We are seeking a strategic Infrastructure and Support Manager to lead our IT operations and service delivery teams. This role is responsible for aligning technology infrastructure with operational requirements, ensuring enterprise-wide system scalability, security, and uptime. This role will drive IT service excellence, optimize resource allocation, and implement robust governance frameworks to support organizational objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Infrastructure Engineering & Operations
- Infrastructure Management: Direct the administration, lifecycle management, and optimization of enterprise infrastructure, including network architectures, server clusters, storage arrays, and cloud deployments (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Systems Optimization: Architect and enforce high-availability configurations and proactive monitoring protocols to guarantee optimal system performance and mitigate latency.
- Business Continuity: Formulate, test, and maintain robust Disaster Recovery (DR) and Business Continuity Planning (BCP) strategies to mitigate operational risk and ensure data integrity.
IT Service Management (ITSM)
- Service Delivery: Oversee comprehensive IT support operations, governing Level 1-3 support functions to drive user productivity and minimal operational disruption.
- Metrics & SLAs: Define, monitor, and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to optimize incident response and resolution workflows.
- Incident Escalation: Serve as the definitive technical authority for critical incident management, root cause analysis (RCA), and systemic remediation.
Leadership & Resource Allocation
- Workforce Management: Provide direct leadership and mentorship to cross-functional IT teams, encompassing systems engineers, network administrators, and service desk personnel.
- Capacity Planning: Optimize resource allocation, shift coverage, and project utilization to maintain seamless operational continuity.
- Performance Management: Conduct routine performance appraisals, establish departmental KPIs, and cultivate a high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement.
Strategic Planning & Vendor Governance
- Roadmap Development: Partner with executive leadership to formulate IT roadmaps that support broader organizational objectives and digital transformation initiatives.
- Financial Oversight: Manage departmental OPEX and CAPEX budgets, ensuring cost-effective procurement and lifecycle management of hardware and software assets.
- Vendor Relations: Direct vendor relationship management, driving contract negotiations, SLA enforcement, and monitoring third-party service delivery.
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)
- Security Enforcement: Enforce stringent cybersecurity frameworks, implementing advanced endpoint protection, network perimeters, and access controls to safeguard proprietary data.
- Process Standardization: Establish and govern comprehensive Information Technology General Controls (ITGC) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Regulatory Adherence: Guarantee adherence to regulatory and compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA) across all infrastructure assets and administrative protocols.
Procurement, Financial & Vendor Management
- Strategic Sourcing & Procurement: Lead the end-to-end IT procurement lifecycle, proactively identifying and sourcing prospective vendors, evaluating competitive proposals, and driving rigorous selection processes following AEO rules strictly.
- Purchasing Execution: Manage the creation, approval routing, and lifecycle tracking of Purchase Requisitions (PRs) and Purchase Orders (POs), ensuring seamless follow-up with internal finance teams and external suppliers to guarantee timely delivery.
- Invoice Governance: Oversee the review, reconciliation, and approval of vendor invoices, meticulously validating billing accuracy against contracted rates, SLAs, and delivered goods/services.
- Cost Optimization Initiatives: Continuously champion proactive cost-reduction strategies by optimizing software licensing frameworks, consolidating infrastructure footprints, and negotiating highly favorable commercial terms without compromising quality.
- Budgeting & Planning: Manage departmental OPEX and CAPEX budgets and collaborate with executive leadership to formulate scalable IT roadmaps that align with enterprise financial goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 10 years of experience in IT Infrastructure and operations, with at least 2 years demonstrating leadership in a technical team. Preferred experience in Retail environment.
- Proven experience managing procurement and vendor selection, track record of generating cost savings through vendor negotiations, managing PR/PO workflows, and overseeing IT budgets and invoice reconciliation.
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Computer Science, or a related discipline (or equivalent enterprise experience).
- C1 - Level in English required
There are also a number of qualities that this position should be expected to display:
- A technical, logical thought process
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- An ability to stick to strict deadlines
- An ability to prioritize and delegate
- A keen eye for detail
Skills Required
- 10 years of experience in IT infrastructure and operations with at least 2 years of technical team leadership
- Proven experience managing procurement and vendor selection, generating cost savings, managing PR/PO workflows, and overseeing IT budgets and invoice reconciliation
- Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Business Administration, Computer Science, or related discipline (or equivalent enterprise experience)
- C1 level English
- Preferred experience in a Retail environment
- Demonstrated skills in cybersecurity frameworks, ITGC, DR/BCP, and compliance (GDPR, SOC 2, HIPAA)
- Strong communication, problem-solving, prioritization, delegation, and ability to meet strict deadlines
American Eagle Outfitters Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about American Eagle Outfitters and has not been reviewed or approved by American Eagle Outfitters.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, prescription, dental, and vision, with added services like telemedicine and expert second opinions. Additional offerings like HSA/HRA/FSA options, prescription savings programs, and wellness supports increase perceived plan breadth.
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Parental & Family Support — Family-focused benefits include parental leave, caregiver leave, adoption and surrogacy assistance, and backup care for children, elders, and pets. Fertility management benefits and pregnancy-related support are also described as included, signaling a broad family-building and caregiving design.
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Retirement Support — Retirement and wealth-building options include a 401(k)/Roth 401(k) with company match and an employee stock purchase plan with a company match. Life and disability benefits are also described as available, adding to the overall financial-protection package.
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