Job Description

Department: Information & Technology

Job Summary: The Vice President of Infrastructure (VPI) is a strategic and operational technology leader responsible for driving enterprise-wide infrastructure, cybersecurity, and innovation initiatives. This pivotal role involves shaping the organization’s digital future, leading the design and delivery of secure, scalable, and intelligent systems that support business growth, AI-driven transformation, and a modern workforce. The VPI oversees infrastructure operations and collaborates closely with software development and cybersecurity teams to ensure infrastructure readiness and security. The role requires a hands-on approach, working on specific tasks within infrastructure services to align with corporate growth strategies.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Technology Leadership
2. Align with the CIO’s vision to define and execute a technology roadmap supporting business strategy, digital transformation, and operational resilience.
3. Lead enterprise infrastructure modernization, focusing on cloud architecture, automation, and AI, especially within Microsoft Azure.
4. Advise on emerging technologies, risk management, and IT investments.
5. Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement.

1. Infrastructure & Cloud Engineering
2. Design, implement, and optimize hybrid infrastructure environments (on-premises and Azure).
3. Lead adoption of Azure AI services, including Azure Machine Learning, Cognitive Services, and AI analytics.
4. Ensure high availability, performance, and scalability of systems, networks, and data platforms.
5. Support software development teams with infrastructure readiness, CI/CD pipelines, and DevOps practices.

1. Cybersecurity & Risk Management
2. Develop and own the enterprise cybersecurity strategy.
3. Implement security frameworks, incident response plans, and compliance protocols (e.g., NIST, HIPAA, CIS, NYDFS).
4. Monitor and mitigate risks related to data protection, access control, and threat detection.

1. Help Desk & End-User Support
2. Manage Help Desk and support teams to provide excellent service and technical support.
3. Implement ITSM tools and best practices to streamline support and improve resolution times.
4. Ensure a user-centric approach to IT support for responsiveness and satisfaction.

1. Operational Excellence & Governance
2. Support the CIO in managing IT budgets for cost-effective investments.
3. Establish and enforce IT policies, SOPs, SLAs, and performance metrics.
4. Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement.

1. Team Development & Leadership
2. Build, mentor, and retain a high-performing, cross-functional team.
3. Promote professional growth, succession planning, and knowledge sharing.
4. Lead with a collaborative, hands-on style that fosters trust and accountability.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive IT experience, including 5+ years in senior leadership roles.
• Proven success in leading enterprise infrastructure, cloud transformation, and cybersecurity, with hands-on skills across technology administration areas.
• Experience supporting AI and data initiatives in Azure or similar platforms.
• Experience collaborating with software development teams and DevOps practices.
• Strong business acumen and ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience in regulated industries such as insurance or financial services is a plus.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.

• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Specialized Knowledge or Licenses:

• Microsoft ecosystem: Windows Server, Exchange, SharePoint, SQL Server, Microsoft 365, Azure (including AI and ML).
• Cloud platforms: Azure (required), AWS (preferred). Experience with Terraform is a plus.
• Virtualization and storage: VMware, Veeam, NetApp, Pure Storage.
• Networking: Cisco routing, switching, VPNs, firewalls.
• Security: Cybersecurity frameworks, endpoint protection, threat detection.
• Tools: PowerShell scripting, ManageEngine, ServiceDesk, Linux, open-source tech.
• Telephony: Teams and unified communications.
• DevOps: CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).

Salary ranges from $175,000 to $225,000, based on experience, skills, and other factors. Additional performance incentives may apply.

Benefits include medical, dental, 401K, PTO, and more.

Conner Strong & Buckelew is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of protected statuses.