OVERVIEW:

From corrugated packaging, paper bags, retail displays, pre-print, supply and inventory management, paper mills and recycling, Atlantic is strategically positioned to provide customers with a total packaging solution.

 THE OPPORTUNITY:

As the Senior Data Center Administrator at Atlantic Packaging, you will be responsible for the administration, maintenance, and optimization of data center infrastructure across multiple sites in Canada and the USA. This role plays a critical part in ensuring operational stability, scalability, and security of enterprise storage, compute, and network environments. The successful candidate will work closely with the Technology Modernization Office (TMO) team to support IT infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with strategic goals and modernization initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data Center Operations & Management

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of data centers across multiple sites, ensuring high availability, performance, and security.
• Manage compute, storage, and networking infrastructure, ensuring compliance with company policies and industry best practices.
• Coordinate with on-site and remote teams for regular maintenance, hardware installations, and troubleshooting.
• Implement capacity planning strategies to ensure adequate resources are available for current and future workloads.
• Monitor system logs and proactively identify and address potential issues or security vulnerabilities.
• Perform regular system backups and ensure data integrity and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Conduct system performance analysis and capacity planning to ensure optimal performance and scalability.

Windows Server Administration

• Install, configure, and maintain Windows Server operating systems and related software in a VMware environment.
• Monitor and manage Windows servers, services, and applications to ensure high availability and optimal performance.
• Manage Active Directory, including user accounts, permissions, and group policies.
• Install, configure, and maintain various server roles and features, such as DHCP, DNS, file services, and print services.
• Monitor and maintain system security, including antivirus software, firewalls, and system patches and updates.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to Windows systems, network connectivity, and application software.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and best practices related to Windows systems administration.

Project Management & TMO Collaboration

• Work closely with the TMO team to execute data center modernization projects, including hardware refreshes, migrations, and technology upgrades.
• Support infrastructure consolidation efforts across multiple acquired entities, ensuring seamless integration and standardization.
• Assist in the transition from legacy systems to modern hybrid cloud.
• Provide technical expertise in data center automation, orchestration, and optimization efforts.
• Partner with cross-functional IT teams to ensure smooth project implementation and alignment with enterprise IT strategies.

Infrastructure Security & Compliance

• Ensure data center security controls are implemented and maintained, including physical and logical access restrictions.
• Maintain compliance with relevant industry standards and internal policies, such as SOC 2, ISO 27001, and NIST guidelines.
• Collaborate with security and governance teams to ensure adherence to corporate standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and audits to proactively identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

Incident Response & Troubleshooting

• Lead incident response efforts for critical data center infrastructure issues, ensuring timely resolution and minimal business disruption.
• Act as an escalation point for high-severity issues related to storage, compute, or network infrastructure.
• Perform root cause analysis (RCA) on recurring incidents and implement long-term fixes.
• Collaborate with other IT teams to integrate Windows systems with other platforms and technologies.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with hardware and service vendors, including contracts, warranties, and support agreements.
• Work with internal IT teams, third-party providers, and contractors to support data center initiatives.
• Evaluate new technologies and solutions to enhance data center efficiency and resiliency.
• Create and maintain system documentation, including configuration details, troubleshooting guides, and standard operating procedures.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS:

• 8+ years of experience in data center administration, IT infrastructure, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of enterprise storage (NetApp, Dell, Tintri etc.), virtualization (VMware), and compute infrastructure (Dell).
• Experience managing multi-site data center environments.
• Familiarity with hybrid cloud architectures, including integration with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
• Hands-on experience with data center automation and orchestration tools.
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals, including LAN, WAN, and SD-WAN solutions.
• Experience working on technology modernization projects, migrations, and infrastructure standardization.
• Knowledge of ITIL processes, incident management, and change management best practices.
• Ability to travel as needed to various locations across Canada and the USA.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor junior administrators and coordinate with cross-functional teams.

Preferred Certifications

• VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
• NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA) or equivalent storage certification
• Fortinet NSE 3 or NSE 4
• ITIL v4 Foundation
• Certified Data Center Professional (CDCP) or equivalent

COMPETENCIES:

Customer Focus - Personally demonstrates that external and internal customers are a high priority. Identifies customer needs and expectations and responds to them in a timely and effective manner. Anticipates and prevents delays or other things that can adversely affect the customer. Keeps customers informed about the status of pending actions and audits customer satisfaction with products or services.

Decision Quality - Gathers enough information to allow a pragmatic assessment of risks and benefits of alternative approaches in any decision. Stays focused on objectives and considers both the short-term and longer-term impact of decisions and keeps objectives in mind throughout the process. Communicates the impact and implications of decisions. Completes the appropriate level of due diligence required to make a quick, accurate decision.

Drive for Results - Achieves results within established timelines. Understands and demonstrates that intentions, activities and results are not the same. Pursues everything with energy, drive, and a need to finish; does not give up after finishing, even in the face of resistance or setbacks; consistently challenges self and others for results.

Leadership - The expectation of leadership is not reserved solely for only those who are in positions of authority, but from all employees. They demonstrate high integrity and are motivated by wanting to make a real difference to people by delivering a high-quality service for their customer and the organization. In positions of authority they: invest in development for the right people and identify and develop future leaders, and coach and provide candid feedback to others. They are visible and they model behaviors, competencies and values expected and inspire others to undertake challenging tasks and projects.

Teamwork - Is an effective team player who adds complementary skills and contributes valuable ideas, opinions and feedback. Communicates in an open and candid manner and can be counted upon to fulfill any commitments made to others on the team. Ensures the right stakeholders are informed and involved where necessary. Is ready to “roll up their sleeves” as necessary.

Think and Act like an owner - Thinks and cares about the organization like an owner. Commits to and upholds organizational values, and core behaviors even under difficult circumstances. Demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and dedication to the success of the organization. Takes appropriate risks, holds self and others accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results and openly raises a challenge even if others don't.