IT Manager

Description We're seeking an experienced, hands-on IT Manager to lead the design, implementation, and operation of our IT/IS environment. You will oversee a complex, multi-site infrastructure with 24x7 uptime requirements, manage a small IT team, and drive the adoption of modern technologies that enhance security, reliability, and user experience. If you're a strategic thinker with a proven track record in Windows-heavy environments, strong DevOps interests, and a passion for building scalable, user-friendly systems, we'd love to meet you. What You'll Do Lead and mentor a 3-5 person IT team; drive staffing, training, and performance to deliver reliable IT services. Own disaster recovery, business continuity, and high-availability strategies (Microsoft Hyper-V with Storage Spaces Direct, offsite backups, tertiary redundancy). Design, deploy, and maintain core infrastructure: LAN/WAN, routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, virtualization, file services, AD, Exchange, SQL Server, IIS, and telephony (Asterisk on Linux). Manage both physical and virtual servers, endpoint devices, printers, phones, and copiers; oversee asset management and lifecycle planning. Lead the strategic planning and governance of the organization's Azure tenancy (Azure AD, Azure VMs, Azure Blob storage, and Enterprise applications), ensuring alignment with security, compliance, and business goals. Manage service providers contracts and relationships for the IT management function, including contract negotiation, vendor performance oversight, SOWs/RAs, renewals, and alignment with cost and service level objectives. Implement, enforce, and document IT policies and procedures covering security, backup, change management, incident response, and compliance. Administer user accounts, directories, access controls, and security hardening across on-prem and cloud environments. Lead software and hardware upgrades, patches, and migrations; test and validate upgrades with minimal downtime. Monitor, analyze, and optimize performance and capacity; implement automation and DevOps practices to shorten delivery cycles and improve reliability. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support multi-platform back-end integrations and front-end applications. Plan and execute infrastructure updates during off-peak hours to minimize disruption. Support and coordinate IT operations across two data centers, two office locations, and cloud resources What We're Looking For Bachelor's or Master's degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Engineering, or related field. 10+ years in complex IT administration; 5+ years in IT leadership/management with proven people management experience. Strong Windows Server expertise (2019+), AD, DNS/DHCP, Group Policy, MS Exchange, MS SQL Server (2014+), IIS and Azure Environment. Deep knowledge of disaster recovery and high-availability technologies, especially Hyper-V and Storage Spaces Direct. Experience with desktop software ecosystems (Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Acrobat, Visio, etc.). Familiarity with Linux/UNIX-based systems and networking/firewall gear (e.g. Juniper, SonicWall, HP/Aruba switches). Solid understanding of virtualization, storage, backups, and cloud integration. DevOps mindset with comfort in automation, scripting, and modern CI/CD practices. Excellent written and verbal communication skills; strong problem-solving and leadership abilities. Self-starter who works well independently and within a team; thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. Nice to Have Certifications e.g. MCSE/MCITP, VMware, PMP, CCNA/CCNP, Microsoft 365, Cybersecurity certificates). Experience with MS Storage Spaces Direct, Asterisk administration, and multi-site IT operations. Benefits Health, dental, vision, and life insurance; premiums paid by the company Flexible Spending Account (FSA) option Competitive 401(k) with company match Generous PTO and observed holidays * Hybrid work options; scheduled in-office collaboration About Us Ideal Concepts, Inc. has modernized insurance through technology for over 20 years, partnering with 100+ carriers across 50 states to serve Health, Medicare, Life, Property & Casualty, and supplemental lines. We're recognized for growth and innovation, committed to integrity, ingenuity, tenacity, mastery, and simplicity. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and a dynamic, inclusive workplace. Equal Opportunity Ideal Concepts, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any type. We support hybrid work arrangements and are committed to building a diverse, inclusive team.