Jr IT Manager

Location: Rockford

Job Description:

Ready to take on a challenging and rewarding opportunity in a manufacturing setting where your IT expertise will be central to operational success?

We are seeking a highly skilled and proactive IT Manager to lead all technology initiatives for a specialized engineering and manufacturing company. In this pivotal role, you will serve as the sole IT expert in a small person shop IT manager environment, deeply involved with ERP and manufacturing systems. This position offers the unique chance to manage our entire IT infrastructure, from network security and server administration to user support and strategic technology planning.

If you are a hands-on leader passionate about optimizing systems and driving efficiency within a production-focused landscape, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the entire IT infrastructure, including servers (Windows Server, Active Directory), networking (LAN/WAN, VPN, firewalls), and desktop environments.
• Manage and provide expert support for our Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, ensuring optimal performance, user functionality, and data integrity for manufacturing operations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain robust cybersecurity protocols, backup solutions, and disaster recovery plans to protect critical data and systems.
• Provide comprehensive technical support to all employees, resolving hardware, software, and network-related issues efficiently.
• Manage relationships with IT vendors and service providers, ensuring cost-effective and reliable solutions.
• Lead IT projects, including system upgrades, software implementations, and infrastructure improvements, demonstrating strong project management skills.
• Monitor system performance, identify potential issues, and implement proactive solutions to ensure maximum uptime and productivity.

Recommended Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in IT roles, with at least 2 years in an IT management or lead capacity within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Proven expertise in Windows Server administration, Active Directory, Group Policy, and Office 365.
• Strong knowledge of network protocols, firewall management, VPNs, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Hands-on experience with ERP systems (e.g., Epicor, SAP, Microsoft Dynamics) in a manufacturing context.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects independently.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+, Security+, Microsoft Certified Professional, Cisco certifications).
• Experience with virtualization platforms (VMware, Hyper-V).
• Familiarity with industrial control systems (ICS) or operational technology (OT) integration.
• Project management experience with IT infrastructure or software implementation projects.

Roles That Should Apply:

• IT Manager
• Senior Systems Administrator
• IT Lead
• Infrastructure Manager
• IT Operations Manager

This is an exceptional opportunity to be the cornerstone of our technology landscape, directly contributing to our operational excellence and future growth. If you are ready to pivot your career into a role where you can make a significant, tangible impact every day as the key IT leader, we invite you to explore this exciting position and help us drive innovation in manufacturing.

Required Skills:

• Driving

• Management Skills

• Dynamics

• Offers

• Microsoft Dynamics

• Operations

• ERP

• Disaster Recovery

• Operational Excellence

• Virtualization

• Service Providers

• Network Security

• Firewalls

• Data Integrity

• VMware

• Windows Server

• SAP

• Active Directory

• Servers

• Communication Skills

• Infrastructure

• Manufacturing

• Networking

• Technical Support

• Integration

• Information Technology

• Computer Science

• Security

• Vendors

• Windows

• Administration

• Software

• Planning

• Engineering

• Project Management

• Science

• Communication

• Management

Salary Package:

$  -  (US Dollar)