IT Infrastructure Strategist

We are seeking a seasoned IT Infrastructure Manager to lead and manage the entire IT infrastructure of a progressive manufacturing company. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in IT infrastructure management with a career progression into IT security, demonstrating expertise in IT security, vulnerability management, compliance, identity and access management (IAM), and modern endpoint management tools.

This role demands strategic oversight and hands-on management of IT infrastructure, IT security frameworks, and business management systems (BMS) including access control and surveillance camera systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the strategic direction for the company's IT infrastructure, ensuring alignment with business goals and future scalability.
• Manage day-to-day operations of IT infrastructure including servers, networks, storage, virtualization, and cloud environments.
• Lead IT security initiatives encompassing vulnerability management, incident response, threat mitigation, and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Oversee Identity and Access Management (IAM), Conditional Access policies, and endpoint management using tools such as Microsoft Intune.
• Manage Business Management Systems (BMS) including access control systems, CCTV, and related security technologies.
• Ensure robust IT compliance frameworks are in place, coordinating with internal and external audit teams to meet legal and regulatory requirements.
• Lead and mentor the IT infrastructure and security teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Plan and manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and procurement processes to optimize cost-effectiveness and service quality.
• Implement and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans to minimize downtime and data loss.
• Stay current with emerging technologies and industry best practices to drive innovation and maintain competitive advantage.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Approximately 15 years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure management with a strong focus on IT security.
• Proven track record of transitioning from infrastructure roles into IT security leadership.
• Deep expertise in IT security frameworks, vulnerability management, compliance standards (e.g., ISO 27001, GDPR), and risk management.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Intune, IAM solutions, Conditional Access, and endpoint security management.
• Experience managing network infrastructure, servers, virtualization platforms (e.g., VMware, Hyper-V), and cloud services (Azure, AWS).
• Familiarity with Business Management Systems such as access control and surveillance camera systems.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing cross-functional IT teams.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management capabilities.

Desired Skills and Certifications:

• Certifications such as CISSP, CISM, ITIL, or PMP are highly desirable.
• Knowledge of scripting/programming for automation (e.g., PowerShell, Python).
• Experience with security devices like firewalls, endpoint protection, intrusion detection/prevention systems.
• Familiarity with IT Service Management (ITSM) frameworks and tools.
• Experience working in manufacturing or industrial environments is a plus.

This role offers the opportunity to lead the IT infrastructure and security strategy in a dynamic manufacturing environment, driving operational excellence and safeguarding critical business systems.