Director IT Operations

Orbus•Woodridge, IL

About The Position

The IT Operations Director is a self-directed, hands-on role responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing day-to-day IT activities and maintaining the operational integrity of technology and services across all Orbus Enterprise sites. The role covers End User Computing, Network, Security, and Infrastructure, and helps business operations use IT help-desk services to improve efficiency and shift from reactive to proactive service. The director owns IT operations contracts, agreements, renewals, and strategic replacements; follows up on monitoring alerts; and proactively manages third-party managed service providers. Attention to detail, change management, and risk management are central to the role. The position combines operational service delivery and troubleshooting with strategic planning, regulatory readiness, vendor and contract management, staff guidance, best-practice development, risk management, and budget support. It also supports IT operations assessment and integration when Orbus acquires companies. The role requires travel to Orbus sites when required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
At least 7 years of relevant experience handling End User Computing, Network, Security, and Infrastructure.
Demonstrated experience with MS Office products, including Excel and Visio; Excel installation and configuration, macro configuration and operation.
Experience with Microsoft Windows servers and workstations and Mac OS workstations; Windows installation, setup, command shell, .NET services, imaging, and deployment.
Experience with antivirus and threat-prevention tools, including Sophos and Vectra AI; SIEM; PAM; email protection such as Mimecast; storage, backup, and recovery such as Synology and Cohesity; monitoring software such as SolarWinds and Site24x7; and help-desk solutions such as SolarWinds.
Experience with MS SQL database roles and permissions and ODBC connection setup and configuration.
Knowledge of networking concepts, including client software configuration and troubleshooting; firewalls and VPNs such as Palo Alto and GlobalProtect; wireless systems such as Aruba, Meraki, and Ubiquiti; network switches such as Cisco, Meraki, and Ubiquiti; directory services such as Windows Active Directory; internet and access protocols such as DNS, HTTP, SMTP, SSL, SSO, and MFA; and network types such as LAN, WAN, ISP, VLAN, and DMZ.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
High degree of attention to detail.
High energy level and willingness to learn new skills and apply them proactively.
Adept at using Excel and Visio.
Ability to establish credibility, be decisive, and recognize and support organizational preferences and priorities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Able to perform frequent repetitive tasks and sit or stand at and operate a computer for up to 80% of the day.
Cognitive skills including thinking, reasoning, understanding, learning, and remembering are required throughout the day.

Nice To Haves

Excel pivot table creation is a plus.
PowerShell scripting is a plus.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day IT operations and ensure the integrity, security, and high availability of IT operations services.
Develop service level agreements internally and with managed service providers, and maintain documentation of processes, systems, networks, and change control.
Identify system deficiencies and recommend and implement solutions in collaboration with the Network & Security MSP and Infrastructure Lead.
Introduce metrics and KPIs using industry best practices and maximize use of the help-desk solution.
Ensure service delivery and customer satisfaction exceed published service levels, and coordinate escalation of issues as needed.
Troubleshoot hardware devices, operating systems, and related software, including initial triage of network- and security-specific issues.
Provide leadership in applying technologies, processes, and disciplines to deliver best-in-class IT operations.
Help define and contribute to IT department strategic goals and short- and long-term planning.
Lead preparation for regulatory assessments and audits concerning disaster recovery, external penetration testing, and PCI.
Evaluate new technologies, products, solutions, and vendors proactively.
Assist the Manager with rapid pre-acquisition assessments of IT operations and post-integration work as Orbus acquires companies.
Manage end-user computing software licensing and timely upgrades.
Process and maintain IT operations service contracts, agreements, and renewals; manage vendor partners and ensure contracts are fully leveraged.
Guide staff responsible for deploying, maintaining, and supporting end-user computing, including day-to-day prioritization.
Develop, motivate, and direct staff to create a productive team environment.
Use the service desk solution for asset management, change management, and end-user computing onboarding and offboarding.
Assess risks associated with end-user computing hardware and software and advise on prudent replacements and retirements.
Ensure IT operations projects are defined, planned, and executed, with emphasis on communication and testing.
Apply optimization techniques and recommend countermeasures for recurring end-user computing and network problems.
Create procedures and guidelines as needed.
Develop, maintain, and follow a change management process visible to the IT team and business stakeholders.
Create a root cause analysis document when the business experiences more than 30 minutes of downtime due to O365, network, or security issues.
Assist the Manager in developing IT operations budget needs for maintenance, professional services, training, and repairs.
Assist with cost-benefit and fit-gap analysis for vendor solutions and new technologies.
Maintain current inventories of end-user-computing-related software, hardware, and ancillary items, including inventory to be depreciated.
Travel to Orbus sites when required.