Director - IT

Applied Industrial Technologies; Lenexa (KS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Industrial Technologies seeks a Director of IT Operations for Fluid Power & Flow Control. The role leads IT infrastructure, security, database operations, and helpdesk, scaling services across the enterprise. Hands-on leadership drives results through direct reports and cross-functional teams.

The candidate will collaborate with PMO, enterprise solutions, and corporate IT, shaping the infrastructure strategy and roadmap while ensuring alignment with business goals and risk management.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in IT leadership and operations.
• Experience with cloud, compute, network, EUC, or distributed systems.
• Experience with infrastructure automation and Infrastructure-as-Code.
• Experience in hybrid on premise and cloud topologies.
• Azure experience is needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the IT Infrastructure & helpdesk team to foster a cohesive, high-performing culture.
• Collaborate with IT PMO, enterprise solutions, Web solutions and corporate IT to strengthen a one-team culture.
• Create, own & execute the infrastructure roadmap to drive scalable IT solutions.
• Identify optimal use of in-house vs. outsourced services for cloud and infrastructure.
• Develop relationships with business execution teams and IT leadership.
• Manage and support PDM/PLM systems for engineering teams and processes.
• Oversee security, DR planning, and policy enforcement across IT ops.
• Monitor and improve IT operations metrics and supplier performance.
• Manage end-user hardware/software procurement and SLAs.
• All other tasks as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

IT governance

Cloud infra

Cyber security

Networking

Incident management

Vendor management

Strategic planning

Budget management

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / MIS / Business

Certifications: CISSP, CCIE, PMP

Tools

Epicor P21

Job description

Job Purpose & Summary

Reporting to the Vice President, IT - Fluid Power & Flow Control, the Director of IT Operations - Fluid Power & Flow Control is a key leadership role within IT. This role is responsible for IT Operations supporting infrastructure, network, application security, database operations & helpdesk of technology for the Fluid Power and Flow Control business groups. This position entails being a hands-on leader while accomplishing results through direct reports as well as other associates throughout the enterprise.

Key Accountabilities & Duties

• Lead and mentor the Fluid Power & Flow Control information technology Infrastructure & helpdesk team by creating a culture that fosters "one team culture" while driving results, engagement, passion, and enthusiasm for complex technology systems.
• Collaborate with IT PMO, IT enterprise solutions, Web solutions as well as corporate IT team to foster a deep partnership & "One team" culture within.
• Create, own & execute infrastructure roadmap to drive IT infrastructure solutions.
• Identify the most efficient and effective use of both in-house and out-sourced services for cloud applications, computing, and infrastructure services.
• Develop, align with key strategic leaders on infrastructure strategic initiatives, and own/drive the roadmap leveraging the resources - in-house or out-sourced.
• Develop relationships with the Fluid Power & Flow control business execute teams and key managers across the business group.
• Develop relationships with corporate IT infrastructure and cyber security leadership team.
• Remain informed on trends and issues in the technology industry, especially within Cloud Infrastructure, AI initiatives in order to advise, counsel, and educate management teams on the relative importance and financial as well as security impact.
• Help define and drive infrastructure projects that support IT technology strategies and manage a secured sustaining highly scalable infrastructure.
• Provide the business group with end user support and services for applications, infrastructure, and hardware including servers, laptops, printers, and scanners.
• Manage and support Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for engineering teams and processes.
• Manage production technology incidents to resolution, ensuring timely engagement, escalation, and effective communication to business, technology, and supplier partners.
• Manage & support critical business functional tools such as phone systems, printers, scanners etc. for Fluid Power, Flow Control business.
• Understand and support the organization's cybersecurity program and practices including the identification, remediation, and recovery from threats and incidents.
• Develop, implement, maintain, and oversee enforcement of policies, procedures, and associated plans for user system access based on industry-standard best practices.
• Develop, implement, and test the IT elements in the Disaster Recovery Plan for the Fluid Power & Flow Control business group.
• Working with the team, create procedures to manage recurring automated patches for servers, and create & drive server upgrades proactively to remain up to the date mitigating security risks.
• Analyze trends in operational and support metrics to identify improvement opportunities.
• Procure and manage end user computer related hardware and software.
• Manage relationships with suppliers and service providers to ensure they cost-effectively meet the needs of the organization; ensure service level agreements (SLAs) are established, and service and operational metrics are collected, reviewed, and reported on, on a regular basis.
• Participate in the Fluid Power & Flow Control IT Annual Operating Plan owning Infrastructure and helpdesk related activities.
• All other tasks as assigned.

Occupational Experience & Education Requirements

• Degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Business, or related field.
• 10+ years' experience in IT.
• 10+ years' experience leading highly skilled technical professionals.
• Professional certifications such as CISSP, CCIE, or PMP are highly desirable.
• Experience with cloud, compute, network, EUC, or distributed systems.
• Experience with infrastructure automation and Infrastructure-as-Code.
• Experience with network management, system administration, cloud computing, and IT security.
• Azure experience is needed.
• Experience in hybrid on premise and cloud topologies
• Knowledge of Epicor P21 is a plus.
• Experience with web/Ecommerce infrastructure is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes

• Proven analytical and conceptual thinking and execution skills.
• Advanced knowledge of systems design methodologies & development, including infrastructure voice and data communications technologies, security frameworks & methodologies, open architecture systems, common programming languages.
• Proven ability to effectively utilize techniques designed to reduce frequency, duration, and impact of common business disruptions particularly as they relate to branch/contact centeroperations, electronic services, and telecommunications.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills including the ability to explain technical concepts and technologies to business leaders.
• Strong leadership, inter-personal, and collaboration skills.
• Proven ability to increase employee engagement, build, retain and manage a highly skilled and motivated team.
• In-depth knowledge of IT practices/trends and operating policies.
• Ability to collaborate, build relationships, and influence individuals at all levels within the organization and strong supplier management skills.
• Strong budget management skills.
• Strong problem-solving and trouble-shooting skills including the ability to identify and evaluate business threats and opportunities.
• Able to work under pressure of time deadlines, be flexible, and able to shift resources and priorities as required.
• A continuous learner who has a thirst for keeping abreast of new and emerging technologies.

Founded in 1923, Applied Industrial Technologies (NYSE: AIT) is a leading value-added distributor and technical solutions provider of industrial motion, fluid power, flow control, automation technologies, and related maintenance supplies. Our leading brands, specialized services, and comprehensive knowledge serve MRO and OEM end users in virtually all industrial markets through our multi-channel capabilities that provide choice, convenience, and expertise.

Applied Industrial Technologies is built on a philosophy that puts people first. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to a workforce in which we enforce fair treatment and provide growth opportunities for everyone. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.