Information Technology Manager

KDS Strategic Search Group; Newark (NJ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

KDS Strategic Search Group is seeking a hands-on Director of IT Operations to own IT across headquarters and branch locations in Newark. You will manage infrastructure, vendor partners, cybersecurity, and business systems while driving efficiency and scalability.

Ideal candidates balance strategic oversight with practical, in-the-weeds involvement and will lead initiatives that improve processes, costs, and service levels across a growing organization.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years in IT operations, infrastructure, systems management, or IT leadership.
• Experience managing outsourced IT providers/MSPs, software vendors, and application support partners.
• Strong business analysis and process improvement capabilities.
• Strong technical foundation across infrastructure, networking, cloud, business systems, and cybersecurity.
• Hands-on troubleshooting ability with a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset.
• Experience supporting multi-site operational environments.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, warehouse operations, and business applications.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive mindset with ability to build structure, accountability, and operational discipline.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end IT operations across headquarters and branch locations, including infrastructure, networks, systems, applications, and user support.
• Lead and manage outsourced IT vendors, application support providers, and third-party technology partners.
• Serve as the primary escalation point for critical IT and operational technology issues.
• Ensure uptime and performance of core business systems, including ERP, inventory, order management, and operational applications.
• Oversee and coordinate support for all business applications and operational systems.
• Analyze business processes with leadership to identify inefficiencies and recommend technology-driven improvements.
• Translate business needs into technical requirements and coordinate execution with vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, scalability, structure, and cost savings.
• Support warehouse and branch operations, including connectivity, hardware, scanners, and user access.
• Oversee cybersecurity efforts, including access controls, endpoint protection, backups, and risk mitigation.
• Manage IT projects, including upgrades, ERP enhancements, hardware rollouts, and integrations.
• Evaluate, enhance, and maintain IT policies, documentation, procedures, and best practices.
• Monitor IT spend, vendor contracts, software licensing, and infrastructure costs.

Skills

Leadership

Vendor management

Business analysis

Cybersecurity

ERP systems

Multi-site operations

Networking

Project management

IT operations

Strategic thinking

Job description

If you are a hands‑on IT operations leader who enjoys building structure, improving processes, and taking ownership of an entire technology environment, this could be a strong fit.

This position is ideal for someone who is comfortable balancing day‑to‑day technical operations with vendor management, business analysis, application support, and continuous improvement initiatives across a growing multi‑site business.

Job Title: Director of IT Operations

Location: Newark, NJ Area

Reports To: COO

Overview

This is a hands‑on leadership role for someone who wants to take ownership of IT operations across a growing multi‑site business. The company currently leverages outsourced IT and application support partners, but needs an internal technology leader who can drive accountability, improve structure and processes, proactively solve problems, and align technology with business operations.

The ideal candidate is technically strong, operationally minded, proactive, and comfortable working both strategically and in the weeds. This person will oversee infrastructure, vendor management, application support, cybersecurity, and business systems while helping the company continuously improve efficiency, scalability, and overall IT operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Own end‑to‑end IT operations across headquarters and branch locations, including infrastructure, networks, systems, applications, and user support
• Lead and manage outsourced IT vendors, application support providers, and third‑party technology partners
• Serve as the primary escalation point for critical IT and operational technology issues
• Ensure the uptime and performance of core business systems, including ERP, inventory, order management, and operational applications
• Oversee and coordinate support for all business applications and operational systems
• Work closely with leadership to analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and recommend technology‑driven improvements
• Translate business needs into technical requirements and coordinate execution with vendors and internal stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational efficiency, scalability, structure, and cost savings
• Support warehouse and branch operations, including connectivity, hardware, scanners, and user access
• Oversee cybersecurity efforts, including access controls, endpoint protection, backups, and risk mitigation
• Manage IT projects, including upgrades, ERP enhancements, hardware rollouts, and integrations
• Evaluate, enhance, and maintain IT policies, documentation, procedures, and best practices
• Monitor IT spend, vendor contracts, software licensing, and infrastructure costs

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of experience in IT operations, infrastructure, systems management, or IT leadership
• Experience managing outsourced IT providers/MSPs, software vendors, and application support partners
• Strong business analysis and process improvement capabilities
• Strong technical foundation across infrastructure, networking, cloud environments, business systems, and cybersecurity
• Hands‑on troubleshooting ability with a roll‑up‑your‑sleeves mindset
• Experience supporting multi‑site operational environments
• Familiarity with ERP systems, warehouse operations, and business applications
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational, and problem‑solving skills
• Proactive mindset with the ability to build structure, accountability, and operational discipline
• Preferred Experience
• Experience in wholesale distribution, logistics, HVAC, plumbing, electrical supply, or industrial environments
• Exposure to Microsoft environments including O365 and Azure
• Experience supporting warehouse systems, scanners, and branch‑level infrastructure