Director Information Technology Operations

Talently; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Talently in Dallas, Texas seeks a Director of Information Technology Operations to lead IT operations for a distributed workforce of ~400 employees. The role focuses on cloud services (Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, Azure), security posture, and multi-site networking across offices.

You will drive SOC audits, risk assessments, and policy development while mentoring a team and coordinating with business stakeholders. Occasional after-hours support and travel to other offices are expected.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in IT operations, infrastructure, or cybersecurity.
• 3+ years of experience leading technical teams and managing day-to-day IT operations.
• Hands-on experience administering Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, and Azure in a cloud environment.
• Experience managing mobile devices at scale using MDM tools like Intune and ABM.
• Strong cybersecurity practices including IAM, MFA, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, and incident response.
• Direct experience supporting SOC 1 and SOC 2 audits and performing NIST-based risk assessments.
• Solid networking knowledge: firewalls, VPNs, DNS/DHCP, Wi‑Fi, routing/switching, and segmentation.
• Experience running help desk operations, standard procedures, and service levels.
• Experience managing IT vendors, contracts, budgets, and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day IT operations for ~400 employees across multiple offices.
• Lead, coach, and develop IT support and cybersecurity staff with established processes.
• Manage Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, and Azure including identity, access, device deployment, and security policies.
• Oversee cybersecurity operations: vulnerability management, endpoint protection, monitoring, and incident response.
• Lead SOC 1 and SOC 2 audit activities and NIST-based risk assessments with remediation tracking.
• Develop IT security policies, risk registers, vendor security reviews, and compliance docs.
• Manage IT infrastructure and multi-site networking: firewalls, VPNs, Wi‑Fi, LAN/WAN, DNS/DHCP, security.
• Oversee endpoint management, device lifecycle, MDM, hardware procurement, patching, backups, recovery.
• Manage IT vendors, contracts, renewals, budgets, and procurement for cost-effective delivery.
• Create documentation, runbooks, disaster recovery plans, and standardized workflows.
• Partner with stakeholders to support system integrations and technology initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to adopt automation and AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency.
• Provide hands-on support and troubleshoot escalated issues as needed.

Skills

IT operations

Leadership

Microsoft 365

Entra ID

Intune

Azure

MDM

Cybersecurity

SOC audits

Networking

Help desk

Vendor management

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

PowerShell

Python

Job description

Job Title: Director of Information Technology Operations

Hybrid: 4 days onsite, 1 day remote

Salary: $155,000-$175,000 + 20% bonus

About The Opportunity:

Join a rapidly growing real estate investment and management company focused on acquiring, operating, and optimizing a diverse residential portfolio. Backed by an experienced leadership team, the organization leans on technology, data‑driven decision making, and operational excellence to drive long‑term portfolio performance. With a collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a high‑growth environment that values ownership, continuous improvement, and professional development.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day IT operations supporting approximately 400 employees across multiple offices and a distributed workforce.
• Lead, coach, and develop IT support and cybersecurity personnel while establishing effective support processes, service standards, and escalation procedures.
• Manage and administer Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, and Azure, including user access, identity management, device deployment, security policies, and cloud infrastructure.
• Oversee cybersecurity operations, including vulnerability management, endpoint protection, security monitoring, incident response, access reviews, and employee security awareness.
• Lead SOC 1 and SOC 2 audit activities and NIST‑based risk assessments, including control documentation, evidence collection, auditor coordination, and remediation tracking.
• Develop and maintain IT security policies, risk registers, vendor security reviews, and compliance documentation.
• Manage corporate IT infrastructure and multi‑site networking, including firewalls, VPNs, Wi‑Fi, LAN/WAN, DNS/DHCP, and network security.
• Oversee endpoint management and device lifecycle operations, including mobile device management, hardware procurement, software deployment, patching, backups, and recovery.
• Manage IT vendors, service providers, contracts, renewals, and budgets to ensure cost‑effective and reliable service delivery.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, operational procedures, disaster recovery plans, and standardized workflows.
• Partner with business stakeholders, application owners, and technical teams to support system integrations, access requirements, and technology initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to leverage automation, scripting, and AI‑enabled tools to improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and streamline IT support.
• Provide hands‑on technical support and troubleshooting for escalated issues while ensuring reliable day‑to‑day operations.

Must‑Have Skills:

• 10+ years of experience in IT operations, infrastructure, systems administration, cybersecurity, or a related technical field.
• At least 3 years of experience leading technical teams, mentoring employees, and managing day‑to‑day IT operations.
• Strong hands‑on experience administering Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, and Microsoft Azure in a cloud‑based environment.
• Experience managing mobile devices at scale using mobile device management (MDM) tools, ideally Microsoft Intune and Apple Business Manager.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity practices, including identity and access management, multifactor authentication, endpoint protection, vulnerability management, patching, security monitoring, and incident response.
• Direct experience supporting SOC 1 and/or SOC 2 audits and conducting NIST‑based risk assessments, control evaluations, and remediation activities.
• Strong networking knowledge, including firewalls, VPNs, routing and switching, Wi‑Fi, DNS/DHCP, and network segmentation.
• Experience managing help desk operations, troubleshooting escalations, establishing service standards, and developing repeatable technical procedures.
• Experience managing IT vendors, contracts, budgets, and technology procurement.
• Ability to balance leadership responsibilities with hands‑on technical administration and problem‑solving.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills, with the ability to explain technical issues and security risks to both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Experience supporting multiple offices and distributed or mobile employees.
• A proactive, solutions‑oriented approach with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Willingness to provide occasional after‑hours support for urgent issues and travel periodically to other company offices.
• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice‑to‑Have Skills:

• Experience in real estate, property management, investment management, financial services, or a related industry.
• Experience working in an AI‑enabled environment and using automation tools to improve IT operations.
• Scripting experience with PowerShell or Python.
• Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, Microsoft MD‑102, SC‑300, AZ‑104, AZ‑500, CompTIA Security+, CCNA, Network+, or ITIL.