Corporate IT Operations Lead

New Directions Technologies Inc.; Ridgecrest (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

New Directions Technologies Inc. seeks a Senior Systems Administrator / IT Operations Lead to guide the Corporate IT team in maintaining a hybrid Microsoft Azure and on-premises network serving 400+ users across multiple locations.

The role blends hands-on administration with strategic IT operations, cybersecurity, and modernization efforts, with potential growth into IT Department Manager. You will mentor staff and drive continuous improvement across the enterprise.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a senior IT infrastructure or systems administration role.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of 3–5 IT professionals to manage the hybrid cloud and on-prem infrastructure.
• Ensure security posture aligned with CMMC Level 2 and NIST 800-171, ISO 9K/20K/27K.
• Oversee hybrid Azure AD and on-premises AD administration and governance.
• Manage Intune for endpoint deployment, configuration, and compliance.
• Coordinate SharePoint Online, Exchange Online, Teams, OneDrive and Entra ID services.
• Lead backup and disaster recovery planning and testing.

Skills

Senior IT leadership

Hybrid cloud

Cybersecurity strategy

Team mentoring

Vendor coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS

Tools

Azure AD

Intune

SharePoint Online

Microsoft 365

FortiGate

Entra ID

Backup & DR tooling

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Senior Systems Administrator / IT Operations Lead to join our Corporate IT team. This position is responsible for the day-to-day administration, maintenance, security, and continuous improvement of a hybrid Microsoft Azure and on-premises enterprise network supporting over 400 users across multiple locations.

The successful candidate will serve as the senior technical resource for the Corporate IT department while providing leadership in IT operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure modernization, and user support. As the organization continues to grow, this position is expected to evolve into an IT Department Manager responsible for leading the Corporate IT organization.

This position reports directly to the company President.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate and lead a team to 3 to 5 IT professionals to manage the company’s hybrid (Cloud + on-prem) infrastructure.
• Ensure a security posture that complies with CMMC Level 2 and NIST 800-171 as well as meets the requirements of ISO 9K, 20K and 27K.
• Lead, administer and maintain a hybrid Microsoft Azure Active Directory and on-premises Active Directory environment.
• Lead and manage Microsoft Intune for endpoint deployment, configuration, compliance, application management, and mobile device management.
• Perform SharePoint Online administration including site permissions, document libraries, security groups, storage management, and basic site administration.
• Lead and administer Microsoft 365 services including Exchange Online, Teams, OneDrive, and Entra ID.
• Coordinate enterprise backup and disaster recovery solutions, ensuring successful backup operations and periodic recovery testing.
• Coordinate the configuration and administration of firewalls (FortiGate preferred), VPN connectivity, routing, and network security policies.
• Coordinate the management of Layer 2/Layer 3 network switches, wireless access points, VLANs, and network infrastructure.
• Coordinate the Installation, configuration, and maintenance of Windows desktops, laptops, printers, and peripheral equipment.
• Provide Tier III technical support while mentoring other IT staff and supporting Help Desk operations.
• Monitor network availability, performance, and cybersecurity posture.
• Ensure system documentation, network diagrams, asset inventories, and standard operating procedures are maintained.
• Lead cybersecurity initiatives including vulnerability remediation, endpoint protection, identity management, and access controls.
• Lead IT infrastructure planning, technology refresh initiatives, and continuous process improvement.
• Coordinate with vendors for hardware procurement, software licensing, warranty support, and professional services.
• Coordinate after-hours maintenance activities and occasional emergency response as required.
• Perform any of the listed functions when required to assist in the operations and maintenance of the IT infrastructure.

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This position is designed as a succession opportunity within the Corporate IT organization. Candidates demonstrating strong leadership, strategic thinking, and management capability will have the opportunity to transition into the role of IT Department Manager, overseeing enterprise IT operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure strategy, budgeting, vendor management, and IT staff.

Education

Bachelor\'s degree in one of:

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Required Experience

Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a senior IT infrastructure or systems administration role supporting an enterprise environment of 400 or more users.

Experience must include:

• Hybrid Microsoft Azure Active Directory and On-Premises Active Directory administration
• Microsoft GCC High environments
• Microsoft Defender for Endpoint
• Conditional Access Policies
• Backup and Disaster Recovery administration
• Desktop and laptop lifecycle management
• Windows workstation administration

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Preferred Experience

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Desired Leadership Attributes

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong technical troubleshooting ability
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to prioritize competing tasks
• Strong organizational skills
• Continuous learning mindset
• Ability to mentor junior IT personnel
• Project leadership experience
• Sound business judgment
• High level of integrity and professionalism

NDTI is an SDVOSB and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. At NDTI we value taking care of our employees and delighting our customers.