Manager, IT - Middleware Platforms

What You Can Expect In This Role Oversee and coordinate the solution design, project execution and implementation of various operational activities and production support of the IT department, as well as provide direction and support for IT solutions that enhance mission‑critical business strategies and operations. This role includes leadership of modern integration, event streaming, and containerized platform technologies such as MuleSoft, Confluent Kafka, and Kubernetes. What You'll Do In This Role Collaborate with IT leaders to provide leadership for planning, developing, and implementing IT initiatives. Partner with business decision makers to ensure requirements and design of technology solutions align with needs. Design, develop, implement, and support cost‑effective technology solutions including API‑led integration (MuleSoft), event streaming platforms (Kafka/Confluent), and containerized solutions (Kubernetes). Provide leadership to optimize and manage application and/or infrastructure. Provide leadership and oversight for enterprise integration and event‑driven architecture platforms, including MuleSoft and Confluent Kafka. Lead teams responsible for design, deployment, and support of containerized platforms, including Kubernetes and cloud‑native environments. Drive adoption of event streaming and real‑time data integration patterns using Kafka and related technologies. Ensure scalability, reliability, and performance of distributed systems and APIs. Partner with architecture teams to define standards and governance for API‑led and event‑driven solutions. Support modernization efforts through containerization, microservices architecture, and platform automation. Make recommendations for building strong IT capabilities through people, process, and technology. Contribute to technology roadmap definitions and recommendations. Manage operational support teams to ensure quality, availability, and performance targets. Manage technical resources and forecast expertise needs. Lead training and development of team members. Provide leadership in troubleshooting and resolution of operational problems. Assist in vendor management. Ensure effective technology support and maintenance strategies. Support technology transformation through quality delivery and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with audit and record management requirements. Lead by example through coaching and mentoring. Manage budgets and financial plans. Commit to company values and policies. What We're Looking For Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related discipline, or equivalent industry experience (Required) Minimum 5 years of applicable experience leading and/or directing IT planning, support, and/or infrastructure organization (Required) Demonstrated leadership effectiveness in technology planning, operations, implementation and support Working knowledge of business processes, management, budgeting, and business office operations and end‑to‑end integration models Must be aware of industry‑recognized best practices Knowledge of systems management, hardware platforms, enterprise software applications, and outsourced systems, vendor management, including management of offshore/near‑shore resources with awareness of technology and related business trends Experience and ability in managing systems complexity with positive outcomes Demonstrated, proven understanding of infrastructure systems support and management Working knowledge of applicable industry laws and regulations as they relate to IT Established leadership track record of effective people‑management skills and practices Understanding of negotiating and influencing leadership skills Demonstrated ability to present and adapt ideas in business‑friendly and user‑friendly language 10% travel required Other Requirements Due to the financial nature and level of accountability of this position, a credit and criminal background check is required. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires Sammons Financial Group Companies to notify you that, as a routine part of processing this application for employment, Sammons Financial Group may request a consumer report on you to verify all information contained in this application. Such report may include information about your previous employment, education, credit history, and criminal records. Salary Range Information USD $94,134.00 - USD $196,111.00 /Yr. Range includes data points from multiple labor markets. Specific range is dependent on the labor market where the incumbent will be hired to perform the position. Starting salary is dependent on candidate qualifications and experience. For a narrower salary range specific to your labor market, please inquire. What you can expect when you join Sammons Financial Group Comprehensive health coverage for you and your family, including Medical, Dental, Vision, HSA & FSA options, and term life insurance. Competitive compensation with a performance‑based incentive program tied to clear goals and individual and/or company success. Invest in your future with our 100% company‑funded Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), plus automatic enrollment in our 401(k). Work–life balance that means something. Friday afternoons off year‑round, generous paid time off, and paid holidays. Commit to your growth with paid development time, tuition reimbursement, and professional development opportunities across industry, individual, and leadership programs. Make an impact beyond the workplace through volunteer time off, and our company nonprofit matching gift program, supporting the causes that matter most to you. An ownership culture that inspires; join a connected, values‑driven workplace where employees take accountability, support one another, and are empowered to do their best work—together shaping our future shared success. Work Authorization/Sponsorship At this time, we’re not considering candidates that need any type of immigration sponsorship now or in the future or those needing work authorization for this role (This includes, but is not limited to students on F1‑OPT, F1‑CPT, J‑1, etc.). Additional Information All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. ADA Sammons Financial Group is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application or hiring process, including navigating our website or applying for a position, please contact View email address on click.appcast.io or call View phone number on click.appcast.io. E-Verify Sammons Financial Group participates in E‑Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee’s Form I‑9 to confirm work authorization. #J-18808-Ljbffr Sammons Financial Group Companies