Robert Half is partnering with a company near Sparta, WI to assist in hiring a hands-on IT Manager to lead technology operations for a growing manufacturing environment. This position offers a blend of technical leadership and day-to-day involvement with infrastructure, cybersecurity, business systems, and strategic IT initiatives.
You'll oversee a small but diverse IT team supporting business applications, development, end-user technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing operations. The environment is stable and well organized, providing an opportunity to focus on optimization, modernization, and future growth rather than rebuilding from scratch.
What You'll Do
- Lead and mentor a small IT team consisting of developers, business systems resources, and end-user support personnel
- Manage day-to-day IT operations across infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, business systems, and end-user technology
- Serve as the primary technical leader for network operations while partnering with an external managed services provider
- Oversee cybersecurity initiatives including risk reduction, security controls, access management, vulnerability remediation, and compliance efforts
- Direct disaster recovery, backup, and business continuity planning activities
- Participate in audit and compliance initiatives while ensuring remediation efforts are completed successfully
- Review existing infrastructure and develop recommendations for system modernization and upgrades
- Support ERP, EDI, and other business-critical applications in partnership with internal stakeholders
- Manage relationships with technology vendors and external service providers
- Develop and execute technology roadmaps that align with business objectives
- Assist with budgeting, project planning, prioritization, and resource allocation
- Serve as the escalation point for complex infrastructure and systems issues
- Drive process improvements, documentation standards, and operational best practices across the IT organization
- Previous experience leading IT teams and technology operations
- Strong knowledge of network infrastructure and administration
- Experience with cybersecurity programs, controls, and risk management
- Hands-on experience with disaster recovery, backup, and business continuity planning
- Ability to balance strategic leadership responsibilities with technical execution
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Experience supporting business-critical systems in a manufacturing or operational environment
- Effective communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Ability to prioritize competing initiatives and manage multiple projects simultaneously
Preferred Experience
- EDI systems experience
- ERP platform support and administration
- Manufacturing industry experience
- Experience managing audits, compliance initiatives, or regulatory requirements
- Experience modernizing legacy infrastructure and systems
- Vendor and MSP management experience
Work Environment
- Fully onsite Monday through Friday
- Flexible core business hours
- Occasional after-hours support may be required for critical issues
- No formal on-call rotation
- Opportunity to work closely with both local leadership and international stakeholders
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary up to $125,000
- Comprehensive benefits package
- 401(k) with company match
- Performance-based bonus program
- Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced IT leader who wants to remain technically engaged while helping guide the future direction of a growing organization's technology environment.
