Desktop Infrastructure Manager

About Kirkland & Ellis

At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 22 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.

What You'll Do

Are you energized by leading technical teams while shaping a modern, secure, and reliable desktop computing environment? As Desktop Infrastructure Manager, you'll own the day-to-day engineering operations and third-level (Tier 3) support for the Firm's desktop ecosystem. This role sits at the intersection of people leadership, technical strategy, and operational excellence-balancing hands-on engineering oversight with forward-looking initiatives that continuously improve how our technology supports the business.

This position operates in a hybrid work model, combining collaboration in a professional office environment with remote flexibility supported by a reliable high-speed internet connection.

• Desktop Engineering Leadership - Manage and prioritize the daily work of a team of desktop engineers, balancing strategic initiatives, operational demands, and Tier 3 user support while fostering technical growth and professional development.
• Technology Delivery & Modernization - Direct projects that introduce new technologies and enhanced functionality across the desktop environment, continuously evolving infrastructure and processes toward best-in-class reliability, availability, and supportability.
• Cross-Platform Systems Management - Guide engineering efforts across Windows and macOS hardware and platforms, including Lenovo, HP, and Apple devices, using systems management tools such as Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM), Microsoft Intune, and Jamf.
• Application & Virtual Desktop Services - Oversee software packaging, automation, and deployment using tools such as InstallShield, App-V, and PowerShell, as well as Citrix and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments.
• Security & Compliance Oversight - Manage desktop security tools including BeyondTrust Endpoint Privilege Management (EPM) and WinMagic, ensuring alignment with Firm security standards and policies.
• Stakeholder Partnership - Coordinate desktop service requests from internal teams, including application packaging and deployments, while promoting desktop best practices through training, consulting, and collaboration.

What You'll Bring

• Education - Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience - At least 5 years of experience engineering Windows desktop environments in an enterprise setting, with 2 or more years leading or managing a technical team.
• Endpoint & Systems Expertise - Strong hands-on knowledge of Windows 11 and macOS systems management using SCCM, Intune, and Jamf.
• Automation & Packaging Skills - Experience with software packaging and automation tools such as InstallShield and PowerShell.
• Virtual Desktop & DEX Tools - Familiarity with Citrix and VDI management, as well as desktop experience (DEX) tools such as Lakeside or Lenovo Device Intelligence Plus (LDI+).
• Leadership & Communication - Proven ability to guide cross-functional initiatives, mentor technical staff, and clearly communicate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Ready to lead a team that delivers reliable, secure, and high-impact desktop technology across the Firm?
If you're motivated by modernizing end-user computing, developing talented engineers, and driving meaningful improvements in how technology supports people, we'd love to hear from you.

Compensation

The base salary range below represents the low and high end of the salary range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just a base salary. We offer an exceptional range of flexible benefits including comprehensive healthcare, paid time off, and retirement. We also offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.

Compensation Range:

Chicago: $185,000 - $205,000

How to Apply

Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."

Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-LC1