Data Center Operations Manager Job Vacancy in Cape Town, South Africa – Telecom

Job Description

Position:Data Center Operations Manager

Company:MTN Group

Location:Cape Town, South Africa

Experience:7+ years in data center operations or related IT infrastructure management

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

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Telecom

Department:Operations

Salary:SSP 600,000 – SSP 900,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

MTN Group is a leading multinational telecommunications company with a strong presence across Africa and the Middle East. With a commitment to innovation, connectivity, and digital inclusion, MTN delivers mobile, broadband, and enterprise solutions to millions of customers. The company’s Cape Town hub serves as a strategic centre for network operations, technology development, and customer experience excellence. As part of its growth strategy, MTN continuously invests in state‑of‑the‑art data centre facilities to support high‑performance services, cloud platforms, and emerging 5G infrastructure. This environment creates a dynamic platform for professionals seeking rewarding career opportunities in South Africa, aligning with the nation’s digital transformation agenda and the broader goal of creating sustainable employment.

Job Overview

The Data Center Operations Manager will lead the day‑to‑day management of MTN’s flagship data centre in Cape Town, ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security of critical IT infrastructure. Reporting to the Head of Network Operations, the role involves overseeing a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and support staff while coordinating with cross‑functional departments such as security, facilities, and vendor management. The successful candidate will implement best‑practice operational procedures, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and guarantee compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of telecom data services in South Africa, contributing directly to the company’s mission of delivering seamless connectivity. For more information about MTN’s career pathways, visit South Africa Job Search.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the data centre, including power, cooling, networking, and server management.
• Develop and enforce operational SOPs, ensuring alignment with ISO 27001, SOC 2, and local regulatory standards.
• Lead incident response, root‑cause analysis, and post‑mortem processes to minimize downtime.
• Manage capacity planning, forecasting, and scalability projects to support MTN’s growth targets.
• Coordinate with vendors for hardware procurement, maintenance contracts, and service level agreements.
• Implement robust security controls, including physical access, surveillance, and cyber‑security monitoring.
• Mentor and develop the data centre team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
• Prepare and present performance dashboards and KPI reports to senior leadership.

Required Skills

• Strong knowledge of data centre infrastructure, including UPS, HVAC, fire suppression, and rack management.
• Proficiency in virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper‑V) and cloud technologies (AWS, Azure).
• Experience with network protocols, routing, switching, and load‑balancing solutions.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and analytical mindset.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Leadership experience managing technical teams in high‑availability environments.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline is required. Relevant certifications such as ITIL, Cisco CCNP, or VMware VCP are highly desirable and will be considered an advantage during the selection process.

Experience

Applicants must have a minimum of seven years of progressive experience in data centre operations, infrastructure management, or a comparable technical environment. Prior experience within the telecom sector or large‑scale service provider is preferred, as is a proven track record of leading complex projects and managing multi‑disciplinary teams.

Salary

The role offers a competitive remuneration package ranging from SSP 600,000 to SSP 900,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, performance‑based bonuses and long‑term incentive schemes are available.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous paid leave, including annual, sick, and parental leave.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Access to MTN’s global learning platform and career development resources.

Training

• Onboarding programme covering MTN’s data centre architecture and operational policies.
• Continuous technical training in emerging technologies such as edge computing and 5G.
• Leadership development workshops and mentorship opportunities.

Working Environment

MTN provides a modern, secure, and collaborative workplace equipped with the latest tools and technologies. The Cape Town data centre operates 24/7, and the role may require occasional on‑call duties to ensure uninterrupted service delivery. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that values diversity, innovation, and work‑life balance.

Application Process

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

Equal Opportunity Statement

MTN Group 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 in accordance with South African labour laws.