Director, IT Infrastructure & Operations

Fellowes Brands; Itasca (IL); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Fellowes Brands in Itasca, IL seeks a Director, IT Infrastructure & Operations to lead IT Operations and Infrastructure teams, drive strategy, and oversee vendor management, security, and disaster recovery. You will shape ways of working, coordinate across global IT and business stakeholders, and ensure reliable, scalable technology to support the company’s growth.

This role operates in-office Monday-Thursday with an optional remote day on Friday, offering a comprehensive benefits package and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology or related field.
• Master’s degree preferred in technology or business.
• 10+ years of management plus hands‑on infrastructure experience.
• Experience with WAN/LAN networks, storage, remote access, cloud, VOIP, and security.

Responsibilities

• Lead multiple IT departments and managers across functions.
• Manage communications among teams and stakeholders.
• Refine and implement ways of working for IT.
• Ensure issue resolution and project completion.
• Oversee architecture design for robust, cost‑effective infra.
• Manage third‑party services and vendor negotiations.

Skills

Leadership

IT Operations

Vendor Management

Contract Negotiations

IT Strategy

Communications

Disaster Recovery

Security Policies

Project Oversight

Cloud Technologies

Education

Bachelor's Degree in IT or CS

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Cisco

Pure Storage

Citrix Xen

Active Directory

Azure

Office 365

Data Centers

VOIP

Job description

Description

Our most important asset is our people. Who we are, what we do, how we do it and why we are passionate are all centerpieces of why we succeed.

We Are Proud To Be Recognized

• Among America’s Best Midsize Employers by Forbes in 2021, 2022 and 2024
• As a Chicago Tribune Top Workplace for four consecutive years (2021-2025)

We currently operate in-office Monday-Thursday, with an optional remote day on Friday.

This role is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship.

Role Summary

As the Director, IT Infrastructure & Operations, you will direct IT Operations and Infrastructure teams, their tasks and responsibilities, which include infrastructure, networks, outsourcing, telephony, security & compliance and computer auxiliary operations and support, along with vendor management and contract negotiations. You will define and deploy the future strategy for this team and our global IT department in consultation with others internally and externally to IT. Additionally, you will play a key role in refining the ways of working guidelines for the IT department, and introducing planning and communications elements that can be relied on by all company employees moving forward.

In This Role, You Will

• Provide leadership in planning and directing multiple departments and managers overseeing different IT functions including IT Project Management, Master Data team, Database Admin team computer operations and production support, systems administration, network operations, PC/desktop support and customer service
• You will manage communications amongst team members, business members and other stakeholders in a clear, concise and consistent manner
• Develop/Refine the team’s ways of working processes that can address work planning, resource allocation, prioritization and communications
• Act as front-line contact with others in the organization, ensuring key competencies such as full issue resolution and communications, among other things, are being addressed fully and to completion
• Verify, modify and design architectures of new and existing infrastructures for robustness, cost effective development and business growth
• Implement structured processes, security policies and procedures, hardware and software health monitoring, backup and recovery systems, and ensure full DR within our environment and compliance in our security measures.
• Assist management in the selection, evaluation, negotiation and management of 3rd party services and vendors

What You Bring To The Team

• Bachelor’s Degree in information technology, Computer Science or related field
• Master’s degree in technology or business (preferred)
• Minimum 10 years related experience comprised of both management experience and hands‑on technical experience in most of the following services and technologies:
  • WAN/LAN networks (Cisco)
  • Storage/SAN (Pure)
  • Remote connectivity (Citrix/Xen)
  • Microsoft Technologies (E.g.: AD, Azure, Office 365)
  • Data centers (private, cloud and hybrid)
  • VOIP/Telephone communications
  • Physical and Virtual servers
  • Disaster recovery
  • Cloud technologies
• Extensive experience leading infrastructure delivery teams inclusive of scope, scheduling, budgeting and project planning
• Experience supporting a global environment in a management role
• Initiative and the ability to work independently
• A visionary, pro‑active leadership style with exceptional detail orientation and a drive to exceed expectations
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities with a passion for excellence
• Strong customer relationship and customer service skills
• Experience working with third party vendors, negotiating contracts and oversight of vendor resources
• The ability to work effectively under aggressive timelines and high‑pressure situations
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Significant practical experience managing multiple initiatives simultaneously, utilizing appropriate processes and tools and delivering results

The hiring range for this position in in Itasca is $190,000 - $210,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills and experience, among other factors. An annual incentive may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. An overview of our benefits offering is available here: Fellowes Benefits Overview.

Fellowes Brands - A Family Business Since 1917

For over a century, Fellowes has been committed to positively impacting people through our culture, relationships and solutions. We have evolved toward relevance with each decade and generation, responding to a constantly changing world. Today, we are on an ambitious journey to grow our influence and impact in enhancing and maximizing work experiences worldwide. We are a “Brand on the Move” and remain committed to finding new ways to help people work better and feel better.

Visit our Careers Site: www.fellowesbrands.com/us/en/careers/Pages/overview.aspx

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Fellowes, Inc. does not accept unsolicited resumes from any agencies that have not signed a mutual service agreement. All unsolicited resumes will be considered Fellowes' property, and Fellowes will not be obligated to pay a referral fee. This includes resumes submitted directly to hiring managers without contacting the Talent Acquisition Department.