Head of Data Center Operations Job Vacancy in Zomba, Malawi – Technology & Infrastructure

Job Description

Position:Head of Data Center Operations

Company:Google Malawi

Location:Zomba, Malawi

Experience:10+ years

Education:Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field

Employment Type:Full-time

Industry:Technology & Infrastructure

Department:Data Center Operations

Salary:SSP 30,000,000 – SSP 45,000,000 per annum

Vacancies:1

Company Overview

Google Malawi is a leading subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., dedicated to delivering innovative digital solutions across the African continent. With a strong commitment to sustainable growth, Google Malawi has established state‑of‑the‑art data centers that power cloud services, search capabilities, and a suite of productivity tools for businesses and individuals alike. Our mission is to accelerate digital transformation in Malawi, creating a resilient infrastructure that supports local enterprises, government agencies, and educational institutions. As part of our expansion strategy, we are investing heavily in the Zomba region to tap into its strategic location, reliable power supply, and skilled workforce. This investment not only strengthens our network but also contributes to the broader economic development of the region, aligning with national goals for technology adoption and job creation. By joining Google Malawi, you become part of a global community that values innovation, diversity, and social impact, while enjoying access to cutting‑edge technologies and professional growth opportunities.

Job Overview

The Head of Data Center Operations will lead the end‑to‑end management of Google’s data center facilities in Zomba. This senior role is responsible for ensuring optimal performance, reliability, and security of all hardware, software, and networking components that underpin our cloud services. You will oversee a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technicians, and support staff, driving operational excellence through continuous improvement, automation, and adherence to industry best practices. The position requires strategic planning, budget oversight, and close collaboration with cross‑functional partners including security, sustainability, and product development teams. As a key leader, you will shape the future of data center operations in Malawi, fostering a culture of innovation, safety, and environmental stewardship. This role offers a unique opportunity to influence the digital landscape of the nation while working within a globally recognized technology leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies to achieve 99.999% uptime and meet service level agreements.
• Lead, mentor, and evaluate a team of 30+ engineers, technicians, and support personnel.
• Manage capacity planning, hardware lifecycle, and infrastructure upgrades to support growing demand.
• Implement robust security protocols, ensuring compliance with ISO 27001, SOC 2, and local regulations.
• Oversee energy efficiency initiatives, targeting a minimum 15% reduction in Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) annually.
• Coordinate with procurement and finance to control operational expenditures and optimize cost structures.
• Drive automation projects using scripting, AI‑based monitoring, and predictive analytics.
• Establish disaster recovery and business continuity plans, conducting regular drills and audits.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to align infrastructure capabilities with new service launches.
• Report performance metrics, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.

Required Skills

• Deep expertise in data center design, operations, and management.
• Proficiency with virtualization, containerization, and cloud platforms (e.g., Google Cloud, Kubernetes).
• Strong knowledge of networking protocols, storage systems, and power distribution.
• Experience implementing automation tools such as Ansible, Terraform, or Puppet.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on data‑driven decision making.
• Commitment to safety, sustainability, and regulatory compliance.

Education

A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline is required. Advanced certifications such as Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, Cisco CCNP, or ITIL Master are highly desirable.

Experience

Minimum of ten years of progressive experience in data center operations, with at least five years in a senior leadership role overseeing large‑scale facilities. Proven track record of managing high‑availability environments and delivering cost‑effective solutions in fast‑growing markets.

Salary

The compensation package ranges from SSP 30,000,000 to SSP 45,000,000 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications. The package includes performance‑based bonuses, stock options, and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

• Competitive health insurance covering medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
• Generous paid time off and parental leave policies.
• Employee assistance program and wellness initiatives.
• Access to Google’s global learning platforms and career development resources.

Training

• On‑boarding program with mentorship from senior Google engineers.
• Continuous technical training on emerging cloud technologies and data center automation.
• Leadership development workshops and certification sponsorship.

Working Environment

Google Malawi offers a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative workplace. Our Zomba data center features modern facilities, ergonomic workstations, and a vibrant community of professionals dedicated to excellence. Employees enjoy flexible working arrangements, a supportive culture, and opportunities to contribute to projects that have a tangible impact on Malawi’s digital future.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their application through our online portal. Please include a detailed resume, cover letter outlining your relevant experience, and any supporting certifications. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information about our hiring process, visit https://malawijobsearch.com/.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Google Malawi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status.