An innovative and rapidly growing firm in the alternative investment space is seeking an experienced Director of IT Operations and Enterprise Platforms. This leadership role will drive the strategic and operational direction of core IT functions, including infrastructure (cloud and minimal on-premise), end-user computing, enterprise application management, and the service desk function. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking technology leader with a proven track record in building scalable IT environments and leading cross-functional teams.
The role manages a team of internal staff, along with external partners providing after-hours support. This is an onsite/hybrid position based in Chicago, with in-office presence required on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
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Define and implement a comprehensive vision for IT operations that aligns with business objectives.
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Develop and track KPIs to assess performance across infrastructure, applications, and support services.
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Promote a culture of operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
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Establish a new function focused on the lifecycle and ongoing optimization of enterprise platforms.
Operational Oversight
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Lead and mentor teams responsible for the service desk, cloud engineering, and IT infrastructure.
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Create and oversee a function dedicated to enterprise application governance and strategy.
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Ensure consistent availability, performance, and security of IT systems and services.
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Manage processes related to incident response, change control, and service continuity.
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Oversee vendor relationships and third-party service delivery as needed.
End-User Support & Service Desk Excellence
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Champion a user-first approach in delivering IT support services.
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Define and enforce service level objectives (SLOs) to exceed user expectations.
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Drive the evolution of support tools and systems, including AI-assisted solutions to improve service efficiency and reporting capabilities.
Qualifications & Competencies
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Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field.
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8+ years of progressive experience in IT operations, with at least 4 years in a leadership capacity.
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Strong background in cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or GCP), enterprise productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft 365), and IT support functions.
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Familiarity with ITIL practices, agile delivery methods, and DevOps principles.
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Proven ability to lead high-performing teams and influence across business units.
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Strong communication and organizational skills, with a results-driven mindset.
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