Information Technology Manager

Gridiron Air; Fort Worth (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Gridiron Air LLC in Fort Worth, TX, seeks an IT Manager to lead information technology operations across the organization, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, end-user support, and business systems in a highly regulated aviation environment.

The role combines hands-on system administration with strategic leadership, managing vendors and projects, ensuring FAA and DOD compliance, and driving security, reliability, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of progressive IT infrastructure and support experience, including at least 2 years in a management or team lead role.
• Demonstrated experience with hybrid IT environments (on-premises and cloud), Microsoft Azure, network/systems administration, endpoint management, MDM solutions, and ITSM frameworks (ITIL preferred).
• Familiarity with regulated industry IT requirements; experience in FAA, DOD, or similarly governed compliance environments strongly preferred.
• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders; proven vendor, contract, and project management capabilities. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Employment contingent upon successful background check, drug screening, and MVR check.

Responsibilities

• Oversee enterprise networking, Azure and Microsoft 365 services, identity and access management, endpoints, SaaS apps, and cloud-hosted infrastructure to ensure availability and security.
• Lead and support a hybrid IT support model delivering Tier 1-3 service desk coverage; define and monitor SLAs, KPIs, and change management processes.
• Enforce cybersecurity policies including endpoint protection, IAM, vulnerability remediation, and system hardening per corporate standards and aviation requirements.
• Ensure IT systems remain compliant with FAA, DOD directives, and corporate IT standards.
• Oversee MDM, device refresh cycles, and standardization of field technician and office equipment.
• Manage vendor and MSP relationships, contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and cost-effective service delivery.
• Lead IT disaster recovery, backup, and business continuity planning; coordinate risk assessments and recovery testing.
• Serve as the security and IT compliance advisor to leadership; support audits and regulatory reviews.
• Develop IT staff through coaching and mentorship to build a high-performing team.

Skills

IT leadership

Hybrid IT

Azure

MDM

ITIL

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT or related field

Tools

Azure

Microsoft 365

Entra ID

Intune

SharePoint Online

Jamf Pro

Fortinet

GitHub

Job description

Across the globe, 365 days a year. These talented team FAR Part 121 Supplemental Air Carrier, Gridiron Air is a leading charter airline specializing in customized flight solutions using its fleet of Boeing 777-200ER aircraft. We are committed to delivering new levels of safety, hospitality, and operational excellence to the charter market. Our talented flight and cabin crew operate acr members are supported by dedicated professionals out of our corporate office - including our state-of-the-art Operations Control Center and world-class Maintenance Operation - located at AFW, Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, in Fort Worth, Texas. Flexibility is required to meet the needs of our business and will require evening and weekend availability when needed.

Gridiron expects its employees to conduct business honestly and ethically wherever operations are maintained. We strive to improve our services, products, and processes consistently and will maintain a reputation for safety, reliability, service, operational excellence, integrity, diversity, and inclusion. Our employees are expected to adhere to high standards of business and personal integrity as a representation of our business practices at all times, consistent with their duty of loyalty to the company. In addition, Gridiron Air expects all its employees to uphold a work environment that ensures Safety, Security, Quality, Responsibility, and value for all our employees, clients, customers, and other stakeholders.

SUMMARY

The IT Manager leads and executes all aspects of information technology operations across the organization. This role oversees enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, end-user support, and business systems in a highly regulated aviation environment - ensuring alignment with FAA regulatory requirements, DOD compliance standards where applicable, and corporate security policies. This is a hands-on technical leadership position. The IT Manager is expected to maintain sufficient technical depth to directly participate in system administration, troubleshooting, architecture, automation, integrations, and implementation activities in addition to leading IT personnel, vendors, projects, and strategy.

GENERAL DUTIES

• Manage and maintain the organization's technology environment, including enterprise networking, Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365 services, identity and access management, endpoints and mobile devices, SaaS applications, cloud-hosted applications, and supporting infrastructure, ensuring availability, security, performance, and operational reliability.
• Lead and support a hybrid IT support model (internal staff and MSP) delivering Tier 1-3 service desk coverage; define and monitor SLAs, KPIs, and incident/problem/change management processes.
• Enforce cybersecurity policies including endpoint protection, identity and access management, vulnerability remediation, and system hardening in alignment with corporate standards and aviation industry requirements.
• Ensure IT systems, controls, and documentation maintain compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks including FAA requirements, DOD cybersecurity directives (where applicable), and corporate IT standards.
• Oversee Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions, PC/laptop refresh cycles, and standardization of field technician and office endpoint equipment.
• Manage vendor and MSP relationships including contract negotiation, performance monitoring, and cost-effective service delivery.
• Lead IT disaster recovery, backup, and business continuity planning; conduct periodic risk assessments and coordinate testing of recovery procedures.
• Serve as the primary security and IT compliance advisor to leadership; support audits, cybersecurity insurance requirements, and regulatory reviews.
• Develop IT staff by providing coaching, mentoring, and clear direction to build a high-performing team aligned to organizational goals.
• Management personnel are expected to have a thorough understanding of the Gridiron Air Safety Management System (SMS). They should be competent in executing responsibilities aligned with their training and involvement in the SMS. Additionally, they are required and supported to identify and report safety hazards, uncover safety deficiencies, and raise safety concerns within the operation, thereby fostering a proactive safety culture.
• May perform other responsibilities as assigned based on business needs and shifting company priorities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 5+ years of progressive IT infrastructure and support experience, including at least 2 years in a management or team lead role.
• Demonstrated experience with hybrid IT environments (on-premises and cloud), Microsoft Azure, network/systems administration, endpoint management, MDM solutions, and ITSM frameworks (ITIL preferred).
• Familiarity with regulated industry IT requirements; experience in FAA, DOD, or similarly governed compliance environments strongly preferred.
• Strong communication skills across technical and non-technical stakeholders; proven vendor, contract, and project management capabilities. Must be authorized to work in the U.S. Employment contingent upon successful completion of background check, drug screening, and MVR check.

PERFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Background in aviation, defense, or other highly regulated industries with exposure to NIST, CMMC, or FAA IT compliance requirements.
• Experience with Microsoft Power Platform (Power Apps and Power Automate) and workflow/process automation.
• Experience with Azure App Services, Azure Functions, APIs, web services, and cloud application hosting.
• Experience with GitHub, GitHub Actions, source control, and CI/CD deployment practices.
• Experience administering Microsoft 365, Entra ID, Intune, SharePoint Online, and Exchange Online.
• Experience with Fortinet networking/security technologies and enterprise wireless/network infrastructure.
• Experience with Apple device management/MDM platforms such as Jamf Pro.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will primarily work in an office setting. Occasionally, the employee is exposed to outside weather conditions which may include wet and/or humid conditions and extreme heat and cold. When working outside the office, the noise level in the work environment is often loud. Occasional travel may be required (<10%).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to speak, write, and understand English. Employees must also adhere to Gridiron Air's Drug and Alcohol policies.

Gridiron Air LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.