Classical Data Center Service Owner

Position overview

The Hybrid Cloud department leads the end-to-end delivery and operational support of dormakaba's server infrastructure. This comprises globally distributed on-premises data center solutions based on hyper-converged infrastructure, outsourced managed data center services, and an increasing utilization of cloud-based solutions in Microsoft Azure.

To reinforce the team, we are looking for a Service Owner for the Classical Data Center Service. The role carries end-to-end responsibility for operating the service globally and driving its evolution, transformation and roadmap, building on a deep understanding of classical data center technologies - from physical server infrastructure and peripherals through virtualization, storage, networking and facilities.

What you will do

Service ownership & strategy

• End-to-end accountability for the Classical Data Center Service across all dormakaba locations globally.
• Develop and continuously evolve the Classical Data Center strategy and multi-year technology roadmap, covering consolidation, modernization and progressive cloud adoption.
• Define, track and report service KPIs, SLAs and OLAs; ensure agreed service levels are met by internal teams and external providers.
• Financial management of the Classical data center service (Budgeting, forecasting and cost control)

Classical data center infrastructure & technology

• Govern the physical server infrastructure landscape - rack, tower and blade servers, server hardware architecture, firmware and driver lifecycle, hardware compatibility and refresh planning.
• Own the virtualization platform strategy and standards - hypervisor stacks (e.g. VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V), virtual machine lifecycle, resource allocation, high availability and clustering.
• Oversee storage and data-protection technologies - SAN/NAS and hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI), storage tiering, capacity and performance planning, backup and disaster recovery with defined RTO/RPO targets.
• Be accountable for data center facilities and peripherals - power (UPS, PDU), cooling, racks and cabling, KVM, physical access control and environmental monitoring - in cooperation with facilities and site teams.
• Continuously assess emerging technologies and evaluate them for ongoing service improvement, standardization and operational efficiency.

Vendor & managed service provider management

• Manage global vendors and outsourcing / managed service providers (MSPs); negotiate and govern contracts, SLAs and service credits.
• Shift operational effort and design or costing work performed by dormakaba staff toward managing MSPs to deliver - reducing in-house hands-on engineering in favor of provider governance.
• Define roles and responsibilities for all teams and partners involved in delivering the service.

Operations & service management

• Develop and operate the service in accordance with a 24x7 operations model, including incident, problem and change management aligned to ITIL practices.
• Drive standardization, automation and runbook maturity to reduce manual operational effort and improve reliability.
• Support security and risk initiatives - hardening, patching, vulnerability management and audit compliance across the classical infrastructure estate.

Transformation, projects & stakeholders

• Lead global transition, transformation and consolidation projects across a hybrid environment with internal teams and external partners.
• Consult both business and IT stakeholders in leveraging classical and hybrid solutions for the highest efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
• Work closely with dormakaba Research and Development teams and support their infrastructure strategy and requirements.
• Responsible for cost management, budgeting and resource planning for the service.

What we require

• 5+ years of experience operating and governing classical (on-premises) data centers at a global scale.
• 3+ years of experience in vendor and managed service provider management, including contract and SLA governance.
• Proven track record of leading global project and transformation teams in a hybrid environment with external partners.
• Experience delivering through partner and outsourcing organizations, shifting hands-on engineering to provider governance.

Technical expertise

• A deep understanding of classical data center technologies is essential for this role, including:
• Physical server infrastructure and peripherals - server hardware architecture, rack/blade/tower servers, firmware lifecycle and hardware compatibility lists.
• Virtualization platforms - VMware vSphere and/or Microsoft Hyper-V, VM lifecycle, resource management, high availability and disaster-recovery clustering.
• Storage and hyper-converged infrastructure - SAN/NAS, HCI (e.g. HPE SimpliVity), storage tiering, capacity and performance planning.
• Data center networking - LAN/SAN, switching, routing, firewalls, load balancing and segmentation.
• Backup, disaster recovery and business continuity - RTO/RPO definition and DR orchestration.
• Data center facilities - power, cooling, racks, cabling and environmental monitoring.
• Familiarity with IT service management (ITSM) tooling, monitoring and event management for 24x7 operations.
• Understanding of public cloud platforms (Microsoft Azure, AWS) sufficient to support and advise on migration projects from classical data centers to the cloud.

Certifications & methodologies

• ITIL v3/v4 Foundation (or equivalent).
• Certified project manager (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2) or equivalent proven project leadership.
• Experience with agile methodologies such as DevOps, Scrum and SAFe is a plus.
• Relevant technology certifications (e.g. VMware, Microsoft, ITIL) are an advantage.

Key qualities

• Team-oriented with a positive attitude and strong rapport with peers, internal customers and external partners.
• Able to multitask and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced, global environment.
• High-energy, creative and analytical thinker who overcomes challenges with pragmatic, visionary solutions.
• Proven project management and leadership capabilities, with the ability to drive outcomes through vendors and matrixed teams.
• Strong communicator able to engage technical and business stakeholders at all levels.

What we offer

• Best opportunities in a globally operating company valuing diversity, inclusion, sustainability and mutual trust
• Attractive remuneration package
• Opportunity for flexibility with a hybrid working model
• Home office allowance
• 25 days paid annual leave
• Additional health insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (Mental Health, Legal & Financial Counselling
• 102,26 EUR Food vouchers
• Public transportation card
• Optional parking space
• Multisport card
• Language training opportunity
• Employee referral program
• Brand new modern office premises in a class A Business building
• Fresh fruits in the office
• Training and mentorship programs
• Access to over 15,000 LinkedIn Learning courses to assist in your development

Who we are

We are at the heart of every place that matters. From automatic doors to cloud-based access management - as a leading global provider in the access solutions market for schools, banks, airports, hospitals, hotels, and many more, we enable seamless movement within secure, safe, and sustainable places. With over 160 years of experience and a focus on excellence and innovation, we offer exciting opportunities to grow in an environment where you can make a real impact. At dormakaba, you are encouraged to take initiative, develop your skills, and build your career alongside 16,000 experts worldwide who are setting industry standards every day.

Work in a place where you matter - apply now!