Director of IT – Networking & Infrastructure

Plimpton & Hills Corp Inc•Meriden, CT

About The Position

Hills Distribution (Parent company of Plimpton and Hills Corp.) is seeking a hands-on, execution-oriented Director of IT – Networking & Infrastructure to lead the architecture, standardization, security execution, and vendor strategy for IT infrastructure across a growing, multi-site distribution platform. This role owns networking, infrastructure operations, Microsoft 365 tenant and licensing administration, end-user standards, helpdesk operations, and MSP/vendor performance—ensuring reliability, scalability, and a strong security posture as the company grows through operational scale and acquisitions. The Director will partner closely with the IT Applications function (VP of IT / Business Systems) and serve as the primary infrastructure counterpart, allowing application leadership to remain focused on software and business systems while infrastructure execution is fully owned and accountable.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
10+ years of progressive experience in IT networking and infrastructure, including leadership responsibility.
Demonstrated experience managing multi-site networking and infrastructure environments.
Strong knowledge of network architecture, infrastructure management, cloud concepts, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
Proven ability to manage vendors and managed services to deliver reliable outcomes.
Strong communication skills, stakeholder management, and execution discipline in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience in distribution, logistics, or similarly operationally intensive, multi-site environments.
Familiarity with enterprise architecture concepts and large-scale standardization.
Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CCSP) are a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute a vendor strategy across networking, infrastructure, telecom, endpoint, and support providers to ensure cost-effective, high-quality services.
Own MSP and vendor performance management, including escalation protocols and accountability, ensuring issues are resolved rather than redirected internally.
Manage procurement, contract negotiations, renewals, and vendor relationships aligned with business needs.
Establish and maintain infrastructure architecture standards across all sites, including: Networking patterns Endpoint standards Conference room build standards Repeatable site “playbooks”
Lead planning, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of network and infrastructure systems across multiple locations.
Define and execute the infrastructure operating model, including processes, governance, and service delivery structures that scale with growth.
Establish and maintain security practices, standards, and procedures to protect company networks, systems, and data.
Own infrastructure security execution, including: Device and network controls Vendor security alignment Identity and access decisions in partnership with leadership
Oversee disaster recovery planning, business continuity readiness, and data protection initiatives.
Lead internal helpdesk resources and oversee support delivery across internal staff and MSP partners.
Implement service standards and performance metrics (ticketing flow, escalation paths, SLAs) and regularly report outcomes.
Drive end-user standardization across onboarding/offboarding, hardware provisioning, conference room technology, and site support.
Lead infrastructure modernization initiatives, including cloud hosting migration planning and execution where applicable.
Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and recommend practical improvements aligned with operational needs.
Provide regular updates to the CFO and leadership on infrastructure performance, risks, vendor posture, and key initiatives.
Serve as the infrastructure bridge between business priorities and technology execution across sites and partners.