Director, IT Infrastructure & Operations

Our most important asset is our people. Who we are, what we do, how we do it and why we are passionate are all centerpieces of why we succeed.

• Among America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes in 2021, 2022 and 2024
• As a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for four consecutive years (2021‑2025)

We currently operate in‑office Monday‑Thursday, with an optional remote day on Friday.

This role is not eligible for employment‑based visa sponsorship.

As the Director, IT Infrastructure & Operations, you will direct IT Operations and Infrastructure teams, their tasks and responsibilities, which include infrastructure, networks, outsourcing, telephony, security & compliance and computer auxiliary operations and support, along with vendor management and contract negotiations. You will define and deploy the future strategy for this team and our global IT department in consultation with others internally and externally to IT.

Additionally, you will play a key role in refining the ways of working guidelines for the IT department, and introducing planning and communications elements that can be relied on by all company employees moving forward.

• Provide leadership in planning and directing multiple departments and managers overseeing different IT functions including IT Project Management, Master Data team, Database Admin team computer operations and production support, systems administration, network operations, PC/desktop support and customer service
• You will manage communications amongst team members, business members and other stakeholders in a clear, concise and consistent manner
• Develop/Refine the team’s ways of working processes that can address work planning, resource allocation, prioritization and communications
• Act as front‑line contact with others in the organization, ensuring key competencies such as full issue resolution and communications, among other things, are being addressed fully and to completion
• Verify, modify and design architectures of new and existing infrastructures for robustness, cost‑effective development and business growth
• Implement structured processes, security policies and procedures, hardware and software health monitoring, backup and recovery systems, and ensure full DR within our environment and compliance in our security measures.
• Assist management in the selection, evaluation, negotiation and management of third‑party services and vendors

• Bachelor’s Degree in information technology, Computer Science or related field
• Master’s degree in technology or business (preferred)
• Minimum 10 years related experience comprised of both management experience and hands‑on technical experience in most of the following services and technologies:
• WAN/LAN networks (Cisco)
• Storage/SAN (Pure)
• Remote connectivity (Citrix/Xen)
• Microsoft Technologies (E.g.: AD, Azure, Office 365)
• Data centers (private, cloud and hybrid)
• VOIP/Telephone communications
• Physical and Virtual servers
• Disaster recovery
• Cloud technologies
• Extensive experience leading infrastructure delivery teams inclusive of scope, scheduling, budgeting and project planning
• Experience supporting a global environment in a management role
• Initiative and the ability to work independently
• A visionary, pro‑active leadership style with exceptional detail orientation and a drive to exceed expectations
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities with a passion for excellence
• Strong customer relationship and customer service skills
• Experience working with third‑party vendors, negotiating contracts and oversight of vendor resources
• The ability to work effectively under aggressive timelines and high‑pressure situations
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Significant practical experience managing multiple initiatives simultaneously, utilizing appropriate processes and tools and delivering results

The hiring range for this position in Itasca is $190,000 - $210,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills and experience, among other factors. An annual incentive may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.