IT Operations Manager

ZipLiens•Franklin, TN

2d•$112,000 - $151,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Zipliens is seeking a proactive, results-driven IT Operations Manager to own the company's internal IT and security operations. This high-trust role is central to protecting Zipliens' systems, data, and client relationships. The IT Operations Manager will work closely with the Fractional CISO to execute security strategy and translate policy into practical, company-wide processes. Reporting to the CTO, this individual will be the first to fully own this function at Zipliens. This is a hands-on role that goes beyond traditional IT management, encompassing IT operations and security execution, including managing SaaS and device inventories, employee access, vendor relationships, driving AI tool adoption, and leading incident response and disaster recovery efforts.

Requirements

5+ years in IT operations, IT management, or systems administration with decision-making ownership and hands-on technical experience.
Direct experience responding to a real security incident.
Sufficient grounding in security and compliance to execute it personally, with familiarity with frameworks like SOC 2 or NIST CSF.
Demonstrated ability to drive adoption of new processes or tools across a company.
Working knowledge of identity and access management fundamentals (SSO, MFA, least privilege).
Experience managing or coordinating with outsourced/third-party vendors.
Hands-on comfort with AI tools, including experience using, experimenting with, and ideally rolling out or administering them organizationally.
Strong documentation habits and clear communication skills, especially under pressure.
Ability to work on-site at least three days per week (60%) in Franklin, TN office.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer-sponsored visa support.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a regulated or client-data-sensitive industry.
Initiative to apply AI tool knowledge toward improving Zipliens' internal processes.

Responsibilities

Track SaaS tools and devices, and manage access for sensitive business systems, including reviewing and approving new software or AI tool requests.
Manage the process for granting, adjusting, and removing employee access, and conduct regular checks to ensure accuracy.
Enforce data-handling rules, identify sensitive information, and maintain a data retention schedule, ensuring timely deletion and preservation of records under legal hold.
Serve as the primary contact for security concerns, route routine issues, and lead incident response efforts, with a 15-minute engagement target for severe incidents.
Act as the subject matter expert on technology policies, answer employee questions, provide guidance, drive adoption of policy updates, and ensure consistent adherence.
Execute the security and compliance strategy, contributing informed input based on working knowledge.
Stay aware of security terms in client contracts and support HR with training completion and annual policy sign-offs.
Manage the relationship with the IT provider and security monitoring service, including regular check-ins, ticket and renewal oversight, invoice approval, and ensuring security standards are met.
Maintain the vendor inventory, including tier, security documentation, contract status, and business owner.
Provide hands-on IT support for daily technology needs and projects, collaborating with the IT provider.
Own the rollout and adoption of approved AI tools, including license assignment, practical guidance, and change management.
Leverage AI tools to streamline Zipliens' internal IT and security processes and workflows.