IT Dir Infrastructure & Network, Houston, TX (Construction)

Overview:

We are looking for an exceptionally skilled professional to assume the critical role of IT Director of Infrastructure & Network within our organization. This individual will play a key role in ensuring the availability, performance, and security of our network and infrastructure systems. This role requires strong leadership skills, technical expertise, and a proactive approach to managing IT infrastructure in a rapidly evolving environment. This role will have the responsibility of rationalizing, optimizing and maintaining the infrastructure environment, fortifying networks, and safeguarding against evolving cybersecurity threats. This leadership position is pivotal in steering our technological future and ensuring the robustness and security of our IT ecosystem.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning:

• Support development and execution of a multi-faceted IT infrastructure and networking strategy that aligns with organizational goals and anticipates future technological advancements.
• Drive innovation by evaluating and recommending best in class technologies to enhance the efficiency, cost optimization and competitiveness of our IT infrastructure and Network estate.

Infrastructure Management:

• Lead the end-to-end management of the organization's hybrid IT infrastructure, encompassing servers, storage, and other critical components and assets.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of infrastructure and networking teams, ensuring high levels of performance, availability, and security.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and management of on-premise and/or cloud-based infrastructure.
• Oversee execution of ongoing IT infrastructure migration to Microsoft Azure cloud.
• Oversee Active Directory and File Share clean-up and maintenance.
• Ensure that robust disaster recovery and business continuity plans are in place and regularly tested, and establish Recovery Point and Time (RPO/RTO) objectives based on business needs.
• Manage infrastructure and network projects from conception through deployment, ensuring timely delivery within budget.
• Establish, continuously monitor, and report on key performance metrics for infrastructure health, system reliability and network uptime, and optimize where necessary.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure resource allocation aligns with business needs and growth objectives.

Network and Cybersecurity:

• Architect and oversee the implementation of a resilient, secure, and high-performance network infrastructure.
• Guarantee the integrity and security of network operations by implementing and managing advanced network security measures.
• Champion the adoption of emerging networking technologies to maintain a state-of-the-art network environment.
• Develop and enforce network and data security policies, procedures, and standards.
• Stay up to date with the latest trends in cybersecurity and apply best practices to safeguard the company's assets and data.

Systems Architecture :

• Support the evaluation and procurement of enterprise systems.
• Understanding of how various business systems can and should communicate to create an integrated set of enterprise systems.
• Collaborate with business leaders to help in their understanding of new technologies and how to better leverage existing systems and applications.

Team Leadership:

• Cultivate a high-performance team culture by effectively managing and mentoring a diverse group of IT professionals.
• Foster an environment of continuous learning and innovation, ensuring the team is equipped with the latest skills and knowledge.
• Champion diversity and inclusion within the team to promote a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Vendor Management:

• Collaborate with vendors to evaluate, select, and implement technology solutions that align with the organization's strategic objectives.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements to optimize value while ensuring vendor compliance with service level agreements.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with technology partners to stay ahead of industry trends and opportunities.

Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure the organization's adherence to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, mitigating risks associated with non-compliance.
• Support the development and enforcement of robust IT policies and procedures, conducting regular audits and assessments to uphold a secure and compliant IT environment.
• Coordinate with legal and compliance functions as needed to address their questions and ensure alignment with cybersecurity strategy, response and associated activities.
• Adhere to a governance framework to facilitate transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 6-8 years of experience in IT infrastructure and network management, with at least 4 years in a leadership role.
• Extensive knowledge and experience with Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Azure cloud platform and technologies.
• In-depth expertise in cloud computing, virtualization, data center technologies, backup and disaster recovery (DR) solutions, end point management, patch management, and emerging IT trends.
• Extensive knowledge of network design, configuration, and optimization.
• Strong understanding of business functions and how technology can strategically support those functions.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Excellent communications skills, with the ability to distill complex technical concepts into clear, concise executive communications.
• Ability to independently prioritize competing initiatives and manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Experience working with Managed Services Providers (MSPs) for infrastructure and/or network preferred.
• Certifications such as ITIL, CCNP/CCIE, CISSP, or equivalent are preferred.