Third Party Data Centers Area Lead, Global Server Operations

Google Inc.; Lancaster (TX); On-site; USD 205,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

Google is seeking an Area Lead for Third Party Data Centers within Global Server Operations. You will act as General Manager for a designated Area, overseeing a large portfolio, leading Senior Site Leaders and Operations Managers, managing OPEX, and driving KPIs and safety culture.

You will oversee installation and maintenance of hardware and software lifecycles, align priorities with Cloud and broader business objectives, and collaborate across stakeholders to achieve operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience managing technical teams in charge of installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, or maintaining hardware servers and its components.
• 3 years of experience in site-level data center operational leadership.
• 3 years of experience developing and managing managers.
• Experience with different operating systems (e.g., Linux). Experience with developing network architecture.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift-based schedules as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a distributed team of Site Leaders to drive KPIs, safety, and a high-performance culture.
• Oversee the full hardware and software lifecycle, including installation and maintenance.
• Ensure data center priorities align with Cloud, Infrastructure, and broader business objectives.
• Drive efficiency and optimize resource allocation across the Area.
• Foster cross-functional partnerships with Data Center Ops, Networking, Safety, Construction, and Security to remove roadblocks.
• Host site visits for internal and external executives and manage engagements with public officials.

Skills

Leadership

Data center operations

Stakeholder management

Hardware installation & maintenance

Cross-functional collaboration

Shift-based availability

Education

Bachelor's degree in a technical field

Tools

Linux

Networking protocols

Job description

Third Party Data Centers Area Lead, Global Server Operations

Google Atlanta, GA, USA ; Austin, TX, USA ; +4 more ; +3 more

Advanced

Experience owning outcomes and decision making, solving ambiguous problems and influencing stakeholders;deep expertise in domain.

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 10 years of experience managing technical teams in charge of installing, configuring, testing, troubleshooting, or maintaining hardware servers and its components.
• 3 years of experience in site-level data center operational leadership.
• 3 years of experience developing and managing managers.
• Experience with different operating systems (e.g., Linux). Experience with developing network architecture.
• Ability to work non-standard hours, including working weekends, night shifts, holidays and on shift-based schedules as required.

Preferred qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a technical field, or equivalent practical experience.

About the job

Google isn't just a software company. The Hardware Operations team is responsible for monitoring the state-of-the-art physical infrastructure behind Google's powerful search technology. As a Hardware Operations Manager, you will manage a team of Data Center Technicians. You will oversee the quality installation of server hardware and components and take charge of complicated installations/troubleshooting.

Your team will install, configure, test, troubleshoot and maintain hardware (like servers and its components) and server software (like Google's Linux cluster). They will also take on the configuration of more complex components such as networks, routers, hubs, bridges, switches and networking protocols. They may lead small project teams on larger installations and develop project contingency plans.

As an Area Lead, you will act as the General Manager for a designated Area, assuming full accountability for the operational success of a massive data center portfolio. You will lead a team of Senior Site Leaders and Operations Managers, balancing complex priorities including full OPEX management, operational efficiency, and key performance metrics (KPIs). Beyond the metrics, you will be responsible for defining the region’s identity—driving a relentless commitment to site safety and fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

Behind everything our users see online is the architecture built by the Technical Infrastructure team to keep it running. From developing and maintaining our data centers to building the next generation of Google platforms, we make Google's product portfolio possible. We’re proud to be our engineers' engineers and love voiding warranties by taking things apart so we can rebuild them. We keep our networks up and running, ensuring our users have the best and fastest experience possible.

Individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

• US: $205000 - $285000 (USD) + 25% bonus target + equity + benefits

• Lead, mentor, and hire a distributed team of Site Leaders to drive operational consistency, safety, and KPIs. Foster a high-performance, culture using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to ensure accountability while empowering local leadership.
• Oversee the full hardware and software lifecycle, including installation and maintenance. Ensure data center priorities align directly with Cloud, Infrastructure, and broader business objectives.
• Drive efficiency and optimize resource allocation across the Area. Strategically align business objectives with workforce development to maximize output and operational performance.
• Foster cross-functional partnerships for operational synergy. Collaborate with stakeholders including Data Center Operations (DCOps), Networking, Safety, Construction, and Security to remove roadblocks.
• Host site visits for internal and external executives. Partner with Government Affairs to manage engagements with public officials during key milestones.

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy , Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal , Belonging at Google , and How we hire .

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.