Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic
Aleksandar Ilarionov

Aleksandar Ilarionov

Amsterdam

Summary

Dynamic and motivated Project and Program Manager with hands-on experience in hyper-scale data center operations and mobilization. Known for a strong ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing environments, I excel in problem-solving, risk management, and strategic planning. With excellent teamwork and communication skills, I have a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget while maintaining high standards of quality. My organized and prioritized approach ensures efficiency in managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines. Capable of working under pressure, I stay calm and focused, driving success in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Dedicated to continuous improvement and innovation, I am committed to achieving strategic objectives and fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders.

Overview

7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Data Center Program/Project Manager

Microsoft
02.2021 - Current
  • Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives, ensuring strategic alignment and resource optimization.
  • Managed end-to-end project lifecycles from procurement to commissioning, consistently delivering projects on time and within budget.
  • Developed and initiated projects, effectively managing costs and monitoring performance to meet defined KPIs.
  • Provided daily management of IT and non-IT Data Center operations, maintaining high availability and reliability.
  • Directed new deployments, break/fix activities, decommissions, and expansions within Data Centers, ensuring minimal disruption and operational continuity.
  • Implemented change management processes to facilitate smooth transitions and minimize operational impacts.
  • Tracked and reported on Service Level Agreements (SLAs), ensuring adherence to performance standards and contractual obligations.
  • Reviewed Statements of Work (SOW) and created contracts, aligning deliverables with project and business requirements.
  • Conducted comprehensive security reviews and reporting, maintaining compliance with industry standards and best practices.
  • Managed resources and led teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
  • Led AMS New Campus mobilization, ensuring efficient setup and seamless integration into existing operations.
  • Managed supplier and vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and optimizing performance and cost-efficiency.
  • Ensured campus compliance and assurance through regular audits and adherence to regulatory requirements.
  • Developed and maintained IT/Power maintenance programs, ensuring uninterrupted service and operational excellence.
  • Acted as a team lead, guiding and mentoring team members to achieve project goals and professional development.

CO+I DCD Project/Program Manager Intern

Microsoft
05.2023 - 08.2023
  • Contributed to Data Center Development projects, gaining hands-on experience in the lifecycle of hyper-scale data centers.
  • Assisted in the design and planning of data center infrastructure, ensuring efficient and scalable solutions.
  • Supported the delivery of AMS13/14 hyperscale data center building projects, focusing on construction management and project timelines.
  • Coordinated with general contractors, ensuring adherence to project specifications, timelines, and budget constraints.
  • Facilitated data center infrastructure integration, ensuring seamless incorporation of new systems into existing frameworks

Data Center Engineer

Microsoft
10.2019 - 01.2021
  • Accepted tasks and documented status using ticketing systems, time reports, and email, ensuring clear communication and tracking of project progress.
  • Integrated fiber-optic and copper cabling technologies with new and existing network infrastructures, enhancing data center connectivity and performance.
  • Recorded received products into databases using asset tag information, product manufacturer, model, and serial number, maintaining accurate inventory records.
  • Planned, organized, and executed tasks for mobilizing capacity for new data center build-outs, ensuring timely project completion.
  • Managed communication between stakeholders, vendors, and third parties, facilitating effective collaboration and project coordination.
  • Created detailed maps for cable installations, ensuring precise and efficient cabling work.
  • Supervised team members, allocating tasks and providing guidance to ensure project success.
  • Set scope and created schedules for vendors hired for specific tasks, ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
  • Managed materials delivery, maintaining stable inventory levels to support the team's day-to-day activities.
  • Performed fiber and copper cable installations, patching, dressing, labeling, testing, and troubleshooting, ensuring optimal network performance.
  • Deployed data center infrastructure, including hardware rack installations, moving, racking equipment, and necessary wiring.
  • Supported the deployment of physical infrastructure, including servers and network devices, ensuring seamless integration into the data center.
  • Conducted maintenance and troubleshooting of devices in production, ensuring continuous operation and minimizing downtime.
  • Decommissioned data center equipment, following best practices for safe and efficient removal


Data Center Engineer

Impact Data Solution (IDS)
02.2017 - 09.2019
  • Supervised junior team members, efficiently allocating ongoing tasks and providing mentorship to enhance team productivity.
  • Performed fiber and copper cable installations, patching, dressing, labeling, testing, and troubleshooting, ensuring high-quality network performance.
  • Built data center infrastructure from the ground up, contributing to robust and scalable environments.
  • Executed projects end-to-end, managing all phases from planning to completion to ensure successful delivery.
  • Installed hardware racks, moved and racked equipment, and completed necessary wiring to support data center operations.
  • Supported the deployment of physical infrastructure, including servers, network devices, and SANs, ensuring seamless integration and functionality.
  • Decommissioned data center equipment, handling the replacement and physical troubleshooting of hardware components, power cycles, and storage media.
  • Swapped out failed components, including PDUs, cabling, and batteries, to maintain operational efficiency.
  • Utilized Fiber Fusion Splicer for precise and reliable fiber optic connections, enhancing network reliability and performance.

Education

Masters Degree - International Economics

Veliko Turnovo University
2019

Bachelor of Science - Social Works

Veliko Turnovo University
2016

Skills

  • Project and Program Management
  • Hyper-Scale Data Center Operations
  • Agile Methodologies
  • Risk Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Stakeholder Management
  • Team Leadership
  • Problem solving
  • Time Management
  • Communication Skills
  • Process Improvement
  • Compliance Monitoring
  • Root Cause Analysis

Certification

  • PMP - Project Management Professional (Ongoing)
  • ITILv4
  • CDCP - Certified Data Center Professional - EPI-Academy
  • ISO 27001 Advanced Risk & Implementation
  • ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor
  • ISO 9001:2015 Implementation Training
  • Azure Fundamental - Microsoft

Timeline

CO+I DCD Project/Program Manager Intern

Microsoft
05.2023 - 08.2023

Data Center Program/Project Manager

Microsoft
02.2021 - Current

Data Center Engineer

Microsoft
10.2019 - 01.2021

Data Center Engineer

Impact Data Solution (IDS)
02.2017 - 09.2019

Masters Degree - International Economics

Veliko Turnovo University

Bachelor of Science - Social Works

Veliko Turnovo University
Aleksandar Ilarionov