IT Manager – Data Center Operations

This position will work First Shift: 7:30am - 4:10 pm CST.

We are seeking an experienced and driven IT Manager – Data Center Operations to lead a 24/7 IT Operations team. This individual will oversee the performance of IT staff across three shifts, ensuring optimal service delivery, systems uptime, and continuous improvement of IT operations. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership, technical, and strategic planning skills to support the evolving needs of the business.

Key Responsibilities

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Lead and manage the IT Operations department across three shifts.

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Set objectives and evaluate performance of IT staff; foster a high-performing, accountable team culture.

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Recruit, develop, and retain talented IT professionals to support current and future operational needs.

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Drive operational excellence, with support where needed, by organizing and leading quality improvement initiatives.

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Prepare detailed activity and progress reports on departmental performance and initiatives.

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Assign resources to projects, direct day-to-day activities, and assess quality and effectiveness of team deliverables.

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Provide guidance on administrative processes, technical challenges, prioritization, and operational procedures.

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Oversee feasibility studies, cost and time estimation, and implementation of new or enhanced systems and programs.

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Use judgment and innovation to recommend improvements to existing procedures and develop new solutions where needed.

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Define and implement IT strategies, policies, and procedures that enhance efficiency and align with organizational goals.

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Ensure the organization's IT infrastructure supports strategic plans and business objectives.

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Manage project timelines, resource coordination, and stakeholder communication.

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Conduct system audits, verify compliance, and ensure the integrity of IT systems and processes.

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Implement and maintain disaster recovery plans, backup solutions, and robust information security controls.

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Prepare and manage the department’s annual budget, analyze financial variances, and implement corrective actions as needed.

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Maintain quality service by establishing and enforcing operational standards and best practices.

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Build and manage strong relationships with strategic vendors and business stakeholders.

Qualifications

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Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), or a related technical field preferred.

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Minimum of 5 years of experience in IT operations, with exposure to the insurance or financial services industry strongly preferred.

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Proven ability to manage large teams, projects, and cross-functional collaborations.

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Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, data center operations, disaster recovery, and information security.

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Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

$99,100.00 - $146,050.00

Salary is commensurate to experience, location, etc.

#LI-NW1

Horace Mann was founded in 1945 by two Springfield, Illinois, teachers who saw a need for quality, affordable auto insurance for teachers. Since then, we’ve broadened our mission to helping all educators protect what they have today and prepare for a successful tomorrow. And with our broadened mission has come corporate growth: We serve more than 4,100 school districts nationwide, we’re publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: HMN) and we have more than $12 billion in assets.

We’re motivated by the fact that educators take care of our children’s future, and we believe they deserve someone to look after theirs. We help educators identify their financial goals and develop plans to achieve them. This includes insurance to protect what they have today and financial products to help them prepare for their future. Our tailored offerings include special rates and benefits for educators.

EOE/Minorities/Females/Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status

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