IT Infrastructure & Operations Manager

Title                                     IT Infrastructure & Operations Manager

Department                       Information Technology

Location                             Niwot/Hybrid

Reports To                         Vice President, IT

About Us

Established in 1972, Particle Measuring Systems is a global leader for micro-contamination monitoring equipment improving the performance of clean manufactures in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries.  We’re a growing technology company in Niwot, Colorado, the heart of the Rocky Mountains.  We offer an exceptional and rewarding work environment in a great place to live.  Our employees enjoy challenging projects in the development and manufacture of light scattering particle counters and diverse technologies and applications.

The Role

Particle Measuring Systems has recently transitioned ownership of infrastructure, network, security operations, and end-user support from an outsourced managed service model to an internally led IT organization. We are now building a stronger internal Infrastructure and Operations function to support the continued growth of our global organization, improve service quality, increase accountability, and provide more proactive, business-aligned technology support.

To support our IT strategic plans, we are recruiting for an experienced IT Infrastructure & Operations Manager to lead a department of IT professionals. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both technical depth and operational discipline, with responsibility for building a reliable, secure, service-oriented infrastructure and operations function.

Job Responsibilities

Leadership

• Lead the newly insourced Infrastructure and Operations team, setting direction, building internal capabilities, developing talent, and establishing a culture of ownership, accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Partner with IT leadership and business stakeholders to align infrastructure priorities with business growth, operational resilience, Cybersecurity, compliance, and global support needs.

• Analyze the current technical environment and develop a practical infrastructure roadmap that improves reliability, scalability, security, user experience, and cost effectiveness across PMS’s global operations.

• Provide regular updates, reports, and presentations on infrastructure priorities, operational performance, risks, and improvement plans.

• Develop measurable team objectives and operational KPIs, including service levels, incident response, problem resolution, change success, asset lifecycle, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement outcomes.

Global Network Management:

• Own the design, implementation, lifecycle management, and operational performance of the global network, server, storage, endpoint, cloud, telecom, and collaboration infrastructure.

• Ensure the network's security, reliability, and scalability to support the company's growth.

• Establish proactive monitoring, alerting, capacity planning, patching, backup, disaster recovery, and lifecycle management practices to reduce business disruption and improve operational resilience.

Cyber Resilience

• Support our cybersecurity program to protect the company's assets and data.

• Oversee cybersecurity policies, procedures, and controls.

• Stay informed about the evolving threat landscape and implement proactive measures to mitigate risks.

• Work closely with Spectris Cybersecurity team to ensure alignment.

• Lead operational practices for backup/recovery, disaster recovery testing, vulnerability remediation, patch governance, audit support, and infrastructure risk management.

Operational Excellence and Proactive Support

• Move the organization from reactive ticket handling to proactive service management through monitoring, root cause analysis, automation, standard work, and recurring service reviews.

• Build and maintain runbooks, knowledge articles, support procedures, asset inventories, and operational documentation to improve consistency, resilience, and knowledge transfer.

• Lead incident, problem, request, change, and escalation management processes to ensure timely resolution, effective communication, and sustainable corrective actions.

Service Management

• Own the delivery and continuous improvement of infrastructure, service desk, endpoint, and operational support services, ensuring high levels of availability, performance, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction.

• Develop and implement service management best practices, processes, and KPIs.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to anticipate business needs, improve the employee technology experience, and ensure IT services are easy to access, consistently delivered, and aligned to business priorities.

Governance and Compliance

• Lead compliance initiatives, audits, and assessments, making sure the organization meets all required digital standards.

• Ensuring data is handled, transferred, or processed according to legal and company guidelines.

• Manage and enforce IT policies and procedures.

Technology Evaluation and Adoption:

• Stay current on relevant infrastructure, cloud, security, and operations technologies, and recommend practical improvements that support business needs.

• Recommend and implement innovative technologies to enhance company productivity and competitiveness.

Vendor Management:

• Manage strategic vendor, contractor, and technology partner relationships while ensuring PMS maintains internal ownership, technical accountability, and clear service expectations for all infrastructure-related products and services.

• Continuously evaluate processes for improvements in efficiency, quality, and safety

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive.  Responsibilities may evolve over time, and other related duties may be assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the company.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field

• 8+ years of progressive IT Infrastructure, operations, service desk, or enterprise technology experience including 3+ years leading technical teams or managing infrastructure/operations services.

• Experience with Microsoft 365, Azure, Entra ID/Active Directory, endpoint management, identity/access management, and collaboration platforms.

• Demonstrated experience leading or transforming an internal infrastructure, operations, service desk, or end-user support team, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and capability development.

• Strong understanding of information security frameworks, standards, and best practices (e.g., ISO 27001, NIST, CIS).

• Demonstrated knowledge of financial management and budgeting principles.

• Knowledge of ITIL or other IT service management frameworks  

• Experience establishing operational KPIs, service level expectations, governance routines, and continuous improvement practices for internal IT services. 

• Ability to design, develop, operate, and manage Network (LAN, WAN), Server/Storage, Security, Telecom, Data Center, Unified Communications, and other Infrastructure technologies.

• Ability to coach technical staff, set priorities, manage performance and build role clarity.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

• Background supporting distributed/global locations and time zones.

• Ability to manage escalation and service expectations across regions.

• Understanding of business continuity needs in operational/manufacturing settings.

• Proven ability to lead through change.

• Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high level of confidentiality.

• Experience coordinating support across manufacturing, office and remote environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferred certifications include ITIL Foundation, Microsoft Azure or Microsoft 365 certifications, CISSP, CISM, CISA, CCNA/CCNP, Security+, PMP, or equivalent practical experience.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This role is hybrid, with expectations to be on-site minimum of 3-days per week.

• This role primarily operates in an office/lab/manufacturing environment.  Must be able to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods of time

• Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. may be required

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary range: $110,000 - $160,000 depending on experience

  • Our compensation philosophy: we offer competitive pay based on market data, including local, national, and industry benchmarks.  For new hires, offers are generally within the established min- to mid-point of the range for the role, with flexibility to recognize experience, skills, and education.  Our approach ensures fair pay internally while remaining competitive externally and allows room for growth.

• Performance bonus eligible

• Comprehensive benefits package:

  • Health coverage: medical, dental, vision, fsa, onsite clinic (CO employees), life insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Vacation, holiday, and leave policies

  • Tuition reimbursement, Employee recognition programs, Employee assistance programs

Particle Measuring Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive

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