Data Center Manager

Position Summary:

The Data Center Manager leads the delivery, performance, and continuous

improvement of Vanderbilt’s Data Centers, ensuring reliable, secure, and

efficient operation of critical computing infrastructure. This position manages

technical staff, coordinates cross-functional operational activities, and

oversees service delivery processes that support institutional research,

academic, and administrative technology services. Operating with high autonomy

within established departmental strategies and operational objectives, the role

translates organizational priorities into team-level execution plans, manages

operational risk, and ensures service continuity, compliance, and customer

satisfaction. Through effective leadership, workforce development, and

operational governance, the position advances VUIT's mission of delivering

dependable technology services that support the university community.

About the Work Unit:

Vanderbilt University Information Technology is a human-centric organization

that advances our university by delivering innovative solutions and frictionless

experiences through collaboration.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Data Center Operations and Service Delivery | 30% of Time

* Oversees delivery of Data Center activities, ensuring infrastructure

installations, relocations, and decommissioning efforts are completed

according to established standards and service commitments.

* Maintains accurate asset inventories, infrastructure documentation,

consumable tracking, and operational records that support effective service

management and compliance requirements.

* Ensures customer requests, operational work queues, and vendor activities are

prioritized and executed efficiently to maintain service quality and customer

satisfaction.

* Monitors service performance indicators and operational metrics, implementing

improvements that increase efficiency, reliability, and service

effectiveness.

* Ensures physical security, operational controls, and governance requirements

are consistently maintained across supported facilities.

Service Reliability, Incident Management, and Risk Oversight | 20% of Time

* Provides operational leadership for monitoring, escalation, and response

activities that maintain availability of critical data center infrastructure

and supporting services.

* Coordinates major incident response efforts, ensuring timely communication,

effective collaboration, and resolution of operational disruptions.

* Implements and reinforces change management, risk mitigation, and operational

control practices that reduce service interruptions and institutional risk.

* Ensures incidents, corrective actions, and operational events are documented

accurately to support accountability, trend analysis, and continuous

improvement.

* Evaluates recurring operational challenges and implements process

improvements that strengthen resilience, reliability, and service continuity.

Cross-Functional Coordination and Operational Governance | 15% of Time

* Maintains effective working relationships with VUIT leadership, facilities

personnel, vendors, contractors, and customers to support operational

objectives and service delivery commitments.

* Serves as a subject matter resource for data center processes, procedures,

and operational standards, promoting consistency and informed

decision-making.

* Coordinates activities across multiple teams and stakeholders to ensure

infrastructure changes and service requests are completed successfully and

with minimal disruption.

* Develops, maintains, and improves operational procedures that enhance

consistency, efficiency, knowledge transfer, and service quality.

* Supports operational reporting and analysis efforts that provide leaders with

actionable information for planning and service improvements.

Operational Planning, Projects, and Technology Administration | 15% of Time

* Leads operational projects that improve data center capacity, infrastructure

utilization, environmental management, and overall service performance.

* Oversees administration and effective use of facilities monitoring, asset

management, inventory, and capacity planning systems that support operational

decision-making.

* Utilizes forecasting, modeling, and performance data to optimize

infrastructure placement, power utilization, space allocation, and

environmental efficiency.

* Coordinates project activities among technical teams, facilities

organizations, vendors, and contractors to ensure successful implementation

and operational readiness.

* Ensures operational projects are executed in alignment with departmental

priorities, service requirements, and established quality standards.

People and Team Management | 20% of Time

* Leads and supervises a team effectively by recruiting, onboarding,

developing, and managing performance in alignment with organizational

standards and expectations.

* Operates as a player‑coach by actively contributing to day‑to‑day work while

mentoring team members, modeling best practices, and removing obstacles to

success.

* Develops and executes clear plans, objectives, and initiatives that align

team activities with departmental and organizational goals, tracking progress

and adjusting as needed.

* Allocates financial and human resources strategically to meet operational

demands, stays within budget, and maximizes efficiency and service delivery.

* Monitors team and individual performance, providing timely feedback,

coaching, and corrective guidance that results in improved skills,

productivity, or outcomes.

* Promotes a positive and inclusive work environment by encouraging

collaboration, open communication, and employee engagement, contributing to

morale and retention.

* Ensures consistent compliance with Vanderbilt policies, procedures, and

applicable regulatory requirements, addressing issues promptly and reducing

risk.

* Collaborates effectively with internal partners and stakeholders to achieve

cross‑functional objectives, resolves issues, and supports shared priorities.

* Uses data, metrics, and operational insights to identify trends, recommend

improvements, and implement process changes that enhance efficiency or

service quality.

Working Conditions and Operational Requirements:

On-Site Requirement:

This position is required to work primarily on campus to support operational

needs, provide in‑person services, and collaborate with colleagues. Employees

are expected to be on site during their scheduled work hours unless otherwise

approved by their supervisor. Occasional flexibility may be granted based on

departmental needs and institutional policy.

On-call Responsibilities:

The position does not have set on-call responsibilities but requires flexibility

for occasional after-hours support.

Driving Required:

Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving

record. Vanderbilt University engages a third party to provide up-to-date

notifications regarding negative changes to motor vehicle records.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position has supervisory responsibility for a team of approximately 9

technicians and specialists. This position reports administratively and

functionally to the Director of Data Center Services.

Education and Certifications:

* Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is necessary

* Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering,

or a related field is preferred

* ITIL Foundation, CDCMP, CDCP, Cisco CCENT or equivalent infrastructure

operations certifications are preferred

* Project management, leadership, or operational governance certifications are

preferred

Experience and Skills:

* 5-7 years of progressive experience working in and managing data center

operations, critical infrastructure environments, or technology operations

functions is necessary

* 3+ years of experience leading technical operations teams with responsibility

for staffing, performance management, workforce development, and service

delivery is necessary is necessary

* Experience leading operational projects and coordinating activities across

multiple technical teams and stakeholders is necessary

* Ability to manage incident response, operational risk, escalation processes,

and service continuity activities is necessary

* Advanced knowledge of data center infrastructure, facilities operations,

asset governance, and operational controls is necessary

* Ability to analyze operational metrics, performance trends, and service data

to drive continuous improvement is necessary

* Strong leadership, communication, and organizational decision-making skills

within a complex operational environment is necessary

* Demonstrated commitment to VUIT’s Guiding Principles is necessary

Information Technology’s Guiding Principles:

* Trust and Respect- VUIT cultivates a community built on trust, mutual

respect, and inclusivity, where all members feel valued and supported. We

prioritize honesty, dignity, empathy, and a willingness to listen and

understand. 

* Professionalism- VUIT strives to maintain a culture of maturity,

accountability, and integrity to best represent the University and self. Have

a sense of humility and poise in your work and daily interactions.

* Collaborate- VUIT commits to being inclusive in solution design where we

value sharing within and partnering across the university. We are intentional

about including our colleagues and preventing silos. 

* Bias-to-Action- VUIT is seen as a changemaker by exhibiting a decisive,

self-starter, take-action approach with a willingness to make decisions

without excessive deliberation. Personal initiative is recognized as a key

part of the creative process.

* Communicate- Communication (written, verbal and non-verbal), within and

outside VUIT, is open, thoughtful, welcoming, clear, proactive, concise yet

complete, always honest, and delivered kindly.

* Innovate- VUIT pledges to be bold and challenge the status quo by inspiring a

culture of creativity that promotes growth and advancement for the

university. 

* Celebrate Each Other- We are intentional in showing appreciation for the work

of others by valuing and acknowledging meaningful contributions at all levels

of the organization.

* Optimize- VUIT will practice continuous and thoughtful optimization of our

solutions and services to increase our human and technological capacity.

Capacity drives innovation.

At Vanderbilt University [http://www.vanderbilt.edu] , our work - regardless of

title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every

member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on

a daily basis. Located in Nashville [https://www.nashville.gov/], Tennessee, on

a 330+ acre campus and arboretum [https://www.vanderbilt.edu/trees/] dating back

to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large

Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan

area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in

learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create,

foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career.

We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage

you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants

will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,

religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability,

or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.