Data Center IT Operations Manager

Job ID: 200047614Posted: 2026-08-07Location: United States, Wisconsin, Mount PleasantSalary: USD $102,600 - $202,800 per yearEmployment type: Full-TimeWork site: Fully on-siteRole type: People ManagerTravel: Less than 25%Profession: Data CenterDiscipline: Data Center Operations ManagementCompany: MicrosoftOverviewAs a Microsoft Data Center IT Operations Manager (ITOM), you will lead and manage a team of individual contributors as well as oversee data center site services and logistics. The successful candidate will operate at the intersection of engineering, operations, analytics, and organizational leadership. This role requires an individual who can build scalable systems, develop future leaders, challenge conventional operating models, and leverage data to drive transformational outcomes across deployment and break/fix operations. The ideal candidate is not only capable of managing today's operational environment but also architecting the operating system required for the next generation of hyperscale data center growth.Microsoft’s Cloud Operations & Innovation (CO+I) is the engine that powers our cloud services. As a CO+I ITOM, you will perform a key role in delivering the core infrastructure and foundational technologies for Microsoft's online services including Bing, Office 365, Xbox, OneDrive, and the Microsoft Azure platform. As a group, CO+I is focused on the personal and professional development for all employees and offers trainings and growth opportunities including Career Rotation Programs, Diversity & Inclusion trainings and events, and professional certifications.Our infrastructure is comprised of a large global portfolio of more than 200 datacenters in 32 countries and millions of servers. Our foundation is built upon and managed by a team of subject matter experts working to support services for more than 1 billion customers and 20 million businesses in over 90 countries worldwide.With environmental sustainability and optimization at the forefront of our datacenter design and operations, we continue to grow and evolve as we meet the ever-changing business demands that hold Microsoft as a world-class cloud provider.Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond. ResponsibilitiesEmpowering a culture of safety, security, and compliance in all aspects of data center activities Leading and managing a team of high-performing individual contributors and their ongoing talent development Managing and overseeing data center site services, logistics, and deployment Collaborating and coordinating with multiple internal business groups to ensure the successful delivery of service levelsAnalyzing production operations and initiate corrective actions to ensure operational stabilityInitiate and establish quality standards for the data center teams and manage those initiatives through to completionLearn, live, and coach the One Microsoft culture and valuesLead through change by bringing clarity, generating energy, and delivering successEmbody our culture and valuesQualificationsRequired Qualifications:High School Qualification or equivalent AND 3+ years experience of mission-critical service management (e.g., providing IT services, manufacturing, warehouse, retail, military, or managing physical operations in an IT and/or critical environment infrastructure) OR equivalent experience Other Requirements: Ability to meet Microsoft, customer and/or government security screening requirements are required for this role. These requirements include, but are not limited to the following specialized security screenings: Microsoft Cloud Background Check: This position will be required to pass the Microsoft Cloud background check upon hire/transfer and every two years thereafter.Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's or Technical College Degree in Computer Science, Math, Telecommunications, Electrical/Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management or related field AND 12+ years experience in critical environment infrastructures (e.g., UPS, Generator, AHU), or working in physical IT infrastructures (e.g., Servers, SANs, Networking, Capacity, DC Rack/Enclosures, structured cabling) OR High School Qualification or equivalent AND 14+ years experience in critical environment infrastructures (e.g., UPS, Generator, AHU), or working in physical IT infrastructures (e.g., Servers, SANs, Networking, Capacity, DC Rack/Enclosures, structured cabling) OR equivalent experience5+ years' people management experienceApplicable certifications: APICS/Inventory Control, CompTIA, Microsoft, Network Certifications, CCNA Certifications, ITIL v3 Foundation, Microsoft Operations Framework (MOF) Certifications, Leadership Development Certifications, PMP, CDCMPDemonstrated experience managing and developing Technical Managers and frontline leaders within Deployment and/or BreakFix organizationsDemonstrated data-driven and strategic mindset, with demonstrated use of KPIs, analytics, forecasting, and operational metrics to drive business outcomesExperience with operational excellence, root cause analysis, continuous improvement, reliability engineering, and large-scale operational systemsDemonstrated ability to lead across organizational boundaries and view Deployment, BreakFix, Engineering, Facilities, Supply Chain, and Construction as a single integrated operating systemExperience in hyperscale data centers, advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, aerospace, robotics, or other high-volume mission-critical environmentsDemonstrated ability to scale teams, develop future leaders, and drive transformational change through automation, standardization, and innovationData Center Operations Management M4 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $102,600 - $202,800 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $137,500 - $225,800 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:Data Center Operations Management M5 - The typical base pay range for this role across the U.S. is USD $127,600 - $229,200 per year. There is a different range applicable to specific work locations, within the San Francisco Bay area and New York City metropolitan area, and the base pay range for this role in those locations is USD $168,900 - $253,300 per year. Certain roles may be eligible for benefits and other compensation. Find additional benefits and pay information here:This position will be open for a minimum of 5 days, with applications accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.Microsoft is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, immigration status, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran or military status, race, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local laws, regulations and ordinances. If you need assistance with religious accommodations and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application process, read more about requesting accommodations.