DC Ops Lead

Location: Preferred Chicago, IL but for right candidate remote is okay

Job Description: Compute Operations Manager (VMware, Windows & Linux)

Role Summary

The Compute Operations Manager is responsible for managing enterprise compute infrastructure across VMware, Windows, and Linux platforms, ensuring high availability, security, and operational excellence. This is a client-facing leadership role requiring strong technical depth, delivery governance, and stakeholder management skills in a managed services or COE environment.

Key Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Compute Operations

• Lead operations for:
• VMware (vSphere, ESXi, vCenter)
• Windows Server environments
• Linux platforms (RHEL, CentOS, Ubuntu)
• Ensure 24x7 availability, performance, and stability of compute services
• Drive SLA adherence, uptime targets, and operational KPIs

2. Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary customer-facing contact for compute services
• Lead:
• Service review meetings (weekly/monthly governance)
• Incident reviews and RCA discussions
• Continuous improvement initiatives
• Translate business requirements into technical solutions
• Maintain strong client relationships and drive customer satisfaction (CSAT)

3. Team Leadership & Delivery

• Manage and mentor multi-skilled teams (VMware + Windows + Linux admins)
• Oversee L2/L3 support teams in global delivery model (onshore/offshore)
• Drive:
• Skill development and cross-training
• Resource planning and capacity management
• Ensure adherence to operational processes and service quality standards

4. Incident, Problem & Change Management

• Lead resolution of critical incidents (P1/P2) across platforms
• Ensure timely RCA and preventive actions
• Govern change management activities (patching, upgrades, migrations)
• Maintain and improve operational runbooks and SOPs

5. Platform Management & Engineering

• VMware:
• Cluster, host, and VM lifecycle management
• HA/DR (vMotion, DRS, SRM basics)
• Windows:
• Server administration, patching, Active Directory coordination
• Linux:
• OS administration, patching, performance tuning
• Collaborate with:
• Storage, network, security, and cloud teams

6. Automation & Transformation

• Drive automation using:
• PowerCLI, PowerShell, Python, Shell scripting
• VMware Aria / vRealize
• Implement:
• Self-service provisioning
• Auto-remediation and monitoring optimization
• Reduce operational effort and improve efficiency

7. Monitoring, Reporting & Governance

• Monitor infrastructure using enterprise tools (vROps, OEM, etc.)
• Publish dashboards and reports:
• SLA/KPI metrics
• Capacity & utilization
• Incident trends
• Ensure compliance with:
• Security policies
• Audit and regulatory controls

Required Skills & Expertise

Technical Skills

• Strong expertise in:
• VMware vSphere (ESXi, vCenter, clusters, HA/DRS)
• Windows Server (2012/2016/2019/2022)
• Linux (RHEL / Ubuntu / CentOS administration)
• Knowledge of:
• Backup & DR tools
• Storage (SAN/NAS) and networking fundamentals

Automation & Tools

• Scripting:
• PowerShell / PowerCLI (mandatory)
• Python / Bash (preferred)
• ITSM tools:
• ServiceNow (or equivalent)
• Monitoring:
• vROps, SCOM, SolarWinds, or similar

Process & Framework

• Strong understanding of ITIL processes
• Experience in managed services / COE delivery model
• Exposure to SLA-driven environments

Leadership & Soft Skills

• Strong communication and presentation skills
• Proven ability to manage client expectations and escalations
• Analytical problem-solving and decision-making
• Ability to work in high-pressure environments

Experience Required

• 10–15 years of IT infrastructure experience
• 5+ years in compute/platform operations leadership
• Experience managing VMware + Windows + Linux environments
• Prior experience in client-facing managed services roles (mandatory)

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT / Computer Science or equivalent
• Preferred certifications:
• VMware VCP
• Microsoft (Windows Server / Azure Admin – optional)
• Red Hat (RHCSA/RHCE – preferred)
• ITIL Foundation

Key KPIs

• SLA compliance (Availability, MTTR)
• Incident reduction & RCA effectiveness
• Automation adoption (reduced manual effort)
• Customer satisfaction (CSAT)
• Platform performance and utilization optimization

Nice to Have

• VMware NSX / Horizon knowledge
• Cloud exposure (Azure / AWS VMware)
• Experience in transformation / migration projects