Manager of Unified Communications & M365

Job#: 3021627

Job Description:

Apex is looking for a Manger of Unified Communications & M365 to start on-site in Columbus this March 2026! If interested, please apply or email resume to

Job Description - Manager, Unified Communications & M365

• Contract-to-Hire | Onsite - Columbus, OH
• Start Date: March 9, 2026
• Pay Rate: $70-75 based on Experience
• Conversion Salary: $130,000-$140,000
• Shift: Day Shift - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM - M-F
• Job Duration: 26 weeks

Position Summary

The Manager of Unified Communications & M365 is responsible for leading the enterprise communication and collaboration ecosystem across Cisco Unified Communications and Microsoft 365 platforms. This onsite leadership position provides strategic direction, oversees operations, and drives continuous improvement for voice, video, messaging, and collaboration services used across clinical and administrative environments at OSU Wexner Medical Center. This role requires deep technical expertise, strong leadership ability, and the capability to guide engineers in a fast-paced healthcare IT environment.

Key Responsibilities

Cisco Unified Communications Leadership

• Direct overall architecture, administration, and lifecycle management of Cisco UC ecosystem:
• Cisco Unified Communications Manager (CUCM)
• Cisco Unity Connection
• Cisco IM & Presence
• Cisco Webex (Calling, Meetings, Messaging)
• Cisco Contact Center platforms (UCCX/UCCE/Webex)
• Lead PSTN, SIP trunking, SBC, and telecom carrier integrations.
• Maintain call quality, redundancy, and disaster recovery posture.
• Manage Cisco endpoints, device firmware, and provisioning.
• Act as escalation authority for advanced Cisco UC issues.

Microsoft 365 & Teams Collaboration

• Oversee M365 services including Teams, Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, and OneDrive.
• Manage Cisco-Microsoft integration models:
• Teams calling interoperability
• Webex devices connecting to Teams meetings
• Hybrid coexistence between Cisco UC and Teams Phone
• Drive governance, policies, and collaboration standards.

Security, Identity & Compliance

• Partner with cybersecurity teams to ensure secure collaboration environments.
• Manage identity integrations with Entra ID (Azure AD).
• Implement MFA, conditional access, RBAC, and compliance policies.
• Oversee data retention, eDiscovery, and secure external collaboration.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor a team of UC and M365 engineers/administrators.
• Define performance expectations, career development plans, and technical standards.
• Establish operational workflows and escalation structures.

Vendor & Stakeholder Oversight

• Serve as primary contact for Cisco, Microsoft, telecom carriers, and UC service providers.
• Manage contracts, licensing, renewals, and cost optimization.
• Collaborate with leadership to align communication solutions with organizational priorities.

Operations & Continuous Improvement

• Monitor platform health, call quality, and service availability.
• Define KPIs and operational metrics.
• Lead modernization initiatives, automation projects, and process improvements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's in IT, Computer Science, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years in enterprise collaboration, messaging, or unified communications.
• 3+ years managing Microsoft 365 services.
• 2+ years in people leadership or technical team leadership.
• Expert-level experience with Cisco UC and Microsoft 365 ecosystems.

EEO Employer

Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law. If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation in using our website for a search or application, please contact our Employee Services Department at or .

Apex Systems is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRated's Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico. Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details.

Apex Benefits Overview: Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Apex team member can provide.