Continental develops pioneering technologies and services for sustainable and connected mobility of people and their goods. Founded in 1871, the technology company offers safe, efficient, intelligent and affordable solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic and transportation. In 2024, Continental generated sales of €39.7 billion and currently employs around 190,000 people in 55 countries and markets. With its premium portfolio in the car, truck, bus, two-wheel and specialty tire segment, the Tires group sector stands for innovative solutions in tire technology. Intelligent products and services related to tires and the promotion of sustainability complete the product portfolio. For specialist dealers and fleet management, Tires offers digital tire monitoring and tire management systems, in addition to other services, with the aim of keeping fleets mobile and increasing their efficiency. With its tires, Continental makes a significant contribution to safe, efficient and environmentally friendly mobility. We are seeking an experienced **Datacenter Infrastructure Architect & Senior VMware Specialist** to lead the **design, optimization, and management** of our **virtualization and datacenter infrastructure** . This role combines **infrastructure architecture, service design, and provider management** , ensuring a **scalable, secure, and high-performing IT environment** . As a **Level 3 Senior Specialist** , you will provide **expert-level VMware support** , drive **automation** , and **oversee external service providers** , ensuring compliance with **SLAs** , **high availability (HA)** , **disaster recovery (DR)** , and **security standards** . If you have **deep expertise in VMware, hypervisors, and datacenter services** , we’d love to hear from you! **Key Responsibilities:** 1. **Datacenter Infrastructure Design & Optimization** + Design and optimize **compute, storage, networking** , and **backup** with a focus on **VMware virtualization** . + Implement **best practices** for **scalability, availability, and security** , ensuring compliance with industry standards. + Plan and manage **technology refresh cycles** , capacity, and future scalability. 1. **Service Provider & Vendor Management** + Oversee **external service providers** , ensuring **contractual compliance** and **high-quality** service delivery. + Manage **SLAs** , evaluate vendor performance, and drive **continuous improvement** . + Develop and maintain **disaster recovery** and **business continuity** strategies with service providers. 1. **VMware Virtualization Architecture & Operations** + Design, implement, and optimize **VMware platforms** for performance and security. + Define and maintain **virtualization best practices** (HA, FT, DR, resource management). + Ensure **seamless integration** of VMware with **storage, networking** , and **security** . 1. **Advanced VMware Troubleshooting & Level 3 Support** + Provide **expert-level support** and act as the **escalation point** for VMware-related incidents. + Troubleshoot and optimize **virtualization environments** for **efficiency** and **reliability** . + Lead **root cause analysis (RCA)** and implement **long-term solutions** . 1. **IT Service Management & Governance** + Establish a **support hierarchy (L1-L3)** and ensure documentation and escalation procedures are in place. + Manage **incident, change** , and **problem management** processes. + Identify and implement **automation** and **cost optimization** opportunities. 1. **Innovation & Future Strategy** + Evaluate **emerging technologies** and define **automation strategies** to improve operations. + Stay updated on **datacenter** and **virtualization** trends to drive future improvements. DataCenter technologies + Strong understanding of datacenter stack components, technologies and architecture including server, storage, backup, SAN, hypervisor, LAN, OS, Monitoring, Log Management, scripting, converged infrastructure, NAS, FC. + Monitoring and performance management, capacity planning, IT security & compliance, risk management, industry standards. + 5+ years of experience working in data center technologies or operations. + Management experience represents a plus. VMware Architect/Expert + DC infrastructure architect, Broadcom/VMware vSphere architect and Expert, VMware Aria knowledge, VSAN knowledge, DC-LAN, NSX. + Expertise in VMware Horizon, VDI, SRM, expertise in capacity planning and resource optimization, security best practices. Service provider management + Previous experience with contract & SLA management, performance evaluations, Issue escalation & problem resolution, cost & budget control is a plus. Soft skills + Good communication, proficient in English, both spoken and written, Intercultural sensitivity. + ITSM processes, ITIL, project management (Agile and classic). + Experience in service management tools and software, + Strong problem-solving and analytical skills Strategic thinking + Capability to create and implement business strategies that optimize data center operations. + 13th salary; + Performance bonus; + Christmas & Easter bonus; + Seniority bonus; + Flexible working time; + Competitive salaries & benefits; + Health & wellness (Life Assurance, Private Health and Dental Insurance, Sport activities, Canteen, 24/7 Helpline with Psychologists etc.); + Different discounts (tires, glasses, medical, shopping, etc.); + Relocation bonus for non-Timisoara Residents; + Professional development opportunities (in Technical and Leadership Areas); + International Work Environment & Traveling Opportunities. Ready to drive with Continental? 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