IT Infrastructure & Systems Administrator

Auto-Wares Group of Companies operates across Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Michigan, with values focused on providing customers with all their automotive aftermarket part needs and exceptional customer service. Founded in 1976 in Grand Rapids, MI, Auto-Wares has grown into a substantial distribution network known for extensive inventory, product knowledge, and full-service programs. Whether you are a customer, vendor, or employee, we consider you part of our family.

We are seeking a collaborative and technically skilled IT Infrastructure & Systems Administrator to join our IT Operations & Services team and support the stability, security, and day-to-day operation of our technology environment across a distributed footprint.

Role Summary:

The IT Infrastructure & Systems Administrator is responsible for operating and improving the reliability of core infrastructure platforms and endpoint environments, while serving as backup support for telecom systems. This role is part of a team of five Systems Administrators working collaboratively to ensure reliable user access, stable device performance, and consistent platform operations across a distributed environment.

This role operates within a collaborative team of Systems Administrators with clear escalation paths to senior engineering, DevOps/SRE, and external architecture partners.

The position supports identity administration, monitoring, device lifecycle management, distributed site support, security compliance, and documentation, serving as a key operational bridge between the service desk, infrastructure engineering, DevOps/SRE, and external partners. Occasional off-hours escalation support is expected, typically limited to a few hours per month and infrequent incident response.

Key Team Responsibilities:

Endpoint & Identity Administration

• Administer Microsoft 365 and Entra ID user accounts
• Support email configuration and troubleshooting
• Manage SharePoint administration and access
• Provision and manage devices through Intune
• Enforce device compliance and security baselines
• Maintain endpoint patching and software deployment
• Respond to endpoint security alerts and assist with remediation
• Identify recurring operational friction and contribute to reliability improvements and automation opportunities

Infrastructure Operations Support

• Assist with server and virtualization operational tasks
• Support VPN configuration and troubleshooting
• Manage DNS updates (internal and Cloudflare)
• Maintain SSL certificates
• Monitor infrastructure alerts and perform initial remediation
• Administer FTP/SFTP services
• Monitor backup jobs and perform standard restores
• Maintain operational documentation and runbooks
• Work within a modern observability and monitoring stack to detect, triage, and improve platform reliability
• Participate in infrastructure improvements and operational readiness for major technology initiatives

Telecom & Device Support

• Provision and support Cisco/Webex phones
• Configure users, extensions, voicemail, and call routing
• Troubleshoot call quality and connectivity issues
• Maintain telecom inventory and documentation
• Coordinate escalations with vendors
• Manage MDM of store and warehouse devices
• Partner with engineering vendors and platform providers to resolve complex issues and implement operational improvements

Distributed Environment Support

• Support store and warehouse device setup
• Assist field services with network-connected devices
• Provide Tier 1/2 network troubleshooting
• Support warehouse Wi-Fi operations
• Coordinate hardware replacements

Monitoring, Security & Compliance

• Maintain monitoring platforms and triage alerts
• Support PCI technical evidence gathering
• Maintain audit documentation
• Assist with disaster recovery testing
• Follow and enforce change control procedures

Vendor Coordination & Escalation

• Escalate infrastructure and security issues to managed services provider
• Track vendor tickets through resolution
• Validate recommendations before implementation
• Remain engaged throughout escalations
• Participate in cross-team reviews to improve operational standards and platform reliability

Helpdesk & Application Support

• Assist troubleshooting operational issues
• Support CounterWorks, pricing, and delivery platform investigations
• Collaborate with service desk for complex escalations

Qualifications and Skills:

• Systems administration experience in a multi-site environment
• Experience with Microsoft 365, Entra ID, and endpoint management (Intune)
• Familiarity with Cisco/Webex calling or VoIP platforms
• Understanding of networking fundamentals (DNS, VLANs, Wi-Fi)
• Experience with monitoring and backup platforms
• Strong documentation and organizational skills
• Ability to collaborate across teams and coordinate vendors
• Effective communication skills and a customer-service mindset