IT Operations Manager — Security & Infrastructure

Socket.dev; Sparta (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Profit sharing

Health/Dental/Vision/Life insurance

Disability insurance

PTO/Holiday Pay

Employee Discounts

Job summary

Zanders Sporting Goods is seeking an experienced IT Manager to lead and oversee the organization’s technology operations in Illinois. The role includes managing IT staff, systems, infrastructure, and vendors, ensuring security, compliance, and continuity with budget oversight.

The ideal candidate will drive IT strategy, implement policies, and oversee projects such as system upgrades and security enhancements, while aligning IT with business goals and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• FOID Card, required for Illinois residents.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive IT experience, including supervisory or managerial responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, networking, systems administration, and cybersecurity.
• Experience managing IT budgets and vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated leadership and people-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee daily IT operations, including help desk support, systems administration, and infrastructure.
• Supervise, train, evaluate, and discipline IT staff in accordance with company policies.
• Develop, implement, and maintain IT policies, procedures, and standards.
• Plan, deploy, and maintain hardware, software, networks, and security systems.
• Ensure data security, backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity practices are in place.
• Manage IT vendors, service providers, contracts, and licensing agreements.
• Develop and manage the IT budget, including forecasting and cost control.
• Lead IT projects, including system upgrades, implementations, and process improvements.
• Monitor system performance, availability, and capacity planning.
• Collaborate with leadership to align IT strategy with organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state (including Illinois), and local laws and regulations.
• Respond to and manage escalated IT issues and incidents.
• Provide hands-on technical support as needed.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and special projects.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

IT leadership

Budget management

Vendor management

Cybersecurity

Systems administration

Networking

Windows Server

Active Directory

SAN storage

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS

Tools

Windows Server

Active Directory

SAN storage

Job description

Zanders Sporting Goods is seeking an experienced IT Manager to lead and oversee the organization’s technology operations in Illinois. The role includes managing IT staff, systems, infrastructure, and vendors, ensuring security, compliance, and continuity with budget oversight.

The ideal candidate will drive IT strategy, implement policies, and oversee projects such as system upgrades and security enhancements, while aligning IT with business goals and regulatory requirements.