Cloud Infrastructure & IT Operations Manager

About the role

This role offers the opportunity to combine hands-on technical leadership with meaningful business influence while helping shape strategy, improve operations, and lead a high-performing team. You'll work alongside seasoned technology leaders in a collaborative environment where initiative is valued, ideas are heard, and results matter.

Responsibilities

• Azure Cloud Infrastructure Management & IT Operations
  • Oversee and lead the implementation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of all Azure Cloud infrastructure, primarily cloud networking, service management, and cost management;
  • Lead our Platform Engineering Team;
  • Manage our relationship with our Cloud Service Provider.
• On-Campus Network, Systems Administration & IT Operations
  • Oversee on-campus enterprise network infrastructure, including LAN/WAN, firewalls, routers, switches, and wireless—ensuring security, segmentation, and performance.
  • Oversee or manage MS Entra, Active Directory/Azure AD, DNS, and identity/access management systems.
  • Oversee or manage backup, replication, and recovery systems; ensure data protection standards are enforced and tested regularly.
  • Evaluate and recommend end-user hardware, software, and licensing solutions that meet operational requirements and budget parameters.
• Cloud Access Management & Production Infrastructure Monitoring and Support
  • Monitor and support our Azure cloud environment, which serves as the backbone of the OfficerTRAK application, including resource provisioning in AKS, cost governance and reserved instances, and performance optimization.
  • Oversee access to development platforms (e.g., GitHub CodeSpaces) and ensure effective use of compute resources within established budgets.
  • Develop, improve, implement, and maintain cloud security controls, IAM policies, and compliance configurations.
• Security, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Oversee the security practice and partner with the CISO to enforce cybersecurity standards across all infrastructure components, including endpoint protection, patch management, and access controls.
  • Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks and internal IT policies (e.g., SOC 2, NIST).
  • Lead or support business continuity and disaster recovery planning, documentation, and testing.
  • Support security vulnerability assessments and coordinate remediation efforts with technical staff and vendors.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a small team responsible for system administration, desktop support, and platform engineering;
  • Conduct regular performance reviews and career development conversations for a handful of employees;
  • Oversee consultants.
• Vendor & Budget Management
  • As needed, oversee or manage relationships with infrastructure vendors;
  • Negotiate contracts and ensure service delivery meets agreed-upon terms;
  • Support the development and management of the IT infrastructure budget in collaboration with the CTO;
  • Track spending, forecast needs, and identify opportunities to optimize costs.
• IT Service Management & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Establish, implement, and promote ITSM best practices, including incident management, change management, problem management, and request fulfillment (aligned with ITIL or equivalent frameworks).
  • Serve as an escalation point for infrastructure-related service requests and incidents;
  • Communicate infrastructure status, project progress, and risk items to IT leadership and business stakeholders clearly and proactively.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with application development, security, operations, and business units to ensure infrastructure services align with organizational needs.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Network Engineering, or a related technical field. Equivalency, proven professional experience, and recent references will be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Experience: Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in cloud infrastructure, IT infrastructure, systems administration, or network engineering. At least 2 years managing Azure cloud infrastructure supporting a custom enterprise-level business application, with defined SLAs and uptime requirements. At least 2 years in a supervisory or management role overseeing infrastructure staff, operations, and IT budgets.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong Azure cloud infrastructure knowledge, preferably with strong proficiency in network fundamentals: routing, firewalls, DNS, DHCP, and TCP/IP. Hands-on experience with server administration in Windows Server and/or Linux environments. Familiarity with MS Entra, Active Directory, Azure Active Directory, Group Policy, and identity management systems. Working knowledge of backup and disaster recovery technologies and processes supporting office and cloud environments. Understanding of IT security principles and vulnerability remediation.
• Leadership & Soft Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences. Proven organizational and project management skills; ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines. Analytical approach to problem-solving with strong attention to detail and follow-through. Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, and internal stakeholders.