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Data Center Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Data Center Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$166K/yr

Data Center Management operations supporting mission-critical infrastructure across the firm's enterprise data center environment. This role is responsible for operational reliability, day-to-day ...

Data Center Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$165K/yr

Data Center Management operations supporting mission-critical infrastructure across the firm's enterprise data center environment. This role is responsible for operational reliability, day-to-day ...

Data Center Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$165K/yr

Data Center Management operations supporting mission-critical infrastructure across the firm's enterprise data center environment. This role is responsible for operational reliability, day-to-day ...

Data Center Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$166K/yr

Data Center Management operations supporting mission-critical infrastructure across the firm's enterprise data center environment. This role is responsible for operational reliability, day-to-day ...

Data Center Manager

Naperville, IL · On-site

$165K/yr

Data Center Management operations supporting mission-critical infrastructure across the firm's enterprise data center environment. This role is responsible for operational reliability, day-to-day ...

Center Operations Manager Principal Functions: The Center Operations Manager (COM) oversees the non ... Oversee the collection and inputting of statistical data on non-medical services and clients

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Showing results 1-20

Data Center Operations Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$33.9K

$150.9K

$162.8K

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

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for data center operations manager in Illinois is $150,864.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $161,800.00 and $161,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data center operations manager?

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.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Data Center Operations jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Data Center Operations jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Data Center Operations Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Data Center Operations Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Data Center Operations Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,864 per year, or $72.5 per hour.

Data Center Operations Manager

Chicago, IL • On-site

Rush University Medical Center
Education • 5 - 10K employees

$55.75 - $83.07/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago


Rush University Medical Center rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 109 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Location: Chicago, Illinois / Hybrid

Business Unit: Rush Medical Center

Hospital: Rush University Medical Center

Department: IT Infrastructure

Work Type: Full Time (Total FTE between 0. 9 and 1. 0)

Shift: Shift 1

Work Schedule: 8 Hr (8:00:00 AM - 5:00:00 PM)

Rush offers exceptional rewards and benefits learn more at our Rush benefits page (https://www.rush.edu/rush-careers/employee-benefits).

Pay Range: $55.75 - $83.07 per hour
Rush salaries are determined by many factors including, but not limited to, education, job-related experience and skills, as well as internal equity and industry specific market data. The pay range for each role reflects Rush’s anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position. Offers may vary depending on the circumstances of each case.

Summary:

The Data Center Operations Manager is a key technology leader responsible for the reliable, secure, and efficient operation of Rush’s data center environments. This role leads a team of data center engineers and oversees infrastructure activities, ensuring work is completed accurately and in accordance with established procedures, change management practices, and industry best practices.

This is an opportunity for an experienced data center professional who enjoys developing people, solving complex operational challenges, and driving continuous improvement. The manager will oversee the installation, relocation, repair, and removal of server, network, and storage hardware; manage data center capacity and assets; oversee copper and fiber connectivity; and ensure infrastructure changes are accurately documented.

Working closely with Infrastructure Engineering, IT teams, and third-party partners, the Data Center Operations Manager will help maintain a reliable, organized, and scalable environment that supports Rush’s evolving technology needs. The ideal candidate is a proactive, collaborative leader with strong data center operations experience, knowledge of IT infrastructure and networking, and the ability to balance technical priorities with team development and operational excellence.

If you are passionate about data center operations and enjoy leading technical teams, this is an opportunity to make an impact supporting the technology that enables patient care, research, education, and innovation across Rush.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead and mentor a team of Data Center engineers, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
  • Adheres to a continuous improvement methodology for systems and services under their span of control.

Manage, lead and support a team that is responsible for the following:

  • Installation, relocation and removal of Network, Server and Storage hardware to manufacturer standards and industry best practice.
  • Repair of hardware to major component level (e.g. hard disk, NIC card, memory, physical servers, network hardware, etc.) as requested, across a broad range of vendor equipment.
  • Cross connects, investigating and removal of any connectivity withing the Data Center space.
  • Execution of all work to Data Center work process & procedure.
  • Build, review and update all Data Center standard operating procedures, SOP.
  • Manage the goods in/out process for your dedicated storage facility and keep full records as directed for all incoming/outgoing assets and a full availability list of all items in storage.
  • Receipt of damaged/failed hardware internally and replacement through Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) process
  • Carry out monthly audits of items in store and produce a report of all anomalies
  • Manage asset record updates, tracking and placing assets as to their location and status (deployed, ceased etc.).
  • Ensure that all records are updated following any installations, moves or changes
  • Carry out daily housekeeping checks of the data halls and record their findings
  • Control Data Center stocks (copper/fiber patch leads, patch panels, connectors etc.) and report appropriately.

Required Job Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 5 years relevant experience required.
  • 4+ years’ experience Managing Data Center environments
  • Local, onsite presence.
  • Effective written and verbal communication at all levels
  • Experience of hardware manufacturer installation standards and knowledge of copper and fiber cabling installations and standards, with preference given to the following qualifications.
  • Basic network knowledge and good experience of a broad range of IT hardware; HP, Dell, Ciena, Cisco, and Arista.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

  • Pro-active and flexible with ability to work either as part of a team or as an individual
  • Experience of working in an ITIL controlled environment with knowledge of Change Control, Incident Management & Problem Management processes.
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Good experience using Microsoft Office and CRM databases
  • Ability to prioritize effectively
  • Ability to manage 3rd party contract staff/companies working within the DC
  • Understanding of IP networks
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Healthcare Environment Experience

Rush is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.


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