Director IT Operations

Software Guidance & Assistance, Inc., (SGA), is searching for an Director of IT Operations for a Full Time assignment with one of our premier Boutique Investment Banking clients in New York, NY.

Position Summary:
The Director of IT Operations will lead the day-to-day operations of the firm's critical technology infrastructure, ensuring seamless performance, efficient change management, operational efficiency, adherence to best practices, and successful new technology deployments. The position requires expertise in complex technology environments and network systems, with the ability to optimize performance and navigate technical challenges. There will be occasional travel to branch offices and data centers.
Additional responsibilities will include developing and implementing a comprehensive infrastructure standard for cloud, voice/data networks, servers, storage, security, data management, and user accounts. Fostering a culture of operational excellence by establishing efficient procedures, processes, and policies. Collaborating closely with key stakeholders across the firm to ensure a robust, secure, and cost-effective technology environment. Leading and mentoring a team of IT professionals to ensure smooth operations and successful project execution.
Essential Functions:
The essential functions of the Director of IT Operations include, but are not
limited to, the following:

• Oversee the day-to-day operation and performance of all IT infrastructure components, including servers, networks, storage, security systems, backup platforms; operating systems, virtualization, replication, and utility software; server-based applications and database environments; and all network-attached peripheral devices and applications critical to investment banking operations.
• Plans and manages the support of new infrastructure technologies and associated performance and reliability. Responsible for coordinating troubleshooting server, network, and storage problem events for timely resolution.
• Works with third party outsourced service providers and operations vendors to develop and implement standards, procedures, processes for the operations group.
• Works across the department to develop, document, and improve service delivery, enhance operational efficiency, and foster technical and procedural innovation around cloud technology.
• Stays current on emerging IT infrastructure technologies and best practices.
• Participates in the development and implementation of IT strategic initiatives.
• Owns the selection, configuration, and ongoing management of IT infrastructure monitoring tools to ensure optimal system performance, real-time insights, and continuous operational improvements
• Analyze monitoring data to identify trends, root cause problems, and opportunities for improvement.
• Champion and drive continuous improvement through the adoption and implementation of ITSM and ITOM best practices.
• Implement reporting and analytics tools to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and measure service delivery effectiveness for both run-the-business activities and project delivery and execution.
• Interacts with vendors and service providers to ensure efficient service delivery and accountability.
• Lead and mentor an IT Operations Team, ensuring alignment with operational objectives and firm goals while fostering a culture of operational excellence, accountability, and innovation.
• Set clear expectations for team performance, provide timely feedback, and manage team dynamics to achieve optimal results.
• Take ownership of crisis management and respond effectively to outages and disaster recovery situations
• Recruits, retains, develops, coaches, and conducts periodic performance reviews for staff as appropriate.

Technical Skills and Characteristics:
The Director of IT Operations is a logical thinker with mature interpersonal skills, and well-developed verbal and written capabilities. Able to deliver high quality work under time pressure - sometimes making decisions or exercising judgment based on incomplete information in emergency situations. Comfortable interacting with firm management and respond to outages and DR situations in a manner that fosters trust and enhances business relationships.
The Director possesses the following knowledge and skills:

• Demonstrated experience managing IT infrastructure operations in a complex technical environment.
• Broad working knowledge of current and emerging infrastructure, systems, storage, and software technologies as well as the policies, procedures, and current technologies applicable to managing and maintaining firm operations.
• Strong leadership, customer service, and communication skills -- as well as the analytical and financial skills necessary to direct resources and interact with internal staff and vendors.
• Hands-on experience with crisis management and ability to influence and manage at all levels of the organization.
• Strong supervisory and people management skills, including the demonstrated ability to accurately and fairly assess candidates and staff; the ability to coach and execute development opportunities; the capacity to foster a high-performance culture by aligning individual strengths to team goals; and the ability to manage team dynamics effectively while promoting collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability
• In-depth knowledge and experience with major cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (Azure preferred).
• Expertise in cloud security best practices and compliance regulations.
• Proven experience with ITSM methodologies (ITIL) and ITOM tools and concepts.
• Experience with IT monitoring and visualization tools (e.g., Splunk, Grafana, ELK Stack, LogicMonitor, Datadog).

Education and Experience
4 year college degree preferred.
5+ years of relevant hands-on IT Operations leadership experience.

SGA is a technology and resource solutions provider driven to stand out. We are a women-owned business. Our mission: to solve big IT problems with a more personal, boutique approach. Each year, we match consultants like you to more than 1,000 engagements. When we say let's work better together, we mean it. You'll join a diverse team built on these core values: customer service, employee development, and quality and integrity in everything we do. Be yourself, love what you do and find your passion at work. Please find us at .

EEO Employer: Race, Color, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, Religion, National Origin, Disability, Veteran Status, Age, Marital Status, Pregnancy, Genetic Information, or Other Legally Protected Status.