IT Head - Data Centre

• *About Calinova**

Calinova Group is a high\-growth DeepTech enterprise building businesses at the intersection of technology, digital infrastructure, and next\-generation data\-driven solutions. With an ambitious growth strategy and significant investments planned across its businesses, the Group is entering a transformational phase of scale, institutionalisation, and capital\-market readiness.

Backed by Allied Group, a market leader in Data Centre, Civil, and MEP solutions with over 20 years of industry experience and more than 200 projects delivered across the UAE, Germany, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia.

The Group's ecosystem comprises

· **NOVA DC 99\.9:** Kerala's first TIA\-942 Rated 3 Sovereign Data Centre, located at Government Cyberpark, Nellikode, Kozhikode, with a planned full\-buildout capacity of 20MW.

· **NOVA Arena:** A 1\.35 million sq. ft. Grade\-A Technology Workspace.

· **NOVA Solutions:** Offering AI Strategy Consulting, MLOps, and Resource Staffing.

· **AI Innovation Hub:** A cohort\-based Startup Accelerator and AI Compute Lab.

• *The Opportunity**

Calinova Innovation Pvt Ltd is building Kerala's first sovereign AI Datacenter and an integrated AI ecosystem in Kozhikode. As we scale rapidly across our datacenter, cloud, and AI verticals, we are looking for a seasoned DC IT Head to anchor the technical operations of our infrastructure.The role will also oversee IT operations across multiple data centre locations with an aggregate capacity of 20 MW.

This is a leadership role that sits at the heart of our operations, you will own the NOC, SOC, Servers, Network, Cloud, and GPU domains end\-to\-end, and build and lead the team that keeps Calinova's infrastructure running at 99\.986% uptime.

• *Key Responsibilities**

• *1\. NOC \& SOC (Network \& Security Operations Centre)**

• Set up and lead the 24×7 NOC function from ground up; define monitoring frameworks, escalation SOPs, and incident response playbooks
• Ensure real\-time visibility across all infrastructure layers : power, cooling, compute, network, and cloud via DCIM and monitoring tools
• Define and track SLAs, uptime commitments, and incident resolution KPIs; report to COO weekly
• Build and manage a NOC team of engineers across shifts; hire, train, and retain talent
• Drive continuous improvement: reduce MTTR, improve alert quality, eliminate false positives
• Own SOC (Security Operations Centre) functions: cybersecurity threat monitoring, detection, and incident response, integrated with the NOC's monitoring and escalation framework
• Define and implement policies, procedures, and systems to monitor, manage, and govern IT infrastructure across the organisation

• *2\. Server \& Compute Infrastructure**

• Own end\-to\-end lifecycle management of all server infrastructure physical and virtual including provisioning, patching, monitoring, and decommissioning
• Manage GPU server clusters for AI workloads, building out Calinova's private cloud and private GPU infrastructure; manage GPU and server OEM relationships; integrate AI into operations to drive efficiency and create value; ensure optimal performance, availability, and resource utilisation
• Define and implement server configuration standards, baseline hardening policies, and change management protocols
• Oversee storage infrastructure: NAS, SAN, NVMe arrays; capacity planning and performance optimisation
• Manage hypervisor environments and container platforms (Kubernetes, Docker)

• *3\. Network Infrastructure**

• Own design, deployment, and operations of the datacenter network: spine\-leaf architecture, TOR switches, firewall clusters, load balancers, and structured cabling
• Manage BGP peering, ISP redundancy, and DDoS mitigation for datacenter connectivity
• Lead network security: firewall policy management, IDS/IPS, VLAN segmentation, zero\-trust network access
• Oversee bandwidth planning, latency monitoring, and network performance optimisation for co\-location and cloud clients, including management of multiple ISP relationships
• Manage vendor relationships: Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Palo Alto, or equivalent

• *4\. Cloud Operations**

• Own Calinova's private cloud platform operations: IaaS, PCaaS, and GPU\-as\-a\-Service (GPUaaS) delivery, including the GPU cluster management platform covering orchestration, job scheduling, workload placement, GPU telemetry and monitoring, and multi\-tenant resource allocation
• Manage cloud orchestration platforms and automation pipelines; ensure scalable, self\-service cloud provisioning for clients
• Define and maintain cloud security posture: IAM, encryption, secrets management, vulnerability management
• Support enterprise clients migrating workloads to NOVA DC cloud; provide hands\-on technical guidance
• Explore and implement Generative AI use cases within operations: AIOps, predictive maintenance, intelligent alerting

• *5\. Team \& Vendor Management**

• Build and lead the DC IT team across NOC, SOC, Servers, Network, and Cloud domains
• Own the hiring pipeline for all technical roles in the DC; work closely with the COO and Chief People Officer
• Manage relationships with OEM vendors, system integrators, and maintenance partners; negotiate SLAs and contracts
• Drive a culture of ownership, documentation, and continuous learning within the team

• *6\. Compliance \& Security**

• Lead the organisation's journey toward TIA\-942 Rated 3, ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, SOC 1 \& SOC 2, PCI DSS, CSA STAR, ISO 9001, ISO 20000\-1, ISO 22301, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and other related certifications
• Own the ISMS (Information Security Management System) and ensure all controls are implemented and audited
• Coordinate with external auditors, compliance consultants, and government agencies as required
• Ensure all operations comply with DPDP Act 2023, RBI data localisation guidelines, and applicable IT regulations

• *7\. Multi\-location Data Centre Operations**

• Oversee IT operations across data centres in multiple locations, managing an aggregate data centre capacity of 20 MW and ensuring consistent service delivery across all facilities.
• Establish standardised monitoring, incident management, capacity planning, security, and performance management practices across geographically distributed data centre facilities.
• Ensure consistent uptime, operational resilience, compliance, and service\-level commitments across all locations.

• *Ideal Candidate**

• *Must Have**

• 15\+ years of experience in IT Infrastructure, Datacenter Operations, or Technology Services
• Proven experience managing NOC /SOC operations, preferably in a 24×7 enterprise datacenter environment
• Hands\-on expertise in server infrastructure (physical \& virtual), storage systems, and hypervisor platforms
• Strong networking background: routing, switching, firewall management, and datacenter network architecture
• Experience in private or hybrid cloud platforms (OpenStack, VMware vCloud, or equivalent)
• Experience working with or supporting Indian enterprise / domestic market clients
• Strong leadership skills ,ability to hire, mentor, and retain a technical team

• *Good to Have**

• Exposure to GPU compute infrastructure and AI/ML workload management
• Experience with Generative AI use cases in IT operations (AIOps, intelligent automation)
• Familiarity with TIA 942, ISO, or other datacenter / ISMS certification processes
• Prior experience in a startup or greenfield datacenter setup
• Certifications: CCNP / CCIE, VCP, AWS / Azure / GCP, ITIL, or equivalent

• *Educational Qualification**

• Bachelor's degree (B.E./B.Tech) in Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics \& Communication Engineering, Electrical \& Electronics Engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A postgraduate qualification such as M.Tech/M.E. in a relevant technical discipline or an MBA in Technology/Operations Management will be an added advantage.
• Relevant certifications in data centre infrastructure, networking, cloud platforms, or IT service management will be preferred.

• *What We Offer**

· Build from Scratch: This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape Kerala's first sovereign AI Data Centre from Day 1, taking ownership of a greenfield project with significant scope for innovation and growth.

· Leadership \& Ownership: The role offers end\-to\-end ownership of these critical domains: NOC, SOC, Servers, Network, Cloud, and GPU, with direct reporting to the COO.

· Competitive compensation benchmarked to your experience and market standards

· ESOPs / performance\-linked incentives for senior leadership roles

· Fast\-paced, founder\-led culture with direct access to decision\-makers

· Opportunity to build and lead your own team from the ground up

• *Location \& Reporting**

• *Reports To**

COO – Calinova Innovation Pvt Ltd

• *Location**

Kozhikode (Calicut), Kerala, India

• *Work Mode**

On\-site (Kozhikode) \| Flexibility considered for the right candidate

• *Employment Type**

Full\-Time \| Senior Leadership

• *Experience Required**

15\+ years in IT Infrastructure / Datacenter Operations

• *Notice Period**

Immediate to 60 days preferred

• *How to Apply**

If this role excites you, we'd love to hear from you. Please reach out directly to:

• *Email**

careers@calinova.ai

• *Website**

https://www.calinova.ai

Benefits

• Commuter assistance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Leave encashment
• Life insurance
• Paid sick time
• Paid time off
• Provident Fund

Application Question(s)

• How many years of total experience do you have in IT Infrastructure / Data Centre Operations?
• What is the total IT load capacity (in MW) of the data centre infrastructure you have managed?
• What is the total number of racks and servers managed under your responsibility?
• Do you have experience managing 24×7 NOC/SOC operations, Servers, Network and Private/Hybrid Cloud infrastructure?
• What is the maximum team strength (direct and indirect reports) you have managed?
• What is your current Annual CTC(in LPA)?
• What is your current notice period, and when can you join?

Work Location: In person