Manager, IT Systems and Network

The Manager, IT Systems and Network at Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc. (FPI) is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing and delivering secure, scalable, and resilient infrastructure services across the enterprise. This position leads two infrastructure teams: the Network Services team, which supports firewalls, SD-WAN, routing/switching, and NAC; and the Server & Virtualization team, responsible for Microsoft Server platforms, Exchange, Microsoft 365 components, ESXi virtualization, data center operations, and backup/disaster recovery systems.

This individual is accountable for the stability, security, and performance of core infrastructure systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The role requires a proven leader with recent hands-on technical experience, deep understanding of enterprise infrastructure operations, and the ability to guide cross-functional collaboration while fostering a high-performance team culture.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly manage two technical teams of Infrastructure & Network Services Engineers.
• Hire, coach, and develop staff while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and accountable work environment.
• Provide performance feedback, set team goals, and facilitate professional development plans.
• Manage hybrid and fully remote staff, applying consistent communication practices and measurable expectations.
• Ensure the continuous operation and security of enterprise systems including:
• Network Infrastructure: Firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Fortinet), SD-WAN, routing/switching (Layer 2/3), VPNs, and Network Access Control (e.g., ClearPass).
• Server & Virtualization: Windows Server (2016/2019/2022), Exchange/Exchange Online, DNS/DHCP/IPAM, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 hybrid services.
• Virtualization Platforms: VMware ESXi/vSphere and storage area networks.
• Backup & DR: Backup tools (e.g., Veeam, Commvault), disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Monitor system performance, plan for capacity, and drive initiatives for platform modernization.
• Enforce patch management, vulnerability remediation, and platform lifecycle compliance.
• Implement and maintain infrastructure security controls in collaboration with the cybersecurity team.
• Own infrastructure elements of compliance and audit readiness for patching, configuration, access controls, and DR preparedness.
• Maintain documentation for architecture, operations, recovery, and support procedures.
• Contribute to and execute against the infrastructure roadmap, including upgrades, migrations, and cloud integrations.
• Identify and implement automation and monitoring tools to streamline operations and reduce risk.
• Partner with architecture, cloud, and cybersecurity teams to support hybrid cloud strategies.
• Manage vendor relationships and licensing related to infrastructure platforms.

MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee daily team operations to ensure alignment with organizational policies while facilitating effective communication, collaboration, continual improvement, and knowledge sharing within the team and across organization.

• Provide clear direction, goals, and priorities to direct report(s) while mentoring them to enhance their skills and support their professional development

• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that supports employee engagement.

• Address conflicts with professionalism and fairness, serving as the first point of contact for employee(s) communication and escalating issues appropriately in collaboration with HR when necessary.

• Ensure employee(s) adherence to organizational policies and procedures by promoting and modeling compliance with labor laws, workplace standards, and ethical practices in all people management activities.

• Manage administrative responsibilities, including reviewing and approving weekly timecards, processing time-off requests, tracking compliance tasks, and supporting team adherence to organizational policies and deadlines.

• Conduct performance reviews by setting and communicating clear expectations and objectives, monitoring performance against goals, providing continuous feedback, and addressing performance issues promptly and effectively.
• Oversee talent management processes for reports, including hiring, termination, performance evaluations, and pay reviews, ensuring alignment with unit objectives and adherence to company policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to report to work in person and to attend work-related functions/activities.
• Ability to work at a desk and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 10 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to occasionally travel as required.
• Ability to type and utilize various software programs efficiently and operate general office equipment.
• Ability to work in an office setting with moderate noise levels.
• Additional physical demands include, but may not be limited to, frequent talking or hearing, occasional push/pull, stoop/kneel, bend/twist, and reach to retrieve or move items in a typical office environment.
• Must be able to work scheduled hours and overtime as needed.
• Hybrid or remote work arrangements:
  • This role has been designated as a Hybrid role, which gives employees the opportunity to work from home on Mondays and Fridays and working in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
    • Please note that the Company retains the right to change a position’s designation at any time.
    • Exceptions to the designated work arrangement may be made based on business needs

• Ability to concentrate and focus on details when reviewing documents, analyzing data, and performing computer-based tasks.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to problem-solve efficiently and make sound decisions.
• Ability to manage job-related stress and interactions with clients, colleagues, or external parties.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly in both verbal and written form.
• Ability to work with others in a collegial and collaborative manner

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION : Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their position.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Typically, 8 years of progressively responsible experience in IT infrastructure services.
• At least 3 years of experience leading technical teams, including remote or hybrid staff.
• Hands-on expertise in enterprise environments with:
• Network administration (firewalls, routing/switching, NAC, VPN).
• Windows Server infrastructure, Active Directory, Exchange, and Microsoft 365 integration.
• VMware ESXi/vSphere and virtualization technologies.
• Backup and disaster recovery tools (Veeam, Commvault, or equivalent).
• Proficient in vulnerability management, patching strategies, and maintaining platform currency.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Certifications such as:
• Networking: CCNP, CCNA
• Microsoft: Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, Exchange Online
• Virtualization: VMware VCP
• Security: CISSP, Security
• IT Operations: ITIL Foundations or Practitioner
• Familiarity with scripting and automation (PowerShell, Ansible, etc.).

For over 25 years, Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc. (FPI) has provided technology products and services to the Farm Credit System. We care deeply about the agricultural credit associations (ACAs) we serve through our mission of delivering trusted technology solutions to help American agriculture thrive. As a customer-owned service organization, we support ACAs from Maine to California with over 62,000 customer-members and over $40 billion in loan volume . Everyone here contributes to the success of our customers, and to the vibrant culture that makes FPI a great place to work. Throughout the year, you will find us having fun and jamming out to FPI’s band, coming together to support local charities, and celebrating our wins together.

We offer a robust benefits package that includes competitive earnings, hybrid and remote work options, tuition reimbursement, generous 401(k) matching, and development opportunities through company-sponsored trainings and certifications.

Come grow with us: financialpartners.com .

Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, sex or gender, religion, pregnancy, marital status, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. EEO / Disabilities / Veterans

#FPI