Team Lead Datacenter Operations & Networking

Would you like to manage a team of data center and network engineers and contribute to the development of data center services? Would you enjoy working together to build one of the most advanced ICT infrastructures in the Netherlands, ensuring that researchers, students, and teachers always have secure and fast access to crucial ICT facilities?

Then this role as team lead and product manager could be your next step! Together with your team, you will ensure that the foundation is stable, future-proof, and secure. In this way, you will make a direct contribution to top-level research and education in the Netherlands.

Where you will work

SURF is the IT cooperative for Dutch education and research institutions. Together, we develop innovative digital services and solutions that make a real difference in education and research.

Working at SURF means working in an open, informal, and people-oriented organization. We believe it is important that you can use and further develop your talents. That is why we offer a great deal of flexibility, an eye for work-life balance, and excellent terms of employment.

The team you will join

As team lead and service owner for Data Center Operations & Networking, you will ensure that the data and computing infrastructure behind our services runs optimally. You will be formally positioned in the Advanced Solutions for Research unit, but your team will be responsible for the data centers within SURF that are also used by other units. This means you will be working across SURF to improve the reliability, security, and innovative power of our infrastructure.

You will report to the Data Services department manager, part of the Advanced Solutions for Research unit. This unit provides computing and data services and keeps them future-proof by continuing to innovate. You will lead a close-knit team (currently 10 FTE) with extensive expertise in data center networking and operations. Within the unit, you will work closely with the MT and the technical leads to ensure that technology and strategy go hand in hand.

What you will do

This is a dual role: half of your time will be spent as a team leader and the other half as a product manager. You will lead a team of 10 and be involved in specifying new data center infrastructure and architecture. You will maintain external and internal contacts for the latest technical developments in the field of networking. You will also be responsible for data center-specific hardware and data center operations, and you will be aware of your facilitating role for the research services. You are not afraid to lead major changes in the data center.

Your other responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to SURF's strategic direction by advising on data center and network facilities for research services.
• Drawing up a long-term plan for the replacement and expansion of data center hardware such as switches, routers, and security equipment.
• Designing, planning, implementing, and managing the entire data center and network architecture.
• Ensuring professional change management, including participation in the Change Advisory Board and implementation of changes.
• Leading tendering processes for network equipment.
• Monitoring and improving security within all data centers, including keeping security levels up to date.

Your skills and experience

• HBO/WO working and thinking level with at least 5 years of experience in a managerial role and responsibility for IT services in the role of Product Manager or service owner.
• Experience with teams of technical experts;
• Results-oriented and a go-getter with vision;
• You maintain an overview and know how to organize;
• Knowledge of modern network technologies and network equipment.
• Experience with Agile, ITSM, or ITIL is a plus.
• Strong communication skills in both Dutch and English.

With this vacancy an assessment can be part of the selection procedure

Prior to starting this job, a VOG must be presented.

SURF takes pleasure in doing its recruitment itself; acquisition is therefore not appreciated.