IT Manager

Responsibilities

The IT Manager will be responsible for leading day-to-day IT operations while driving technology planning and vendor management for a growing automotive manufacturing organization. This role serves as the primary escalation point for IT issues and acts as a key liaison between the business, third-party vendors, and managed service partners.

The IT Manager will oversee internal IT staff and ensure stable, secure, and scalable technology operations in a compliance-driven environment. This is a contract to hire or direct hire role located onsite in Traverse City, Michigan.

• Oversee day-to-day IT operations across infrastructure, systems, and end-user support.
• Manage and mentor internal IT staff, including Help Desk and Systems Administration personnel.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for complex technical and operational issues.
• Lead technology planning, roadmap development, and lifecycle management initiatives.
• Act as the main IT liaison between business stakeholders, managed service providers, and third-party vendors.
• Own vendor management activities, including performance oversight, coordination, and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with Sentinel's Managed Services, Help Desk, and SOC/SIEM teams to ensure effective service delivery.
• Support infrastructure and platform transitions, including network standardization and virtualization changes.
• Ensure IT operations align with compliance requirements, including government and manufacturing standards.
• Maintain documentation, processes, and operational best practices.

• Network:
  Juniper, Cisco, Netgear, Ubiquiti.
• Wireless:
  Juniper Mist.
• Virtualization: VMware.
• Microsoft 365 environment; experience with GCC High and CMMC compliance is highly beneficial.
• Security will be managed by Sentinel, but security knowledge and oversight capability are strongly preferred.
• Cloud experience is a plus.

• Proven experience in an IT Manager or IT Lead role supporting enterprise or manufacturing environments.
• Strong background in vendor management and third‑party service coordination.
• Experience supporting or managing teams across multiple IT functions.
• Ability to translate business needs into technical solutions and priorities.
• Familiarity with compliance‑driven environments such as aerospace, defense, or automotive manufacturing.
• Hands‑on technical background with infrastructure, systems, or networking is strongly preferred.

• Legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
• Must demonstrate a “can‑do” attitude.
• Displays the “ACE” factor – Attitude, Compassion, and Enthusiasm to deliver quality solutions with exceptional customer service.

We offer weekly competitive pay, medical, dental, vision, 401K and more.

Sentinel is proud to be an equal opportunity employer including disability and veterans. In accordance with Title VII and state regulations, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, genetics, disability, military, veteran status or any other basis protected by law.

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