About the position
Cogent Communications is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic professional to fill the role of Network Operations Center Manager in St. Paul, MN. This position is critical in managing the operations of data centers for Cogent, a leading Tier 1 facilities-based ISP known for its high-speed internet access and point-to-point transport services. The successful candidate will oversee the day-to-day operations of the data centers, ensuring that all facilities are running efficiently and effectively. This role requires a strong understanding of data center operations, including facilities engineering, critical equipment management, and vendor coordination. The Network Operations Center Manager will be responsible for managing multiple tasks and projects simultaneously, working with minimal supervision, and delivering excellent service to Cogent's data center customers. The position involves not only managing the local data center but also requires travel to other data center sites across North America. The successful applicant will be on-call 24/7/365, which includes responding to emergencies and supporting planned maintenance events, sometimes requiring overnight work. In addition to operational management, the role includes responsibilities such as provisioning work orders, managing large projects, overseeing maintenance and repair work with vendors, and maintaining databases and spreadsheets related to inventory and operations. The candidate must be proficient in using various software tools, including Microsoft Office programs, and possess strong documentation skills as this will be a key part of the position. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in data center facilities and operational best practices, as well as knowledge of cabling and basic networking practices.
Responsibilities
- Manage all operations for the data centers assigned to the DCOPS Manager responsibility.
- Provisioning Work Orders including allocating/installing cabinets, circuit cross connects, and circuit testing.
- Manage large/special projects such as HVAC and UPS augmentations, and assist with new data center acquisitions.
- Schedule and oversee maintenance and repair work with vendors/contractors, coordinating events with the NOC.
- Identify vendors and acquire/renew preventative maintenance contracts.
- Maintain databases and spreadsheets, e.g., Cabinet/Rack inventory.
- Program and maintain monitoring devices, software, and websites.
- Respond to urgent events as part of the 24/7 on-call position.
- Work on support tickets related to access and environmental issues.
- Run audits related to billing and security.
- Handle billing and finances regarding contractors, including generating POs for PMs and repair work, and updating billing databases.
- Assist cross-functional teams with issues, customer-related matters, and questions.
Requirements
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Strong multitasking skills to manage multiple tasks and projects in parallel.
- Experience managing vendors to deliver against contracts and orders.
- Familiarity with data center facilities and operational best practices.
- Knowledge of facilities engineering and critical equipment in the data center, including Electrical, HVAC systems, and Power systems such as UPS Units and Generators.
- Understanding of cabling and basic networking practices for performing various types of work orders and customer installs.
- Excellent customer service skills to deliver an exceptional service to Cogent's data center customers.
- Willingness to travel to other data center sites in North America.
- Ability to respond to issues, emergencies, and other matters requiring dispatch to a site.
- Proficiency in laptop/computer skills, typing, and data entry.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with Microsoft Office programs such as PowerPoint, Visio, Excel, and Word.
Benefits
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Paid Holidays
- Parental Leave
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Stock options
- Employee Assistance Program
