Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced and hands-on IT Manager to lead and manage our company’s IT operations, ensuring the seamless performance of both our on-premises systems and growing cloud environment. This is a role for a self-motivated leader who can independently oversee the full spectrum of IT needs, while also rolling up their sleeves to handle critical technical work directly. You’ll lead a small IT team, including managing and developing an IT staff member, and take full ownership of our IT strategy, operations, and vendor relationships.
The ideal candidate will have solid technical proficiency across Microsoft 365, Azure, general networking, security best practices, and end-user support. You will ensure our IT infrastructure is reliable, secure, and evolving with business needs — combining leadership, practical execution, and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee the organization’s IT infrastructure, covering both on-premises systems and cloud-based platforms (primarily Azure).
- Manage and develop an IT staff member, delegating day-to-day tasks while mentoring them to grow technical skills.
- Ensure the secure and efficient operation of Microsoft 365 (administration, user management, security, troubleshooting).
- Oversee core IT policies, processes, and documentation, including asset management, software licensing, lifecycle management, security, backups, and compliance.
- Manage on-premises infrastructure: physical servers, basic network equipment (switches, routers, firewalls), LAN/WAN environments.
- Oversee VoIP and VPN systems, working with vendors as needed to ensure reliable communications and secure remote access.
- Own IT vendor relationships, managing contracts for hardware, software, cloud services, and outsourced technical support.
- Ensure appropriate security measures, data protection, and disaster recovery protocols are in place and maintained.
- Administer and optimize Azure resources to align with the company's needs for scalability and cost-efficiency (with external partner support where needed).
- Coordinate software deployment and patching cycles to ensure timely updates and security compliance.
- Monitor and optimize network and server performance, addressing issues to minimize downtime.
- Manage employee onboarding and offboarding, ensuring proper provisioning of IT equipment, accounts, and permissions.
- Troubleshoot escalated hardware, software, and network issues to support smooth daily operations.
- Document IT processes and infrastructure, maintaining clear records to support troubleshooting and future upgrades.
- Stay current with emerging technologies and security trends, bringing forward recommendations to improve IT systems and security posture.
Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, or related field
- Minimum of 6 years of hands-on IT experience, with broad exposure to systems, networking, and cloud platforms.
- Solid knowledge of Microsoft 365 administration, including user management, security controls, and troubleshooting.
- Experience managing Azure infrastructure and cloud services.
- Strong understanding of basic networking (LAN/WAN, firewalls, switches, VPNs).
- Proficiency with Windows Server environments and endpoint management.
- Experience with VoIP systems and unified communications platforms.
- Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware, software, and networks.
- Familiarity with IT security principles and best practices.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with experience maintaining IT documentation.
- Ability to effectively manage and mentor junior IT staff.
- Capable of working independently and prioritizing tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills for working with internal teams and external vendors.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience leading a small IT team in a multi-site or hybrid environment.
- Certifications such as:
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate
- Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- ITIL Foundation
- Experience implementing or managing endpoint protection, backup solutions, and disaster recovery plans.
- Familiarity with mobile device management (MDM) tools such as Intune.
- Experience managing IT policies and supporting compliance efforts (e.g., security audits).
- Background working with third-party vendors and negotiating service contracts.
- Knowledge of scripting or automation (e.g., PowerShell) is an asset.
- Exposure to project management frameworks or tools (e.g., Agile, ITIL, MS Project, Planner) is beneficial.