Director, IT System Operations

The Director of IT System Operations reporting to the VP of IT is primarily responsible for the engineering and support of Central’s System Operations Infrastructure. The top priority of this role is ensuring the management and reliability of day-to-day production operations. The Director is responsible for enterprise platforms and productivity tool selections, implementation, and lifecycles. This role bridges the gap between executive strategy and technical execution by designing resilient systems, overseeing engineering projects, and ensuring high-availability operational support. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Technical Literacy: Deep understanding of IT Infrastructure technologies, cloud computing (AWS/Azure), cybersecurity, and disaster recovery. Strategic Roadmap: Develop and maintain roadmap, ensuring it aligns with long-term business goals and scalability. Design & Modeling: Create detailed models and diagrams to guide the organization through the system lifecycle. Technology Selection: Lead the evaluation and selection of emerging technologies (e.g., cloud platforms, AI, and SaaS) to drive innovation and efficiency. Security Design: Integrate robust security protocols and zero-trust principles into the foundational system designs. Data Governance Strategy: Design and lead the enterprise-wide infrastructure and end productivity tool data governance roadmap, establishing frameworks for data ownership, classification, and retention. Platform Engineering: Oversee the design and implementation of secure, high-performance on-premises and cloud solutions. Operational Support Strategy & Process Improvement: Developing and implementing operational procedures to improve efficiency, productivity, and scalability, often aiming to maximize output while minimizing costs. System Maintenance & Technology: Overseeing the reliability of operational technology, including industrial control systems, IT infrastructure, software licensing, and automated systems. Resource & Budget Management: Managing operational budgets, allocating resources (staff, equipment, technology), and maximizing profit margins. Business Acumen: Ability to manage budgets, negotiate with vendors, and align technology initiatives with organizational goals. Operational Support & Incident Response: Providing, managing, and improving support services to ensure smooth daily functioning, including coordinating incident response and business continuity plans to mitigate disruptions. Adaptability & Flexibility: Ability to thrive outside your comfort zone and quickly adjust to new environments, technologies, schedules, and shifting business priorities. Team Leadership: Hiring, training, and mentoring staff. QUALIFICATIONS Technology Experience: Preferred expertise MS M365, SharePoint, Windows Server, SQL, Azure, Rubrik data protection, Linux, Pure Storage, and Dell/Cisco hardware Certifications: Not required but are desirable such as PMP, ITIL Master, CISM/CISSO and AWS/AZURE MINIMUM EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION Education: A bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, or a related field preferred. Relevant experience may substitute. Work Experience: Ideal candidates possess 10–15 years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in a senior managerial role. WORKING CONDITIONS Ability to lift/move: Must be able to routinely lift/move objects weighing up to fifty pounds. Travel: Domestic required up to 10% annually POSITION INFORMATION This position pays $180,000-$220,000 per year based on experience and location BENEFITS PACKAGE & EMPLOYEE PROGRAMS Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance Free Life and Disability Insurance Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts 401k with 3% company match and annual employer discretionary contribution Paid vacation, holidays and sick time Employee Assistance Program Access to thousands of free online courses Discounts on cell phones, movie tickets, gym memberships, and more! Education Assistance (both college degrees and professional certifications) Referral Program with cash bonus Access to on-demand pay Paid parental leave Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT) (NASDAQ: CENTA) is a leading consumer goods company in the pet and garden industries. Guided by the belief that home is central to life, the Company's purpose is to proudly nurture happy and healthy homes. For over 45 years, its innovative and trusted solutions have helped lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a diversified portfolio of market-leading brands including Amdro®, Aqueon®, Best Bully Sticks®, Cadet®, C&S®, Farnam®, Ferry-Morse®, Kaytee®, Nylabone®, Pennington®, Sevin® and Zoёcon®. With fiscal 2025 net sales of $3.1 billion, Central has strong manufacturing and logistics capabilities supported by a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. The Company is headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, and employs over 6,000 people, primarily across North America. Visit to learn more. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr