Information Technology (IT) Manager

Position Overview

Western Weather Group is seeking an IT Systems Manager to establish, manage, and continuously improve our internal IT function. This role will own the reliability, security, and efficiency of our information technology environment, supporting a team of 42+ employees across cloud applications, devices, identity systems, and our own Azure-based weather data management application. This role is not currently responsible for any direct reports but oversees the company’s MSP.

Western Weather Group's adventure started in the 1980s, deeply rooted in the agriculture sector. By 2005, our small team of five navigated countless changes, paving the way for our expansion into the oil and gas industry as well as municipal services. In 2008, we boldly ventured into the utilities sector, partnering with major players like San Diego Gas & Electric. This move set the stage for further growth, and by 2018, we proudly added Pacific Gas & Electric and Southern California Edison to our esteemed list of clients. Initially concentrated in the western regions, our reputation for excellence and innovation soon led us to expand eastward, and today we serve clients as far as New York with a dedicated team spread across multiple states.

Key Responsibilities

• Resolve internal IT issues effectively and in a timely manner.
• Set up and maintain an IT ticketing system (including reporting for management).
• Create SLA’s and KPI’s relevant to the department.
• Generate and manage employee onboarding/offboarding processes relating to technology.
• Coordinate support escalations with MSP and software vendors.
• Coordinate MSP activities and review/determine roles and responsibilities of MSP.
• Maintain responsibility for MSP costs and budgets.
• Maintain uptime and responsiveness of internal systems.
• Manage internal software applications and subscriptions (MS Business Central, Atlassian, HubSpot, Adobe, Phone System).
• Establish IT processes, standards, and documentation, including managing IT budgets.
• Maintain hardware lifecycle for laptops, tablets, networking gear, including Apple products using Apple Business Manager.
• Manage hardware inventory assets within ISO requirements.
• Manage configuration, compliance, and updates of company devices using MS Intune.
• Maintain internal Cisco firewall settings and VPN configurations.
• Source, configure, and maintain video conferencing systems.
• Maintain cloud identity governance across all company platforms, including Azure Active Directory, Microsoft 365 Office, and Business Central.
• Manage conditional access, MFA, role-based access, and permissions.
• Manage security baselines for endpoint protection, including safeguarding against malware and anti-virus threats.
• Monitor system vulnerabilities, patch as necessary, and respond to security alerts in a timely manner.
• Coordinate and support externally provided employee security awareness training, including simulations.
• Ensure compliance with company security policies for third-party vendors.
• Manage resources, policies, backup execution, and data retention.
• Support cyber insurance, vendor security questionnaires, and customer cybersecurity contracts.
• Manage and maintain ISO 27001/2 compliance.
• Supply regular IT, security, and regulatory updates to the executive team.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years minimum of IT experience, ideally in a cloud-first environment.
• Education: B.S. in Computer Information Systems, Computer Science or equivalent.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills for working with cross-functional teams, customers, staff, and management.
• Knowledge of safety standards, compliance regulations, and best practices in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Strong analytical skills for troubleshooting and systems design.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and drive cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of Azure AD / M365 / Intune.
• Experience with Azure cloud, virtual networks, and application support.
• Experience with managing a standard cybersecurity framework (ISO 27001/2 or SOC2).
• Familiarity with network fundamentals (VPN, firewalls, DNS).
• Ability to manage both strategic projects and hands-on support.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with designing, engineering, and troubleshooting network infrastructure a plus.
• Experience with Azure resource configuration and maintenance for cloud-based applications is a plus.

Benefits & Perks

• Company-wide and anonymous feedback sessions to help guide beneficial changes.
• Open and receptive lines of communication to management and executives.
• Continuing education opportunities, including discretionary educational reimbursement.
• Compensation: $120,000 - $150,000
• 401k retirement 4% matching contributions.
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance (90% of employee premium paid by employer, 50% premium paid by employer for eligible dependents).
• Discretionary 401k profit sharing.
• Performance-based cash bonuses.
• Fun work-sponsored outings to bond with colleagues.
• A company that cares about the well-being of its employees.
• Opportunities to earn hybrid/remote working arrangements and alternative working schedules for employees exceeding certain performance metrics.