SURF · Standplaats: Amsterdam · 3 april 2026
Team Lead Datacenter Operations & Networking
Would you like to manage a team of data center and network engineers and contribute to the development of data center services? Would you enjoy working together to build one of the most advanced ICT infrastructures in the Netherlands, ensuring that researchers, students, and teachers always have secure and fast access to crucial ICT facilities?
Then this role as team lead and product manager could be your next step! Together with your team, you will ensure that the foundation is stable, future-proof, and secure. In this way, you will make a direct contribution to top-level research and education in the Netherlands.
Where you will work
SURF is the IT cooperative for Dutch education and research institutions. Together, we develop innovative digital services and solutions that make a real difference in education and research.
Working at SURF means working in an open, informal, and people-oriented organization. We believe it is important that you can use and further develop your talents. That is why we offer a great deal of flexibility, an eye for work-life balance, and excellent terms of employment.
The team you will join
As team lead and service owner for Data Center Operations & Networking, you will ensure that the data and computing infrastructure behind our services runs optimally. You will be formally positioned in the Advanced Solutions for Research unit, but your team will be responsible for the data centers within SURF that are also used by other units. This means you will be working across SURF to improve the reliability, security, and innovative power of our infrastructure.
You will report to the Data Services department manager, part of the Advanced Solutions for Research unit. This unit provides computing and data services and keeps them future-proof by continuing to innovate. You will lead a close-knit team (currently 10 FTE) with extensive expertise in data center networking and operations. Within the unit, you will work closely with the MT and the technical leads to ensure that technology and strategy go hand in hand.
What you will do
This is a dual role: half of your time will be spent as a team leader and the other half as a product manager. You will lead a team of 10 and be involved in specifying new data center infrastructure and architecture. You will maintain external and internal contacts for the latest technical developments in the field of networking. You will also be responsible for data center-specific hardware and data center operations, and you will be aware of your facilitating role for the research services. You are not afraid to lead major changes in the data center.
Your other responsibilities will include:
Your skills and experience
With this vacancy an assessment can be part of the selection procedure
Prior to starting this job, a VOG must be presented .
SURF takes pleasure in doing its recruitment itself; acquisition is therefore not appreciated.
Applying for a job at SURF
This is what you can expect
Apply
After submitting your application, you will immediately receive a confirmation e-mail.
Response
After the the closing date, you will receive a response from our recruitment team.
First interview
We invite you to our office, because we want to get to know you.
Second interview
We invite you again for an interview with others who also want to get to know you.
Assessment
We may ask you to do an assignment (assessment).
Are you the right person?
Then you will receive a salary offer from one of our HR advisors.
Welcome to SURF!
You join onboarding activities with other new colleagues.
Location Science Park 140, 1098, 1098 XG Amsterdam, Nederland, 1098 XG, Amsterdam, Netherlands Degree HBO/WO Employment Fixed term with permanent employment intention Salary €5450 - €7786 Hours per week 32 to 40 hours Deadline 12 April 2026 Substantive questions Ory Zurr
Questions about procedure
What we offer
Research shows: many people do not apply for a job until they can tick all the boxes. We think talent, commitment and fresh insights are just as important. So do you find this job opening interesting? Don't hold back and apply!
Apply for "Teamlead Datacenter Operations & Networking"