Team Lead, Data Centre Operations at IpNX Nigeria Limited

ipNX Nigeria Limited is a leading provider of infrastructure-based Telecommunications and Information Technology services here in Nigeria. Leveraging more than a decade of experience, the company was formed by the divestment of the telecommunications services division of Telnet Nigeria Limited and has been in operation for many years. ipNX currently provides a range of communications and IT services to Corporate organizations within Nigeria on its IP (Internet Protocol) based communications network using both radio and satellite communications technologies. As part of its growth strategy, ipNX seeks to also extend its services to small and medium sized businesses and residential customers. In the long term, ipNX has determined that it needs also to have a strategic presence in the wire line market to ensure that we will be able to provide future services, which require high bandwidth in the last mile.

Key Activities

• Ensure adequate management of all data centre operations by adhering to all set Service Level Agreements on all Key Performance Indicators.
• Negotiate with service providers, ensuring delivery of efficiencies and cost savings, as well as conducting capacity planning, general capacity reviews, and driving infrastructure efficiencies across various areas.
• Implement heat and smoke detection and fire suppression to achieve efficiencies and compliance with IPNX standards.
• Ensure adequate cooling and power availability at all Data Centres, Collocated sites, and all Central Office locations, maintaining 99.5% power and cooling availability.
• Review and sign-off on all collocation and facility contracts, ensuring favorable clauses for ipNX.
• Engage effectively with all collocation service contracts, enforcing penalty clauses when required.
• Organize monthly governance meetings with service providers to review performance, identify areas of improvement, and ensure necessary corrections are made.
• Proactively detect and propose solutions to enhance the operations of all data centres.
• Drive the setup, supply, and installation of air conditioning, fire defense, and power reticulation for new Central Office builds within specified project delivery timelines.
• Efficiently manage contractors, ensuring service delivery in line with contract terms, and provide governance on performance.
• Ensure timely processing of all contractor payments and strict adherence to Infrastructure division Contractor Management Index.
• Ensure timely delivery of all customer services at the data centres.
• Establish a process to review risk assessments and method statements for work delivered as part of the facilities management service.
• Monitor all POP sites, Data centres, and Central office sites to proactively detect and resolve faults to avert avoidable outages.
• Drive end-to-end processes and procedures to manage Network infrastructure capacities and capabilities.
• Plan and execute maintenance of Network infrastructure, including management of leases, contracts, and statutory/regulatory compliance.
• Manage site acquisition agents to ensure timely acquisition and preparation of lease agreements for site rollout.
• Ensure legislative and statutory compliance of assets and services, including schedule examinations, inspections, and monitoring.
• Develop and execute a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for Infrastructure sustainability.
• Work with key stakeholders to approve planning structure, roles, teams, and prioritize critical business operations in the event of a disaster.
• Implement a detailed business operations plan, identify threats and risks, establish recovery processes, and ensure quality assurance.
• Proactively identify opportunities for technical and business management improvement, developing business cases and Investment Papers.
• Control and operational management of partners to deliver optimal end-to-end network availability and KPI targets.
• Provide engineering support and participate in investigations of incidents related to infrastructure failure.
• Hold contractors accountable for suitable asset management and maintenance, including planned preventive maintenance (PPM) and reactive maintenance.
• Support the implementation of a Disaster Recovery Plan for infrastructure facilities, ensuring flexible, context-based, and collaborative processes.
• Timely management of facility faults and reassurance communication to key stakeholders, end user groups, and senior leadership.

Deliverables

• Expected Key Results
• Successfully manage
• Data Centre layout and
• Environment

Key Competencies:

• Ensure provision of innovative ideas and solutions for service improvements throughout the company's Facilities.
• Ensure best value and cost-effective solutions for Facilities and IPNX delivery model.
• Support building tours to note and follow up on issues, ensuring high standards of maintenance.
• Regularly update central records on space utilization, occupancy levels, and related surveys.

Educational Qualifications & Functional Skills

• University Degree in Telecommunications/Electrical Electronics Engineering/Computer Science (2.2/Upper Credit Minimum).
• 3+ years' experience in Telecommunications Operations management.
• Advanced knowledge of mobile telecommunications network architecture/technologies.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in report writing.
• Curiosity and exposure to new and emerging technologies.
• Negotiation, facilitation, and consensus-building skills.
• Ability to work independently, handle multiple priorities, and resolve systems issues.
• Knowledge of Data Centre management will be an advantage.

Work Experience:

• At least 4 years' experience in Telecommunications Operations management.
• Minimum of 4+ years' in operation support, installations, and commissioning.
• Proven experience of working with multiple suppliers/vendors/partners.
• Experience in developing and implementing new FM strategy, plans, and systems.
• Experience with Safety Management systems.
• Significant leadership experience in planning and delivering building and services maintenance.
• Strong experience as a line manager and coach leading diverse teams.
• Experience in the Telecommunications industry with a track record of technical achievement.
• Experience with large-scale infrastructure automation.
• Knowledge and understanding of the Nigerian and global Information Technology Industry, especially Telecommunications.

Method of Application