Manager, IT Systems and Network

Description

The Manager, IT Systems and Network at Farm Credit Financial Partners, Inc. (FPI) is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing and delivering secure, scalable, and resilient infrastructure services across the enterprise. This position leads two infrastructure teams: the Network Services team, which supports firewalls, SD-WAN, routing/switching, and NAC; and the Server & Virtualization team, responsible for Microsoft Server platforms, Exchange, Microsoft 365 components, ESXi virtualization, data center operations, and backup/disaster recovery systems.

This individual is accountable for the stability, security, and performance of core infrastructure systems, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The role requires a proven leader with recent hands-on technical experience, deep understanding of enterprise infrastructure operations, and the ability to guide cross-functional collaboration while fostering a high-performance team culture.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly manage two technical teams of Infrastructure & Network Services Engineers.
• Hire, coach, and develop staff while fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and accountable work environment.
• Provide performance feedback, set team goals, and facilitate professional development plans.
• Manage hybrid and fully remote staff, applying consistent communication practices and measurable expectations.
• Ensure the continuous operation and security of enterprise systems including:
• Network Infrastructure: Firewalls (e.g., Palo Alto, Fortinet), SD-WAN, routing/switching (Layer 2/3), VPNs, and Network Access Control (e.g., ClearPass).
• Server & Virtualization: Windows Server (2016/2019/2022), Exchange/Exchange Online, DNS/DHCP/IPAM, Active Directory, and Microsoft 365 hybrid services.
• Virtualization Platforms: VMware ESXi/vSphere and storage area networks.
• Backup & DR: Backup tools (e.g., Veeam, Commvault), disaster recovery, and business continuity planning.
• Monitor system performance, plan for capacity, and drive initiatives for platform modernization.
• Enforce patch management, vulnerability remediation, and platform lifecycle compliance.
• Implement and maintain infrastructure security controls in collaboration with the cybersecurity team.
• Own infrastructure elements of compliance and audit readiness for patching, configuration, access controls, and DR preparedness.
• Maintain documentation for architecture, operations, recovery, and support procedures.
• Contribute to and execute against the infrastructure roadmap, including upgrades, migrations, and cloud integrations.
• Identify and implement automation and monitoring tools to streamline operations and reduce risk.
• Partner with architecture, cloud, and cybersecurity teams to support hybrid cloud strategies.
• Manage vendor relationships and licensing related to infrastructure platforms.

MANAGERIAL FUNCTIONS

• Oversee daily team operations to ensure alignment with organizational policies while facilitating effective communication, collaboration, continual improvement, and knowledge sharing within the team and across organization.

• Provide clear direction, goals, and priorities to direct report(s) while mentoring them to enhance their skills and support their professional development

• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that supports employee engagement.

• Address conflicts with professionalism and fairness, serving as the first point of contact for employee(s) communication and escalating issues appropriately in collaboration with HR when necessary.

• Ensure employee(s) adherence to organizational policies and procedures by promoting and modeling compliance with labor laws, workplace standards, and ethical practices in all people management activities.

• Manage administrative responsibilities, including reviewing and approving weekly timecards, processing time-off requests, tracking compliance tasks, and supporting team adherence to organizational policies and deadlines.

• Conduct performance reviews by setting and communicating clear expectations and objectives, monitoring performance against goals, providing continuous feedback, and addressing performance issues promptly and effectively.
• Oversee talent management processes for reports, including hiring, termination, performance evaluations, and pay reviews, ensuring alignment with unit objectives and adherence to company policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ability to report to work in person and to attend work-related functions/activities.
• Ability to work at a desk and use a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move objects up to 10 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to occasionally travel as required.
• Ability to type and utilize various software programs efficiently and operate general office equipment.
• Ability to work in an office setting with moderate noise levels.
• Additional physical demands include, but may not be limited to, frequent talking or hearing, occasional push/pull, stoop/kneel, bend/twist, and reach to retrieve or move items in a typical office environment.
• Must be able to work scheduled hours and overtime as needed.
• Hybrid or remote work arrangements:
  • This role has been designated as a Hybrid role, which gives employees the opportunity to work from home on Mondays and Fridays and working in the office on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
    • Please note that the Company retains the right to change a position's designation at any time.
    • Exceptions to the designated work arrangement may be made based on business needs

• Ability to concentrate and focus on details when reviewing documents, analyzing data, and performing computer-based tasks.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and efficiency.
• Ability to problem-solve efficiently and make sound decisions.
• Ability to manage job-related stress and interactions with clients, colleagues, or external parties.
• Ability to communicate ideas clearly in both verbal and written form.
• Ability to work with others in a collegial and collaborative manner

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their position.

Requirements

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

• Typically, 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in IT infrastructure services.
• At least 3 years of experience leading technical teams, including remote or hybrid staff.
• Hands-on expertise in enterprise environments with:
• Network administration (firewalls, routing/switching, NAC, VPN).
• Windows Server infrastructure, Active Directory, Exchange, and Microsoft 365 integration.
• VMware ESXi/vSphere and virtualization technologies.
• Backup and disaster recovery tools (Veeam, Commvault, or equivalent).
• Proficient in vulnerability management, patching strategies, and maintaining platform currency.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related technical field (or equivalent experience).
• Certifications such as:
• Networking: CCNP, CCNA
• Microsoft: Microsoft Certified: Windows Server Hybrid Administrator, Exchange Online
• Virtualization: VMware VCP
• Security: CISSP, Security+
• IT Operations: ITIL Foundations or Practitioner
• Familiarity with scripting and automation (PowerShell, Ansible, etc.).