It Operations Manager

Position

IT Operations Manager

Location

Chennai

Experience

45 Years (Mandatory in an SME Environment)

Department

Information Technology

Reporting To

Head – Technology / Management

About the Role

We are looking for a proactive and experienced IT Operations Manager to manage the organization's IT infrastructure, end-user support, network administration, IT security, vendor coordination, and technology operations. The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience managing IT operations in a Small or Medium Enterprise (SME) and be capable of ensuring business continuity through reliable, secure, and efficient IT systems.

Key Responsibilities

IT Operations

• Manage day-to-day IT operations across the organization.
• Ensure high availability of IT infrastructure, systems, and business applications.
• Monitor servers, desktops, laptops, printers, and IT assets.
• Maintain IT inventory, asset lifecycle, warranty, and AMC records.
• Monitor IT performance and recommend continuous improvements.

Infrastructure & Network Management

• Administer Windows Server and Active Directory.
• Manage Microsoft 365 administration, user accounts, and email services.
• Configure and maintain LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, firewall, and network security.
• Monitor system performance and infrastructure health.
• Ensure regular system updates and patch management.

End User Support

• Manage IT helpdesk operations and ensure timely issue resolution within SLA.
• Support employee onboarding and offboarding by provisioning laptops, user accounts, email IDs, software, and access permissions.
• Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network-related issues.

Information Security

• Implement and maintain IT security policies and controls.
• Manage antivirus, endpoint security, backups, disaster recovery, and access controls.
• Conduct periodic vulnerability assessments and system health checks.
• Ensure compliance with organizational IT security standards.

Vendor & Asset Management

• Coordinate with external IT vendors and service providers.
• Manage hardware procurement and software licensing.
• Track IT assets, warranties, AMCs, and license renewals.
• Evaluate vendor performance and negotiate service agreements.

Process Improvement & Projects

• Develop and maintain IT SOPs, documentation, and operational procedures.
• Identify automation opportunities to improve operational efficiency.
• Participate in IT infrastructure enhancement and implementation projects.
• Support IT audits and compliance activities.
• Recommend cost-effective technology solutions aligned with business needs.

Desired Candidate Profile

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 4–5 years of hands-on experience in IT Operations, Infrastructure Management, or System Administration.
• Experience working in an SME environment is mandatory.
• Experience supporting 100–500 users is preferred.

Technical Skills

• Windows Server Administration
• Microsoft 365 Administration
• Active Directory
• LAN/WAN, VPN, Firewall Administration
• Network Troubleshooting
• Hardware & Asset Management
• IT Helpdesk & User Support
• Endpoint Security
• Backup & Disaster Recovery
• Vendor Management
• Software Licensing & Asset Tracking
• IT Documentation and SOPs

Soft Skills

• Strong troubleshooting and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-driven with strong ownership and accountability.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• IT infrastructure uptime and availability.
• Helpdesk ticket resolution within SLA.
• Network and system reliability.
• User satisfaction with IT support.
• Accuracy of IT asset and inventory records.
• Timely onboarding and offboarding.
• Vendor and AMC performance.
• Compliance with IT security policies.
• Successful completion of IT improvement projects.

Preferred Background

Candidates with experience in:

• IT Operations
• Infrastructure Management
• System Administration
• SME IT Environment
• Microsoft 365 Administration
• Active Directory
• Network & Security Management
• Vendor & Asset Management
• IT Support Operations

Success in This Role

The successful candidate will ensure secure, reliable, and efficient IT operations by maintaining robust infrastructure, delivering excellent end-user support, managing vendors effectively, and driving continuous improvements that enable business growth and operational excellence.