical and leadership skill enhancement.
- Opportunities to attend industry conferences and workshops.
Working Environment
The Bloemfontein data centre operates 24/7, requiring a collaborative, fast‑paced environment where teamwork and proactive problem solving are paramount. The facility is equipped with modern monitoring systems, redundant power supplies, and advanced security controls, providing a safe and technologically advanced workplace.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their updated CV and a cover letter outlining relevant experience through the online portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial interview.
For additional career resources, explore https://www.egyptjobsearch.com/.
Further details about similar opportunities can be found at https://www.southafricajobsearch.com/.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Liquid Telecom 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, or sexual orientation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.