Manager, IT Operations& AI Enablement

Manager, IT Operations & AI Enablement

The Manager, IT Operations and AI Enablement is a hands-on, management-level individual contributor responsible for supporting the Vice President of IT in day-to-day operations while helping drive data governance, process improvement, and AI initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to operate at the intersection of IT operations, governance, and emerging technology. You will serve as both an execution partner and trusted advisor, helping ensure reliable service delivery while identifying opportunities to improve systems, processes, and capabilities.

This role is fully on-site in our Atlanta corporate office and requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders and external partners.

IT Operations and Service Delivery Leadership

• Oversee day-to-day IT operations across infrastructure, end-user systems, and collaboration platforms
• Serve as the primary coordination point for managed service providers
• Review service metrics, incidents, and performance trends to identify risks and improvement opportunities
• Provide technical oversight across Microsoft 365, Azure, identity, and enterprise platforms
• Participate in architectural discussions and technology decision support

Cybersecurity and Vendor Oversight

• Coordinate delivery of outsourced cybersecurity and risk management services
• Track vulnerabilities, remediation efforts, and security assessments
• Support IT audit activities including documentation and issue resolution

Data Governance and Process Improvement

• Support and advance enterprise data governance practices
• Partner with stakeholders to improve data quality, ownership, and access control
• Identify inefficiencies and design improved workflows and processes
• Help implement tools and controls that strengthen governance and operational consistency

AI Enablement and Innovation

• Partner with IT leadership on AI strategy and implementation initiatives
• Participate in pilots and evaluations across Microsoft Copilot and emerging technologies
• Help define responsible AI usage standards and operational guardrails
• Monitor industry trends and identify practical use cases for business adoption
• Support cross-functional AI education and change management efforts

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
• 4 to 8 years of progressive experience in IT operations or enterprise systems
• Experience working with managed service providers or external vendors
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft 365, identity management, and enterprise platforms
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts into business terms

Preferred Experience

• Exposure to cybersecurity, risk management, or compliance initiatives
• Experience with data governance or enterprise data programs
• Participation in AI-related initiatives, pilots, or technology evaluations
• Experience working in a complex or multi-entity business environment

Key Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Comfort working in evolving areas such as artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Collaborative approach with strong attention to detail and operational discipline.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $135,000 to $145,000 annually This role is also eligible to participate in the Company's short-term incentive (bonus) program.

Why Join Watkins Associated Industries

• High-impact role with visibility to senior IT leadership
• Opportunity to shape how AI is introduced and governed within the organization
• Balanced role combining strategy, execution, and hands-on technical involvement
• Stable, growing company with a focus on long-term operational excellence

Work Environment

• Location:
  
  Atlanta Corporate Office
• Schedule:
  
  Full-time, on-site (5 days per week – no remote or hybrid options)

Travel Required:

No

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.