IT Operations Manager

About Us:

IdeaTek grew from a vision of "Internet Freedom" for all. We saw a critical need for affordable, reliable high-speed internet in underserved rural communities across Kansas. Recognizing the transformative power of connectivity, we embarked on a mission to bridge the digital divide and empower individuals, families, and businesses with the tools they need to thrive in the modern world.

Our commitment to Internet Freedom goes beyond simply providing access. We are deeply invested in the long-term growth and prosperity of the communities we serve. We believe that high-speed internet is not a luxury, but a fundamental necessity for education, economic development, healthcare, and civic engagement. By building robust, scalable fiber optic infrastructures, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future for generations to come.

At IdeaTek, we are more than an internet service provider. We are a catalyst for change, a champion for rural communities, and a passionate advocate for digital equity. We understand that the fight for Internet Freedom is ongoing, and we are dedicated to continuing our efforts to connect every corner of Kansas and beyond.

Join us as we work to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their geographic location. Together, we can build a more connected, equitable, and prosperous future for all.

Opportunity

Are you a results-driven IT leader with a passion for ensuring seamless technology operations? We're seeking a highly motivated IT Operations Manager to oversee our critical IT infrastructure and services, ensuring business continuity and optimal performance. In this role, you'll play a vital part in enabling our organization's success by leading a team of talented IT professionals and implementing robust operational strategies.

Location:

This role offers work location flexibility. With the option to work in Buhler, KS or Wichita, KS

Responsibilities:

• Mitigate/prevent risk to IdeaTek owned systems
• Lead & mentor IT team-development of team members while evaluating future growth needs to accommodate IdeaTek’s rapid growth goals
• Advise\determine best practices for use and implementation of IdeaTek internal technology(Computers/Servers/Network devices)
• Own the IT Helpdesk ticket queue
• Seek out opportunities to increase IdeaTek staff efficiencies through process improvements and technologies
• Participate/influence initiatives/projects that have IT components and/or impacts
• Purchasing of new equipment that meets IdeaTek standards or when a new standard is needed, make recommendations based on requirements from departments/teams
• Lead the effort of updating, creating, implementing and testing IT policies for IdeaTek (examples below)
• Assist with establishing an IT budget and be responsible for adhering to that budget

Desired Attributes:

• Passion for leading others with the ability to motivate a team
• Customer service-oriented and proactive in anticipating and resolving problems while maximizing efficient use of computing resources.
• Enjoy solving complex problems
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Adaptable to changing priorities
• Ability to communicate technical information at a variety of levels, depending on the customer
• Exhibits desired interpersonal skills: empathy, patience, and kindness on a daily basis

Experience & Knowledge Required:

• 3 years experience leading a team
• Experience managing data center operations including capacity planning and scalability
• Experience with network monitoring, performance tuning and troubleshooting of network and server related issues
• Experience with backup and disaster recovery policies and procedures
• Experience with firewall configurations, VPNs, and endpoint security
• Experience with User Access Management

Experience & Knowledge Preferred:

• 5 years experience leading a team
• Associates degree or higher in information technology, information security or related field
• Professional certifications from entities such as ITIL, HDI (Desktop Support Technician or Support Center Analyst), CompTIA or Microsoft (Microsoft Certified IT Professional or Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator).
• Experience with Security and Risk mitigation
• PC lifecycle management and imaging
• Cloud Administration(AWS, Google, Azure)
• Understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements
• Understanding of or experience with development and enforcement of security policies and best practices
• Experience with vendor and contract management of IT resources

This role is not eligible for Visa sponsorship.

This role is not eligible for relocation.

Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

This employer uses everify

IdeaTek offers a culture where employee strengths are highlighted and recognized. A few of the key ways we strive to make employees feel valued include:

• Competitive base pay with discretionary quarterly bonus incentives. Quarterly bonuses are based on company-wide performance in combination with individual performance.
• Competitive benefits packages including medical, dental, life, and vision, along with 401k match
• Employee coaching and counseling services at no cost to employee, spouse, and children
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education related to your individual growth goals
• Community engagement and volunteer opportunities