IT Operations Manager

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on IT Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operation, reliability, and security of our IT infrastructure across multiple environments. This role oversees systems administration, cloud operations, endpoint management, and user support while ensuring our infrastructure remains compliant with federal cybersecurity requirements, including NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC. The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth with the ability to manage priorities, mentor staff, and partner with security, compliance, and leadership stakeholders to keep operations running smoothly and audit-ready.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage daily IT operations across enterprise and regulated environments, ensuring system availability, performance, and reliability.
• Administer and maintain cloud infrastructure, including Microsoft 365 GCC High and AWS GovCloud, along with associated identity, security, and productivity services.
• Oversee endpoint management, patching, and vulnerability remediation in support of RA-5, SI-2, and related security controls.
• Lead incident response coordination for operational issues, driving root cause analysis and preventive improvements.
• Ensure IT operations align with CMMC Level 2 / NIST SP 800-171 requirements, maintaining evidence artifacts and supporting audit and assessment activities.
• Partner with Security Operations, GRC, and leadership to implement and document policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures.
• Manage user provisioning, access reviews, and offboarding in accordance with least-privilege and separation-of-duties principles.
• Oversee IT asset inventory, hardware/software lifecycle, and licensing optimization.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop IT operations and help desk staff, setting priorities and service standards.
• Manage vendor and service-provider relationships, including procurement, renewals, and support escalations.
• Monitor operational KPIs and report on system health, service levels, and improvement initiatives to leadership.
• Take on additional tasks and responsibilities as assigned based on business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Cybersecurity, or a related field (equivalent experience considered).
• Experience managing IT operations, infrastructure, or systems administration, including staff or team leadership.
• Hands-on experience administering Microsoft 365 and Azure/Entra ID environments; experience with cloud infrastructure administration.
• Strong understanding of endpoint management, patching, identity and access management, and IT security best practices.
• Familiarity with NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, or similar compliance frameworks.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and prioritization skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to meet eligibility requirements to access controlled/regulated environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GCC High, AWS GovCloud, or other government/regulated cloud environments.
• Relevant certifications such as CompTIA A+, CompTIA Security+, Microsoft (AZ-104/SC-300), AWS, or ITIL.
• Experience with vulnerability management, SIEM/EDR platforms, or endpoint security tooling.
• Experience supporting audits, assessments, or evidence collection for compliance programs.
• Familiarity with scripting or automation (PowerShell, Python) to streamline operations.