The Associate Manager, IT Infrastructure leads the architecture, implementation, and administration of the company's core technology systems in a hands-on technical role. They serve as the final tier of technical escalation and guide a team of IT specialists in managing a complex hybrid-cloud environment. This role demands deep technical expertise in networking, virtualization, and cloud platforms to ensure our IT infrastructure remains secure, stable, and scalable.
Essential Functions and Main Duties:
- Serves as the final point of technical escalation for systemic issues involving infrastructure, networking, and applications. Provides hands-on resolution and mentor team members through complex troubleshooting processes.
- Configures, troubleshoots, and maintains our Cisco network infrastructure (IOS), including Layer 2/3 switching (VLANs, STP), routing (BGP, OSPF), and CATO firewall administration (ACLs, site-to-site VPNs).
- Oversee the administration and health of our hybrid infrastructure, including on-premise virtualization platforms (VMWare and Hyper-V) and our Microsoft Azure cloud environment.
- Develops and maintains PowerShell scripts to automate routine administrative tasks, such as user provisioning, system reporting, and infrastructure deployments, to improve efficiency and reduce manual error.
- Manages and ensures the stability, security, and performance of our corporate network, built on Cisco hardware.
- Administers and supports our 8x8 VOIP phone system and the Microsoft Office 365 collaboration suite (Teams, SharePoint, Exchange Online).
- Analyzes and presents key performance indicators (KPIs) and team metrics to IT leadership, providing strategic insights and recommendations.
- Serves as the primary escalation point for team members on complex technical and troubleshooting issues.
- Develops and delivers training programs and documentation for end-users to enhance technical proficiency and adoption of best practices.
- Helps develop and enforce IT security policies, manage system patching, and ensure our technology environment adheres to industry best practices.
- Liaises with technology vendors and service providers to manage contracts, troubleshoot issues, and evaluate new products.
- Selects, manages, develops, and hold accountable team members to meet department deliverables and responsibilities. Complete company people management requirements. Exhibit manager competencies.
- Adheres to all company policies, procedures, and business ethics codes.
- Duties may be modified or assigned at any time based on business need.
Qualifications
Education / Certification / Experience Required:
- Bachelor's Degree in CS, EE or technical degree preferred
- 7+ years of experience in a Window's enterprise environment and have a strong understanding of network infrastructure
- 2+ years of experience of people management experience, including driving results through others, leading teams or projects, and providing training
- Experience managing 8x8 or a similar cloud-based VOIP system
- MCSE/MCSA/VMware/ITIL/Cisco/Juniper certifications preferred
- Proven experience with Cisco networking equipment
- Level and compensation depend on location, experience, education and skills
Competencies Required:
- Expert-level knowledge of Microsoft Azure (Azure AD/Entra ID, VNETs, NSGs, ARM Templates, Azure Backup) and Microsoft 365 administration (Exchange Online, SharePoint Online).
- Strong command of Cisco networking principles and hardware. Proficiency with TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, ACLs, and site-to-site VPN tunnels.
- Exceptional interpersonal skills with a strong focus on client satisfaction and collaborative teamwork.
- Highly adaptable with a proven capacity for quickly mastering new technologies and complex concepts.
- Strong organization skills and good attention to detail.
- Proactive and self-motivated with a proven ability to see projects through to successful completion.
- Demonstrates accountability by confidently making decisions to drive process improvements.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing, and to receive and understand verbal and written instructions in English.
- Able to work effectively both independently and in a collaborative team environment.
Compensation
The anticipated range for this position is $95,000 to $143,000. Actual placement within the range is dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to skills, education, experience and location.
Perks and Benefits
Visit our Career page to learn more about Perks & Benefits and working at Nihon Kohden America
Working Conditions
Schedule: The regular hours for this full-time position are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, unless otherwise stated by the department manager. Holiday, weekend, and evening work hours may be required. Regular hours may vary due to the needs of the organization or department and are subject to change at any time at the Company's discretion.
Physical: Generally may require some reaching, bending, stooping, squatting, crawling, kneeling, pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying up to 20 pounds, finger dexterity, repetitive motions, standing, walking, sitting, hearing, visual acuity, and color vision. More specific details may be provided as needed or requested.
Travel: Minimal
Access to Customer Sites: Not Required
Nihon Kohden America is committed to maintaining a professional and respectful workplace free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and business needs, without regard to legally protected characteristics. This policy applies to all employment actions, including recruitment, hiring, promotion, compensation, training, and other workplace practices.
Nihon Kohden America complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity. Employees and applicants will not be subject to harassment or retaliation for asserting their legal rights. Questions or concerns regarding this policy may be directed to Human Resources at HREmployeeServices@nihonkohden.com.