IT Director-Infrastructure and Operations

Director of IT Infrastructure & Operations

Location: Garner, IA
Job Type: Direct Hire

Overview

Saige Partners is seeking a strategic and results-driven Director of IT Infrastructure & Operations to lead and modernize enterprise technology infrastructure for a growing organization. This leadership role is responsible for defining and executing the infrastructure and operations vision, ensuring reliable, secure, and scalable technology services that support business objectives. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical expertise, operational excellence, and executive leadership experience, with a passion for driving innovation, service delivery, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Infrastructure Strategy & Leadership

• Define and execute the enterprise Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) strategy in alignment with business and IT objectives.
• Lead infrastructure modernization initiatives that improve scalability, reliability, performance, and operational efficiency.
• Establish technology roadmaps that support current business needs and future growth.

IT Operations & Service Management

• Oversee IT service management (ITSM), service desk operations, asset management, and operational support functions.
• Ensure high availability, resilience, and disaster recovery readiness across all infrastructure platforms and services.
• Drive operational excellence through process improvements, automation, and service optimization initiatives.
• Manage incident, problem, and change management processes to ensure consistent service delivery.

Security, Governance & Risk Management

• Partner with security leadership to integrate cybersecurity best practices into infrastructure and operational processes.
• Maintain governance frameworks, compliance standards, audit readiness, and risk management programs.
• Ensure infrastructure environments meet regulatory, security, and business continuity requirements.

Business Partnership & Strategic Collaboration

• Collaborate with business and IT leaders to prioritize initiatives, manage technical debt, and align services with organizational goals.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and communicate technology strategies, risks, and opportunities effectively.
• Lead infrastructure integration efforts related to mergers, acquisitions, and business expansion initiatives.

Financial & Vendor Management

• Own infrastructure and operations budgets, forecasting, and cost optimization strategies.
• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and service-level agreements to maximize value and performance.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and investments to support long-term business objectives.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing infrastructure and operations team.
• Drive workforce planning, succession planning, performance management, and professional development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive IT experience with increasing leadership responsibility.
• 3+ years of experience leading IT strategy, budgeting, and technical teams.
• Strong background in infrastructure operations, service delivery, and enterprise technology management.
• Experience leading large-scale technology initiatives and operational transformations.

Preferred

• Experience supporting manufacturing, industrial, or production environments.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms, infrastructure engineering, systems integration, and enterprise architecture.
• Familiarity with AI/ML, automation technologies, and self-service solutions that enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
• Experience with ITSM frameworks, service desk leadership, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Core Competencies

• Executive Leadership
• Infrastructure & Operations Strategy
• Service Desk & IT Operations Management
• Manufacturing Operations Support
• Incident & Problem Management
• Security & Risk Awareness
• Financial & Vendor Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Customer Experience Focus
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Strategic Planning & Execution

Why Join This Opportunity?

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of enterprise technology within a growing organization. The Director of IT Infrastructure & Operations will play a critical role in driving modernization, enhancing service delivery, and building the technology foundation necessary to support long-term business success. The organization offers a collaborative environment, executive visibility, and the ability to make a significant impact across the enterprise.