IT Infrastructure Lead

Reports to: IT & DT Manager | Location: Wendell, NC | Full-Time, Exempt

About the Role

KIOTI Tractor is seeking an IT Infrastructure Lead to join our team onsite in Wendell, NC. This role leads day-to-day infrastructure and end-user support operations across network, server, security, endpoint, and workplace technologies. The position is expected to provide both operational leadership and hands-on technical support when needed.

Responsibilities

• Infrastructure Operations Leadership
  • Lead daily infrastructure operations across network, server, security, backup, virtualization, and endpoint environments.
  • Monitor the overall health, stability, performance, and support readiness of core infrastructure services.
• Helpdesk Escalation and User Support
  • Act as the primary escalation point for issues not resolved at the helpdesk level.
  • Establish support standards, escalation paths, and documentation discipline for end-user support activities.
• System Monitoring and Troubleshooting
  • Support and maintain firewalls, switches, wireless, servers, storage, backup systems, Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and related infrastructure platforms.
  • Participate directly in troubleshooting, configuration, implementation, and recovery work when hands-on intervention is required.
  • Provide after-hours or emergency leadership support when significant incidents or urgent infrastructure work require it.
• Vendor and Outsourcing Management
  • Coordinate and manage external infrastructure vendors, MSPs, and project partners.
  • Follow up on service quality, project progress, issue resolution, and technical deliverables.
• Infrastructure Project Lead
  • Plan and execute infrastructure upgrades, replacements, maintenance activities, and operational improvement projects.
  • Prepare implementation approach, risk review, rollback planning, business communication, and execution follow-up for infrastructure changes.
• System Installation and Configuration
  • Support installation and configuration of servers, network devices, endpoint tools, and related infrastructure components.
  • Maintain and improve identity, access, device, and collaboration platforms such as Active Directory, Entra ID / Azure AD, Microsoft 365, and endpoint administration tools.
• Backup and Recovery
  • Support patching, backup operations, and disaster recovery readiness to reduce operational and business risk.
• Security Management
  • Support access control, security control execution, and infrastructure security governance in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Documentation and Reporting
  • Maintain infrastructure documentation, diagrams, asset records, support procedures, and operational status reporting for management review.
• Cross-Functional Support
  • Work closely with the IT systems / planning function to support business applications, plant operations, and cross-functional business requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 8+ years of progressive IT infrastructure experience in support, administration, implementation, or operational leadership roles.

Skills

• Technical Knowledge
  • Broad working knowledge of enterprise infrastructure including network, firewall, wireless, Windows Server, virtualization, storage, backup, endpoint, identity, and Microsoft 365 environments.
  • Working knowledge of tools and platforms such as Active Directory, Entra ID / Azure AD, PowerShell, VMware, backup platforms, and network/security equipment.
  • Ability to troubleshoot across server, network, security, and end-user support issues.
• Leadership and Work Style
  • Ability to lead infrastructure operations without depending entirely on vendors, while still managing external partners effectively.
  • Ability to communicate technical issues, priorities, tradeoffs, and recommendations clearly to both technical staff and management.
  • Strong ownership, follow-through, time management, and multi-tasking capability.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or multi-site operational environment.