Associate Manager

POSITION SUMMARY We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Associate Manager – IT to oversee the company’s IT infrastructure with a strong focus on networking systems and team management. This role requires 7–10 years of progressive IT experience with proven expertise in enterprise networking, infrastructure projects, and leadership of IT teams. The ideal candidate will manage a team of IT professionals, ensuring high availability, security, and performance of all IT systems. In addition to technical oversight, this role demands strong planning, coordination, vendor management, and decision-making skills to support business operations seamlessly. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Leadership & Management - Lead and mentor a team of IT engineers, network administrators, and support staff. - Assign tasks, monitor performance, and ensure SLA adherence. - Provide technical guidance and training to the IT team. - Manage IT project lifecycles from planning to execution. - Coordinate with cross-functional teams and senior management on IT initiatives. Network & Infrastructure Management - Design, implement, and oversee enterprise LAN/WAN infrastructure, including Layer 2/Layer 3 switches and routers. - Manage enterprise-grade firewalls (e.g., SonicWall, Sophos, WatchGuard) and network security policies. - Implement and maintain dynamic routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP) and Layer 2 technologies (VLANs, STP, EtherChannel). - Plan, deploy, and optimize enterprise wireless solutions (Cisco, Aruba, Meraki, Ruckus). - Monitor and optimize network performance, capacity planning, and performance tuning. - Ensure disaster recovery and high-availability strategies are in place. IT Operations & End-User Support - Oversee IT helpdesk operations, ensuring timely resolution of escalated issues. - Maintain IT asset inventory and ensure compliance with licensing and regulatory requirements. - Implement ITIL best practices for incident, problem, and change management. Cloud, SaaS, and Automation - Manage cloud-based solutions and SaaS applications (e.g., PRTG, Jira, etc). - Identify opportunities for process automation to improve IT efficiency. - Collaborate with cybersecurity teams for threat monitoring, audits, and compliance. Vendor & Budget Management - Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for IT services and equipment. - Assist in IT budget planning and cost optimization. SKILLS & ABILITIES Education & Experience: - Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field (or equivalent practical experience). - 9+ years of experience in IT infrastructure management, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role. - Strong knowledge of networking technologies, routing/switching, and firewall administration. - Proficiency in CLI-based management of Cisco, Aruba, or similar devices. - Experience with enterprise Wi-Fi planning, deployment, and troubleshooting. - Familiarity with network monitoring tools (PRTG, SolarWinds, Wireshark) and ITSM tools. - Excellent communication, leadership, and documentation skills. - Preferred Certifications: CCNA and ITIL Foundation (optional but advantageous).