Mainframe Networking Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Overview

The Director – IT oversees the strategic direction and daily operations of the technology infrastructure for our multi-site manufacturing, warehouse, corporate headquarters and sales office operations. This individual will lead a technical team consisting of Tier 1 – Tier 3 technicians and programmers to ensure high availability, security, and scalability of our MS Windows-based environment, networking hardware, custom programs and communication systems.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Infrastructure and Operations Management

• Systems Architecture – Direct the design, implementation, and maintenance of Windows Server environments (Active Directory, Group Policy, SQL server, virtualization, patch management).

• Networking – Design, maintain, secure, and ensure high availability and performance of networks at multi-sites for office operations and machine data.

• Data centers – design, maintain and secure multiple on premise data centers including backup strategies.

• PCs – manage and administer plant floor and employee PC and laptop policy.

• Telecommunications – Manage VoIP phone systems, site security and wireless access points at all sites.

• Manage and implement disaster recovery and business continuity plans.

• Execute cybersecurity initiatives including endpoint protection, firewalls, access controls, and compliance.

• Manage companies’ low voltage, fiber, and wireless communications.

2. IT Leadership and Strategy

• Assist the CTO in developing and executing the company’s IT strategy aligned with business goals.

• Lead and mentor multi-site IT staff that includes Tier 1 – Tier 3 support technicians, system administrators, network engineers, and custom software developers.

• Manage IT policies, standards and best practices across all locations.

• Manage IT budgets (capital projects and maintenance), forecasting and vendor relationships.

• Lead team on compliance audits, SOC-2 audits, penetration testing and formalization and implementation of written IT policies.

• Evaluate and manage outside contractors that can cost-effectively assist in optimizing the IT system architecture and performance.

3. Technical Support Management

• Supervise Tier 1 – Tier 3 support teams and monitor ticketing system KPIs to ensure timely resolution of technical issues.

4. Software Development and Applications

• Supervise a team of in-house and contract programmers to develop and support in-house custom software solutions.

• Collaborate with business units to identify opportunities for automation and process improvement.

• Ensure proper documentation, testing, and lifecycle management of internally developed applications.

• Work with CTO to integrate data acquisition and reporting with AS/400 mainframe system.

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Qualifications

Required

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in an IT operations role, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role, preferably within the manufacturing or industrial sector.

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, information technology, cybersecurity, or a related field. Master’s degree or certifications in lieu will be considered.

• Proven expertise in managing large Information Technology projects (budgeting, engineering, design and execution).

• Deep functional understanding of Windows servers, SQL, Firewalls, Microsoft tenant, networking, and network security.

• Technical hands-on proficiency in Windows Server, networking protocols (VLAN’s, VPNs), virtualization, M365, and on-prem data centers (NAS, backups).

• Strong knowledge of cybersecurity principles.

Preferred

• Understanding of programming principles with a preference for coding experience.

• Certifications in relevant IT/security/project management fields (e.g., CISSP, CISM, PMP, ITIL, CEH, VMWare, Microsoft).

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Key Competencies

• Strategic and Analytical Thinking

• Communication and Presentation Skills

• Financial Management and Budgeting

• Change Management

• Team Leadership and Development