Information Technology Operations Manager

About Crew Training International

Crew Training International (CTI) provides specialized training and mission support services across government and defense sectors. Operating within a structured, compliance-heavy environment, CTI requires precision, security, and reliability across all systems.

Technology is not just a support function, it is an enabler of mission success. With growing investment in AI-driven capabilities, IT plays a critical role in both operational execution and future innovation.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking a technically strong, operationally disciplined, and people-capable IT Operations Manager who can step into a high-trust, high-impact role.

This role is ideal for someone who:

• Thrives in fast-moving, high-responsibility environments
• Can lead technical teams while still executing hands-on work
• Understands cybersecurity, infrastructure, and compliance
• Communicates clearly with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Is energized by solving problems and removing friction
• Takes ownership without waiting for direction

The right candidate will be both deeply technical and highly practical. They will not just solve problems, they will prevent them, absorb them, and own them.

If you are someone who:

• Can run infrastructure and lead people
• Communicates clearly without “IT speak”
• Understands that IT exists to enable the business
• Takes initiative and earns trust through execution
• Is passionate about technology beyond just the job

We want to talk to you.

About the Position

The IT Operations Manager serves as a key operational partner to the current Managing Director, Information Systems, and is responsible for overseeing the daily administration and technical execution of IT functions across the organization. This role ensures infrastructure, security, support systems, and compliance requirements are managed accurately, reliably, and consistently across all environments.

This position requires strong technical IT knowledge combined with disciplined follow-through. The IT Operations Manager manages system administration, network performance, cybersecurity protocols, and user support operations while coordinating closely with internal teams to ensure seamless functionality across the business. They serve as a reliable resource for both technical staff and end users, ensuring issues are resolved efficiently and communication is clear and effective.

In addition, this role is responsible for maintaining system integrity, supporting AI-driven infrastructure needs, ensuring compliance with applicable security frameworks, and proactively identifying opportunities to improve performance, scalability, and efficiency. They will play a critical role in aligning IT operations with the company’s growing investment in AI technologies and advanced systems.

While senior leadership sets direction, the IT Operations Manager owns execution. Success in this role is measured by system reliability, security and compliance readiness, responsiveness to business needs, and operational consistency across all IT functions.

Responsibilities Include:

• Oversee daily IT operations, including system administration, network performance, server management, and infrastructure reliability.
• Oversee core IT operations including servers, networks, firewalls, patching, backups, and system reliability.
• Lead and support a small IT team, providing guidance, coaching, and accountability to improve performance and communication.
• Provide guidance, support, and accountability to IT team members to strengthen performance and consistency.
• Ensure systems are configured and maintained in alignment with applicable compliance and security standards (e.g., NIST, CMMC readiness, or similar frameworks).
• Ensure systems and processes align with compliance requirements and organizational standards.
• Coordinate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure IT solutions support operational and revenue-generating activities.
• Serve as a key liaison between IT and the business, translating technical concepts into clear, actionable information.
• Manage and maintain cybersecurity systems, including firewalls, endpoint detection and response tools, patching schedules, and backup protocols.
• Oversee core IT operations including servers, networks, firewalls, patching, backups, and system reliability.
• Monitor and optimize infrastructure performance, proactively identifying and resolving issues before they impact the business.
• Oversee daily IT operations, including system administration, network performance, server management, and infrastructure reliability.

Qualifications:

• 5–8 years of experience in IT infrastructure, systems administration, or network engineering, ideally in a lean or high-responsibility environment.
• Strong hands-on experience with servers, networks, firewalls, and core IT systems.
• Proven ability to troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues independently.
• Solid understanding of cybersecurity best practices, including endpoint protection, patching, backups, and system hardening.
• Experience working in compliance-driven environments (e.g., NIST, CMMC, HIPAA, or similar).
• Ability to operate as a second-in-command, balancing hands-on technical execution with leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead or influence technical team members and improve performance and accountability.
• Business-minded approach to IT, with a focus on supporting end users and enabling operations.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Exposure to or interest in AI-related systems or emerging technologies preferred.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISA, ITIL) are a plus, but not required.
• High level of ownership, initiative, and follow-through.