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Data Center Operations Manager Jobs in California

Data Center Operations Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$197K/yr

Own all aspects of onsite and offsite data center sites for multiple eng teams (Software, Test, POC ... the operations and infrastructure. * Manage vendor relationships for equipment and services ...

Data Center Operations Manager

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$197K/yr

Own all aspects of onsite and offsite data center sites for multiple eng teams (Software, Test, POC ... the operations and infrastructure. * Manage vendor relationships for equipment and services ...

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Showing results 1-20

Data Center Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$34.5K

$153.6K

$165.8K

How much do data center operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center operations manager in California is $153,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $164,800.00 and $164,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Center Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Center Operations Manager, you need expertise in IT infrastructure, facility management, and operational leadership, often supported by a degree in information technology or engineering. Familiarity with data center management software, network monitoring tools, and certifications such as ITIL or Data Center Certified Associate (DCCA) is highly valued. Strong problem-solving, communication, and team leadership skills help manage staff and coordinate response to incidents efficiently. These competencies are critical for ensuring uptime, security, and optimal performance of data center operations.

How much do data center operators make?

Data center operators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced operators with specialized skills can earn higher salaries, especially in large or high-demand facilities.

What are some common challenges a Data Center Operations Manager faces, and how can they effectively address them?

Data Center Operations Managers frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining high uptime, managing rapid equipment changes, and ensuring strict security protocols. Balancing the need for operational efficiency with rigorous maintenance schedules and emergency response planning can be demanding. Effective managers address these issues by fostering strong communication among cross-functional teams, implementing standardized procedures, and investing in ongoing staff training. Staying updated with the latest industry best practices and regularly reviewing contingency plans also helps mitigate operational risks.

What tech jobs pay 400,000 a year?

Data Center Operations Managers can earn around $400,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities in large-scale data centers. High-paying tech roles often require expertise in infrastructure management, network systems, and operational efficiency, along with strong problem-solving skills and industry knowledge.

What is the difference between Data Center Operations Manager vs Data Center Technician?

AspectData Center Operations ManagerData Center Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in IT, engineering, or related field; certifications like Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Server+Often requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like CompTIA A+, Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentOversees data center operations, manages staff, plans infrastructure upgradesPerforms hardware installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by data center operators, IT service providers, large enterprisesCommonly employed by data centers, IT support teams, hardware vendors

The Data Center Operations Manager focuses on overseeing overall data center functions, staff management, and strategic planning, while the Data Center Technician handles hands-on hardware and network troubleshooting. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a data center operations manager do?

A data center operations manager oversees the daily functions of data center facilities, including managing staff, ensuring system uptime, maintaining hardware and software, and implementing security protocols. They coordinate maintenance, monitor performance metrics, and ensure compliance with industry standards, often using tools like monitoring software and requiring certifications such as data center infrastructure management (DCIM).

Who are the big 5 in data centers?

The Big 5 in data centers typically refer to the five largest cloud service providers: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, Alibaba Cloud, and IBM Cloud. These companies dominate the industry in terms of infrastructure, market share, and global data center presence, making them key players for data center operations managers to monitor and collaborate with.
What cities in California are hiring for Data Center Operations Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Data Center Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Data Center Operations Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,647 per year, or $73.9 per hour.
Manager Data Center Operations

Manager Data Center Operations

Digital Realty

San Francisco, CA

$189K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 hours ago


Digital Realty rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 230 rated it services


Job description

Manager Data Center Operations

Your role 

The Manager Data Center Operations is responsible for overseeing the execution of local data center operations at one or more data center properties. Data center operations include, but are not limited to:

  • Engineering operations and core infrastructure maintenance

  • Data center construction management, commissioning and start-up

  • Delivery of data center services including colocation, connectivity, raised floor services and deployment

  • Installation and management of all cable and network infrastructure supporting facility and customer connectivity

  • Technical event management including post-event root cause analysis and infrastructure repair

What you'll do 

  • Execute all aspects of data center operations including the operation, maintenance and repair of all mission critical equipment and systems supporting a 24x7 data center operation to achieve 100% uptime and 100% compliance with all customer SLAs.

  • Supervises all construction activity and installations, in coordination with internal and external construction resources, to ensure system design, installation and testing adhere to operational standards.

  • Witness testing of all equipment during commissioning and validate sequence of operations and receipt of all operational documentation.

  • Manages provisioning of data center services including colocation, connectivity, raised floor services, deployment and any additional services to be delivered to data center customers.

  • Manages all local customer installations, in coordination with Sales Engineering, Design & Construction and Colocation Operations to coordinate customer move-ins and turn-ups, including deployments, power circuit installations and connectivity requirements.

  • Oversees local installation, maintenance and repair of all network infrastructure supporting all Digital Realty and customer connectivity in coordination with internal IT and network personnel.

  • Supervise local engineering team to ensure adherence to standard operating procedures, sequence of operations and maintenance standards to guarantee execution of Digital Realty's periodic maintenance program and maintenance calendar.

  • Develop, implement and audit local standard operating procedures, sequence of operations and maintenance standards to be in compliance with Digital Realty's standards and industry best practices.

  • Supervise local change management processes including the review and approval of all Method of Procedures (MOPs) for maintenance and one-time/emergency repair events in coordination with onsite personnel, contractors and customers.

  • Manage all maintenance and repair contracts to ensure compliance with maintenance standards and operational requirements. Confirm all vendors are qualified and adhere to Digital Realty's performance standards and scopes of work.

  • Responsible for timely execution of data center services such as remote hands, customer installations and service requests.

  • Supervise security personnel and manage security systems including the adherence to security policies and compliance programs (as required by the Property Manager)

  • Act as primary technical and operational contact for data center customers - both as the technical lead and local point of escalation during emergency events and day to day operations.  Develop knowledge of customer's core business and the business function of the customer's local datacenter operation.

  • Manage technical and operational incidents at the property, including the implementation of emergency response procedures, resource coordination, customer communication, root-cause analysis and post event remediation.

  • Identify trends and analyze risks to articulate implications and impact to data center operations.  Track operational metrics and other data to provide Senior Management oversight and control for both snapshot data and long-term trend analysis.

  • Identify process based improvements that generate operational and financial efficiencies including the development and presentation of the business case.

  • Support Property Manager with the management of expenses and assist all budgeting, forecasting and reporting requirements by providing capital and expense requirements and justifications.

  • Support pre-sales process, including, but not limited to, conducting sales tours and reviewing lease proposals and lease agreements to confirm compliance with Digital Realty standards and local requirements.

  • Support various accreditation initiatives, including, but not limited to, SSAE16, SOC2, ISO 27001, etc. as may be required by Digital Realty.

  • Maintain compliance with local health & safety (i.e. OSHA) standards and national electrical and building codes.

What you'll need

  • 10 years related facility management experience in data center operations (or related electrical or mechanical engineering field) with minimum of 5 years' experience managing or leading data center operations teams in a large scale mission critical environment.  Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering preferred.

  • Solid and proven experience in the construction, commissioning, acceptance and operation of mission critical systems, including state-of-the-art electrical distribution systems, static and rotary UPS, emergency standby generation, fire alarm/suppression and monitoring systems

  • Extensive knowledge of structured cabling systems, networking and connectivity standards, and hardware installation requirements.

  • Proficient experience in colocation operations, including the installation and deployment of cage, rack and cable infrastructure, as well as, power circuit installation and power monitoring.

  • Experience working with and deploying telecom and network providers, specifically in Meet Me Room and POP room environments

  • Experience managing a change control environment

  • Strong quantitative and qualitative reasoning skills, with demonstrated ability to determine event root causes, performance shortfalls and required corrective actions.

  • Knowledge of industry data center standards, policies & methodologies

  • Knowledge of performance management & critical awareness methods and implementation standards

  • Strong interpersonal, presentation and communication skills

  • Strong organizational skills and detail oriented

  • Experience managing own budget and analyzing expenses

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook and familiarity with Microsoft Project, Visio or AutoCad

  • Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), and power metering system

A bit about us

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges. Digital Realty gives its customers access to the connected data communities that matter to them with a global data center footprint of 300+ facilities in 50+ metros across 25+ countries on six continents.

To learn more about Digital Realty, please visit digitalrealty.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Operations

Our Operations team keeps our customers' infrastructure running safely and securely. We get plenty of opportunities to take on a variety of tasks and develop our technical skills. From overseeing electrical power to cooling and fire suppression systems, our team plays a vital role in making sure everything in our data centers operates as it should.

What we can offer you

Our rapidly evolving business sector offers the opportunity to be part of a courageous and passionate team who work together to understand and meet the changing needs of our global customers. 

Join us and you'll be part of a supportive and inclusive environment where you can bring your whole self to work. As part of our team, you'll get to work with people from different business areas, challenge the way we do things and put your ideas into action. We'll also give you plenty of development opportunities so you can build a rewarding and successful career with us. 

Apply today, take charge of your career and grow your talents with us.

Health and Safety

Safety isn't just a priority here at Digital; it's critical to everything we do. Safeguarding lives, protecting assets, and securing data aren't just ideals - they're essential pillars of our commitment to excellence for our people, our partners and our customers. We have a culture of care where every member of Team Digital embraces a relentless pursuit of working safely across Digital Realty. Together we are Safely Powering Progress.

Our Compensation Philosophy

Digital Realty offers its employees a highly competitive compensation package, excellent benefits, and an environment that recognizes and rewards your contributions. Central to our compensation philosophy is rewarding our employees for achieving the values and objectives aligned to the company's overall goals and values.

Our published pay ranges reflect the minimum and maximum target for new hire pay for the full-time position determined by role, level, and geographical location. Individual pay is based on additional factors including but not limited to job-related skills, experience, and relevant education and/or training. Moreover, an employee's total compensation package varies by role and may include salary, cash bonus or commissions, and equity awards not quantified below.

Compensation range: $155,000 to $170,000.  This compensation range represents the Company's good faith belief as to what it will pay as a base salary for this position at the time of this posting. 

Benefits: For this role, Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, 401k match, disability benefits, wellness and education benefits, employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, holidays, and more. 


What Digital Realty employees say

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