Infrastructure Platform Operations Leader

DESCRIPTION

We are looking for a talented Infrastructure Platform Operations Leader to join our IT team. This position is hybrid and can be based from our Minneapolis, MN or Indiana office locations.

The Infrastructure Platform Operations Leader is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day global operations IT infrastructure - to ensure seamless 24/7 operational continuity. This role involves managing various IT systems, and services to ensure their reliability, security, and efficiency. Responsibilities include managing infrastructure teams, managed services ensuring system reliability, uptime and security. This leader will work closely with other IT leaders, platform engineering teams, business units, and vendors to support the organization's technological needs and align IT operations with business objectives. The role requires a blend of strategic thinking, technical expertise, and strong leadership skills to drive operational excellence and support the organization's technological needs.

In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:

• Develop and implement IT platform operations strategies aligned with business goals, ensuring infrastructure, systems, and services support organizational objectives.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, databases and cloud platforms, ensuring high availability, scalability, and security.
• Monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions to optimize efficiency, reliability, and user experience.
• Implement and maintain robust security measures partnering with Cyber security organization to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with relevant regulations and policies.
• Manage relationships with IT vendors, negotiating contracts and ensuring optimal service delivery and cost efficiency.
• Develop and manage the IT operations budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and cost-effectiveness.
• Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends, evaluating their potential for improving operational efficiency and driving innovation.
• Oversee incident management processes, ensuring timely resolution of issues and minimizing downtime.
• Implement and manage ITIL-based processes for incident, change, and problem management to enhance service delivery

• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of IT infrastructure, including servers, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Oracle), operating systems (Windows, Linux), virtualization software (VMWare, Hyper-V) and database technologies (Oracle, SQL Server, Postgres and Industry leading databases).
• Strategic Roadmap Planning: Develop, Execute and communicate a high-level, multi-year roadmap that aligns internal and external resources with long-term business priorities; Staying ahead of digital trends and adopt emerging technologies
• Builds Effective Teams and Develops Talent: Create and lead high-performing teams that leverage diverse skills and perspectives to achieve shared goals. Invest in the growth and development of team members to meet both individual career aspirations and organizational needs.
• Problem-solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and resolve complex technical issues.
• Financial Acumen: Interpret and apply key financial indicators to guide sound business decisions and ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Communicates Effectively: Delivers clear, audience-tailored communications across multiple channels to ensure alignment and understanding.
• Cultivates Innovation: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by identifying and implementing innovative solutions that drive organizational success.
• Drives Results & Ensures Accountability: Consistently deliver high-impact outcomes while holding yourself and others accountable for commitments.
• Global Perspective & Values Differences: Approach challenges with a global mindset, embracing diverse perspectives and cultural backgrounds to enhance collaboration and innovation.
• IT Supplier Relationships : Leverage a structured vendor management framework to optimize supplier performance, control costs, mitigate risks, and drive service excellence throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Project Portfolio Management: Strategically plan, prioritize, and manage project portfolios using risk and performance analysis to maximize business value and alignment.

• College, university, or equivalent degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business, or related subject, or relevant equivalent experience required.
• Fifteen or more years of experience in various technology and application solution areas.
• Significant body of work in the work of seminars, peer interactions, published papers in the journal in the area of expertise.
• Experience in strategy, budgeting and demonstrated ability to manage complex problems.
• Has demonstrated expertise in leading-edge technology by participating in industry forums and peer network groups.