IT Operations Manager

We are seeking a hands-on IT Operations Manager to oversee the reliability, security, and day-to-day performance of a production technology environment. This role is responsible for ensuring systems are stable, secure, and well-managed, while providing operational oversight across infrastructure, deployment processes, and IT service delivery.This position sits at the center of IT operations, partnering closely with engineering teams and external vendors to ensure changes are introduced in a controlled, auditable, and supportable manner. ResponsibilitiesMaintain operational ownership of production technology environments, ensuring systems are secure, stable, and performing as expected Coordinate and control production deployments, enforcing disciplined release, change management, and environment separation practices Partner with engineering teams to support deployment pipelines and release processes while maintaining operational oversight and risk controls Provision and manage cloud infrastructure based on approved technical designs, ensuring environments are scalable, resilient, and production-ready Own and support CI/CD processes, including deployment validation, release approvals, and promotion of changes across environments Monitor system health and performance, proactively identifying issues and coordinating timely resolution of incidents and outages Lead incident response efforts, including triage, escalation, communication, and post-incident analysis Oversee IT service delivery, including helpdesk operations, end-user support, ticket workflows, and service-level performance Manage identity, access, and operational security controls, ensuring appropriate access, auditability, and compliance across systems Serve as a key operational liaison between technical teams and business stakeholders to ensure changes are introduced safely and transparently Maintain operational documentation, controls, and reporting to support audits and operational reviews Manage vendor relationships, support SLAs, and ensure external partners meet operational and security expectations QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience 5–8 years of experience in IT operations, infrastructure, systems administration, or a related role Strong experience supporting cloud-based environments, particularly within Microsoft Azure or similar platforms Hands-on experience with DevOps-aligned practices, including CI/CD pipelines, deployment governance, and infrastructure automation Experience managing production systems, operational controls, and environment separation (development, testing, production) Familiarity with system monitoring, performance management, and incident response practices Experience with identity and access management concepts and tools (e.g., role-based access, directory services) Exposure to cybersecurity practices and collaboration with security teams or external security providers Relevant technical certifications (e.g., cloud or security-focused) are a plus Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to operate as a steady operational leader Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products. Wellesley, MA, US On-Site Communications & Media, Construction, Manufacturing, Manufacturing - All Other, Other Services (except public administration), Personal Care & Household Services, Professional Scientific and Technical Services, Professional Services - Other Vaco $ 60.00 - 75.00 hourly contractor