Data Center Operations Director (Hybrid - Raleigh, NC)

This is a hybrid role with the expectation that time working will regularly take place inside and outside of a company office in Raleigh, NC.

The Data Center Operations Director reports into the Sr Director Infrastructure Operations: Data Center Management and Cloud Operations and Governance and manages all data center facilities for First Citizens Bank and its divisions and affiliates including First Citizens India (FCB). This leader will bring industry perspectives and drive the design of best-in-class data centers while continuing to manage existing infrastructure and address current issues. The individual should be a thought leader capable of creating a service focused IT organization through speed, agility, and automation. The key responsibilities will include operations and management of existing Data Center Operations as well as working with Physical Security and Facilities for capacity planning, compliance with government regulations, physical security of assets, optimizing power / cooling, and interfacing with third party vendors. The individual should also have extensive experience in collaborative management of large teams involved in end-to-end data center operations, facilities and security. This role will be critical in operating next-generation data center facilities required to be an industry leader and helping to lead the migration and consolidation of the on prem footprint and transition to the cloud through workload placement.

• Define strategic direction and drive execution for the future of FCB data centers
  • Spearhead technology investments related to data centers; define and develop relevant solutions and services based on market trends and strategic alignment to
  • Help create and manage the vision and strategy to take data center operations to the next level of industry leadership
  • Develop and maintain scalable operations model with well-documented roadmap, goals and objectives
  • Provide technical oversight in the planning, design, and development of all electrical and mechanical facilities equipment
  • Design and implement innovative and robust processes and standards related to data center support areas
  • Partner with industry innovators to build in-house capabilities to develop and maintain cutting edge solutions
  • Work closely with the Global Head of Core Infrastructure Services and other IT executive leaders to lead the short term and long term technology infrastructure strategy and execution for
• Optimize FCB's Data Center management, support and operations
  • Deliver all Moves, Adds and Change requests within established SLAs.
  • Responsible for compliance and security requirements for all global data center facilities, including access management for vendors, contractors, and employees
  • Manage, develop and maintain design rack layouts and data cabling schematics for all data centers
  • Design, monitor, and provide fire center safety training and ensure that fire suppression systems are operational
  • Monitor power draw and optimize annual cooling and power costs with year over year reduction targets
  • Direct crisis management and recovery activities for unplanned events. Ensure that facilities problems are identified and repaired quickly
  • Leverage appropriate tools, frameworks, best practices and experience to deliver the best solution to the business
  • Manage delivery operations of 's Data Centers, supporting IT and facility management services for co-location clients to ensure 100% up-time, and on time delivery of data center infrastructure
  • Establish large cross functional teams (cloud services, IT, facilities support, external vendors) as necessary for business problem/ issue resolution
  • Develop and track key performance indicators (KPI) for the datacenter mission critical operations
• Drive cultural change and instill a collaborative, service oriented mindset within the organization
  • Define an enterprise-level service catalog with transparent service pricing and agreed upon SLAs
  • Drive faster time to market, delivering 20-30% reduction in average time to market
  • Work continuously to improve operations and maintenance efficiencies, and travel to other regions to facilitate projects and data center reviews as required
  • Actively review and optimize processes related or interfacing with datacenter facilities for the broader CTO organization
  • Develop a culture of risk taking and innovation driven organization that continuously embraces and adapts to change
• Continuously monitor technology aging and execute plan to upgrade, migrate or re-platform off outdated versions
• Share accountability for the achievement of strategic objectives

Bachelor's Degree and 8 years of experience in Complex leadership and management responsibilities in an Infrastructure and Operations Enterprise environment OR High School Diploma or GED and 12 years of experience in Complex leadership and management responsibilities in an Infrastructure and Operations Enterprise environment

Preferred skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering, Information Systems or a related field, and 15+ years of experience in the IT arena, with 7+ years of relevant experience in planning, creating and implementing complex system designs for large data center installations
• Understanding and experience in advanced and new-age Data Center Facilities Management
• Knowledge of the layout and structure of the physical datacenter buildings and the facilities infrastructure (Generators, switchgear, uninterrupted powers supplies, battery banks, building controls and automations systems, chiller plant, security systems, power distribution)
• Experience with electrical and mechanical systems, cooling principles with specializations in generators, power electronics, chillers, and pumps
• Documentation and process control knowledge
• Deep understanding of traditional infrastructure areas such as data centers, storage and server technologies, WLAN, LAN, WAN networks, planning and engineering, support, deployment, help desk, and disaster recovery planning
• Strong knowledge of UTP, Fiber Optic, Serial, and Coaxial cabling standards and limitations
• Understanding of green IT initiatives being adopted across the industry
• Experience in multi-generation segment technology planning and rationalization
• Proficient in managing diverse technology environments
• Experience in implementing effective and innovative software development methodologies
• Proven experience of managing information technology systems at a financial services, preferably an banking firm

Benefits are an integral part of total rewards and First Citizens Bank is committed to providing a competitive, thoughtfully designed and quality benefits program to meet the needs of our associates. More information can be found at https://jobs.firstcitizens.com/benefits.