IT Operations Manager

OVERVIEW

The IT Operations Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation, reliability, security, and support of TAI’s information technology environment. This position manages IT infrastructure, systems, user support, cybersecurity operations, software and hardware, technology vendors, and IT-related policies and procedures.

The IT Operations Manager serves as the primary point of coordination for TAI’s internal IT environment and external IT service providers. The position works closely with executive management, department directors, and the Company's Information Security/Compliance functions to ensure that TAI’s technology systems support its business operations while meeting applicable cybersecurity, regulatory, contractual, and compliance requirements.

ABOUT TAI ENGINEERS, LLC

TAI is a total marine solutions company that provides engineering and production support services to a wide variety of customers in the US and abroad. TAI is a wholly owned subsidiary of S&B. TAI’s mission to deliver ‘Solutions that Enhance Value’ is the primary focus of any project that TAI undertakes. Since TAI’s founding in 1993, it has brought many vessels to fruition and has more than 5,000 designs in its library. TAI is ISO 9001-2015 Certified for Design, Engineering, Integrated Logistics and Program Management Services. TAI is GSA listed to provide engineering services and vessels to the US Government and we are a prime contractor on NAVSEA's SeaPort NxG program.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for oversight of IT Helpdesk direct reports (Helpdesk Admin and/or IT Admin Assistant) which includes task assignment, allocation of budgets, establish priorities, performance evaluations, and recommend status changes.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Requirements: 10+ years of progressively responsible IT experience. Experience managing IT infrastructure and supporting approximately 50–100+ users. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Windows, Microsoft 365, networking, endpoint management, data backup, identity and access management, and cybersecurity. Experience managing external IT service providers and technology vendors. Strong troubleshooting, analytical, organizational, and communication skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously. Ability to secure and maintain a Secret Level Security Clearance.

Preferred Skills: Experience supporting organizations subject to government contracting or regulated-industry cybersecurity requirements. Experience with NIST SP 800-171 and/or CMMC. Experience working with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Experience with Microsoft 365 Government environments, including GCC High. Experience with Microsoft Intune, Entra ID, Defender, SharePoint, Teams, Purview and related Microsoft security technologies. CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, or other relevant cybersecurity certification. Experience with incident response, vulnerability management, and security assessments.

IT Operations and Infrastructure

• Manage TAI's day-to-day IT operations, including servers, networks, workstations, mobile devices, printers, telecommunications, cloud services, and related infrastructure.
• Ensure availability, reliability, performance, and security of IT systems.
• Manage user accounts, access permissions, authentication, group policies, and system configurations.
• Administer and maintain Microsoft 365 and other business applications.
• Oversee backup, recovery, patching, system maintenance, and technology lifecycle management.
• Establish and maintain appropriate processes for hardware and software deployment, configuration, maintenance, and retirement.
• Monitor IT systems for performance, availability, security events, and potential issues.
• Oversee maintenance of accurate IT asset inventory and system documentation.
• Manage software procurement activity, renewals and monitor operational metrics. Oversee tracking of software renewal dates, subscription terms, and maintenance agreements.

Cybersecurity and Compliance

• Support implementation and maintenance of the Company's cybersecurity program.
• Implement and enforce IT security policies, procedures, standards, and technical controls.
• Support compliance with NIST SP 800-171, CMMC, contractual cybersecurity requirements, and other applicable requirements.
• Support protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and other sensitive Company and customer information.
• Achieving CMMC Level 2 assessment readiness and supporting evidence collection.
• Coordinate with the Company’s security/compliance personnel regarding cybersecurity requirements, assessments, audits, SSP, POA&Ms, and corrective actions.
• Manage endpoint protection, multifactor authentication, vulnerability management, logging, monitoring, encryption, and other security technologies.
• Assist with cybersecurity incident identification, response, investigation, documentation, and recovery.
• Ensure user access is appropriately provisioned, reviewed, modified, and terminated.
• Coordinate security awareness and IT-related training as required.

IT Service and User Support

• Provide leadership and oversight for technical support to employees.
• Establish and maintain an effective Helpdesk process for receiving prioritizing, tracking, and resolving IT issues.
• Oversee resolution of hardware, software, network, connectivity, account, and application problems.
• Establish service standards and response expectations for IT support.
• Identify recurring technical problems and implement permanent corrective solutions.
• Provide guidance and training to employees regarding IT systems, security practices, and acceptable use.

Vendor and Service Provider Management

• Manage relationships with external IT service providers, managed service providers, software vendors, telecommunications providers, and other technology suppliers.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure contracted services meet Company requirements.
• Coordinate technical work performed by outside providers.
• Review technology proposals, service agreements, and recommended solutions.
• Assist management with evaluation and selection of IT products and services.
• Ensure third-party technology providers meet applicable Company security and compliance requirements.

IT Planning and Administration

• Develop and maintain an IT operations plan aligned with Company business objectives.
• Recommend technology improvements, upgrades, replacements, and investments.
• Establish technology standards for hardware, software, networking, and user devices.
• Maintain IT policies, procedures, system documentation, network diagrams, inventories, and configuration records.
• Participate and implement business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
• Assist with technology-related aspects of new projects, acquisitions, office moves, and organizational changes.

Leadership and Management

• Provide direction and oversight to IT personnel and contractors, as applicable.
• Establish priorities for IT projects and operational activities.
• Coordinate IT activities across departments.
• Communicate IT risks, issues, priorities, and recommendations to executive management.
• Promote a culture of security, accountability, and responsible use of Company technology.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.  Ability to draft reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to apply mathematical concepts to provide practical solutions to problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Role may sometimes require conducting or participating in a field trip to shipyard or construction site. This requires the ability to hear, the ability to stand, walk, reach, climb and balance, clear close and distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus. Lifting up to 25 pounds may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Normal work environment will be a business office with moderate noise. Occasionally, may visit or be temporarily assigned to work at a construction site, production facility, or shipyard. This may require exposure to outdoor weather conditions, loud noise, work near moving mechanical parts, electrical energy, construction equipment, vibration, fumes, chemicals, and airborne particles.

Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact the Recruiting Manager at (713) 845-5389 to discuss reasonable accommodations.

Equal Opportunity Employer, EEO Disability and EEO Vet/Disabled Employer:  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

“Know Your Rights” Poster:

https://www.eeoc.gov/poster

TAI’s EEO/AA policy:

https://www.taiengineers.com/eeo

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