Manager Server & Virtualization

Novolex•Lake Forest, IL

1d•$160,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Server & Virtualization Manager is responsible for the leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of Novolex’s hybrid server and storage infrastructure, with emphasis on Azure, VMware and Hyper-V. This role oversees an experienced team delivering high availability, secure, and scalable infrastructure services in a fast-paced, complex operational landscape. The position ensures the reliability, capacity, and operational effectiveness of all server and storage platforms while driving strategic improvements aligned with business growth. Working closely with cross-functional technology teams, including Applications, Network & Communications, End User Compute, and Cloud Architecture—the Server & Storage Manager plays a key role in shaping and delivering enterprise infrastructure strategy. The individual for this role should possess both technical skills to participate with hands on keyboard, as well as management experience.

Requirements

Demonstrated expertise in managing and supporting Windows Server operating systems
Proven experience working with hypervisors, including Hyper-V and VMware
General knowledge of load balancing technologies such as F5 or Kemp Loadmaster
Strong knowledge of backup and recovery solutions such as Veeam, Azure Backup, and Avamar
Experience administering enterprise storage solutions, including Pure, Exagrid, Nasuni, and Synology NAS devices
Solid understanding of TCP/IP networking, including DNS, DHCP, DFS, SFTP, and FTP protocols
Working knowledge of Active Directory, including organizational units and Group Policy management
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for reporting, analysis, and presentations
Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent experience
10+ years supporting Windows client operating systems in enterprise environments
5+ years with experience managing or providing direction to team members
5+ years of hands-on experience with virtual platforms

Responsibilities

Lead, manage, and develop the Server & Storage team, including performance management, coaching, training, and career development
Promote an open environment where ideas, successes, and lessons learned are shared constructively
Lead by example, inspiring high performance and professional growth across the team
Train and mentor team members and broader technology colleagues
Contribute to the planning, forecasting and controls of the technologies budget
Formulate costs for solutions within the respective tower for both IT and business solutions
Manages vendor relationships by overseeing contracts, performance, and negotiations to ensure reliable service delivery, cost efficiency, and alignment with organizational objectives
Maintain full ownership of server and storage infrastructure, ensuring high availability, resilience, and performance across on-premises and cloud-based infrastructure
Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring service delivery meets business and partner experience expectations in a 24x7 environment
Coordinate internal resources and third-party service providers to ensure consistent and high-quality service delivery
Ensure proactive monitoring, incident management, and problem resolution are embedded as standard practices
Maintain accurate and comprehensive technical documentation
Drive continuous improvement initiatives across infrastructure, processes, and services
Plan for future capacity, scalability, and performance requirements aligned with business growth
Participating in the Architectural Review Board influencing strategic directions
Stay current with emerging technologies, trends, and best practices, applying them to improve operations
Strong understanding planning through execution of disaster recovery while leveraging Azure and VMware hosted environments
Ensure compliance with internal policies, external regulations, and audit requirements
Establish, maintain, and enhance controls, standards, and operational procedures
Ensure infrastructure security, patching, and lifecycle management are consistently applied
Support and maintain effective business continuity and disaster recovery plans
Work closely with Applications, Network & Communications, End User Compute, and Cloud supporting architecture teams to ensure alignment
Prioritize workload based on business needs and operational impact
Support cross-functional initiatives and ensure infrastructure readiness for new services and projects
Encourage strong collaboration across the Technology function to deliver integrated solutions