Manager, IT Middleware

Oversee and coordinate the solution design, project execution and implementation of various operational activities and production support of the IT department, as well as provide direction and support for IT solutions that enhance mission-critical business strategies and operations. This role includes leadership of modern integration, event streaming, and containerized platform technologies such as MuleSoft, Confluent Kafka, and Kubernetes.

Collaborate with IT leaders to provide leadership for planning, developing, and implementation of IT initiatives.

· Partner with business decision makers to ensure requirements and design of technology solutions align with needs.

· Design, develop, implement, and support cost-effective technology solutions including API-led integration (MuleSoft), event streaming platforms (Kafka/Confluent), and containerized solutions (Kubernetes).

· Provide leadership to optimize and manage application and/or infrastructure.

· Provide leadership and oversight for enterprise integration and event-driven architecture platforms, including MuleSoft and Confluent Kafka.

· Lead teams responsible for design, deployment, and support of containerized platforms, including Kubernetes and cloud-native environments.

· Drive adoption of event streaming and real-time data integration patterns using Kafka and related technologies.

· Ensure scalability, reliability, and performance of distributed systems and APIs.

· Partner with architecture teams to define standards and governance for API-led and event-driven solutions.

· Support modernization efforts through containerization, microservices architecture, and platform automation.

· Make recommendations for building strong IT capabilities through people, process, and technology.

· Contribute to technology roadmap definitions and recommendations.

· Manage operational support teams to ensure quality, availability, and performance targets.

· Manage technical resources and forecast expertise needs.

· Lead training and development of team members.

· Provide leadership in troubleshooting and resolution of operational problems.

· Assist in vendor management.

· Ensure effective technology support and maintenance strategies.

· Support technology transformation through quality delivery and continuous improvement.

· Ensure compliance with audit and record management requirements.

· Lead by example through coaching and mentoring.

· Manage budgets and financial plans.

· Commit to company values and policies.

• Bachelor's Degree in the field of Computer Science, Information Systems, or related discipline, or equivalent industry experience Required
• Minimum 5 years' applicable experience leading and/or directing IT planning, support and/or infrastructure organization Required
• Demonstrated leadership effectiveness in technology planning, operations, implementation and support
• Working knowledge of business processes, management, budgeting, and business office operations and end to end integration models;
• Must be aware of industry recognized best practices
• Knowledge of systems management, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications, and outsourced systems, vendor management, including management of offshore/near shore resources with some awareness of technology and related business trends;
• Experience and ability in managing systems complexity with positive outcomes
• Demonstrated, proven understanding of Infrastructure systems support and management
• Working knowledge of applicable industry laws and regulations as they relate to IT
• Established leadership track record of effective people management skills and practices
• Understands negotiating and influencing leadership skills
• Demonstrated ability to present and adapt ideas in business-friendly and user-friendly language
• 10% travel required

• Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance.
• Competitive compensation with a performance-based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success.
• Invest in your future with our 100% company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k).
• Work–life balance that means something. Friday afternoons off year-round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays.
• Commit to your growth with paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs.
• Make an impact beyond the workplace through volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program, supporting the causes that matter most to you.
• An ownership culture that inspires; join a connected, values-driven workplace where employees take accountability, support one another, and are empowered to do their best work—together shaping our future shared success.

Sammons Financial Group Is An Equal Opportunity Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

ADA
Sammons Financial Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, including navigating our website or applying for a position, please contact HR@sfgmembers.com or call 800-728-2987.

E-Verify
Sammons Financial Group participates in E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Policy for External Search Firms and Agencies
Sammons Financial Group maintains an internal Talent Acquisition function and does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting vendors. Please review our Recruitment Agency Policy for additional information here.