Description
Hills Distribution (Parent company of Plimpton and Hills Corp.) is seeking a hands-on, execution-oriented Director of IT – Networking & Infrastructure to lead the architecture, standardization, security execution, and vendor strategy for IT infrastructure across a growing, multi-site distribution platform.
This role owns networking, infrastructure operations, Microsoft 365 tenant and licensing administration, end-user standards, helpdesk operations, and MSP/vendor performance—ensuring reliability, scalability, and a strong security posture as the company grows through operational scale and acquisitions.
The Director will partner closely with the IT Applications function (VP of IT / Business Systems) and serve as the primary infrastructure counterpart, allowing application leadership to remain focused on software and business systems while infrastructure execution is fully owned and accountable.
Core Responsibilities
- Vendor Strategy & Managed Services Ownership
- Develop and execute a vendor strategy across networking, infrastructure, telecom, endpoint, and support providers to ensure cost-effective, high-quality services.
- Own MSP and vendor performance management, including escalation protocols and accountability, ensuring issues are resolved rather than redirected internally.
- Manage procurement, contract negotiations, renewals, and vendor relationships aligned with business needs.
- Architecture Standards & Technology Operating Model
- Establish and maintain infrastructure architecture standards across all sites, including:
- Networking patterns
- Endpoint standards
- Conference room build standards
- Repeatable site “playbooks”
- Lead planning, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of network and infrastructure systems across multiple locations.
- Define and execute the infrastructure operating model, including processes, governance, and service delivery structures that scale with growth.
- Security Posture, DR/BCP & Risk Management
- Establish and maintain security practices, standards, and procedures to protect company networks, systems, and data.
- Own infrastructure security execution, including:
- Device and network controls
- Vendor security alignment
- Identity and access decisions in partnership with leadership
- Oversee disaster recovery planning, business continuity readiness, and data protection initiatives.
- Helpdesk Leadership & End-User Experience
- Lead internal helpdesk resources and oversee support delivery across internal staff and MSP partners.
- Implement service standards and performance metrics (ticketing flow, escalation paths, SLAs) and regularly report outcomes.
- Drive end-user standardization across onboarding/offboarding, hardware provisioning, conference room technology, and site support.
- Cloud & Infrastructure Modernization
- Lead infrastructure modernization initiatives, including cloud hosting migration planning and execution where applicable.
- Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and recommend practical improvements aligned with operational needs.
- Executive Partnership & Reporting
- Provide regular updates to the CFO and leadership on infrastructure performance, risks, vendor posture, and key initiatives.
- Serve as the infrastructure bridge between business priorities and technology execution across sites and partners.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
- 10+ years of progressive experience in IT networking and infrastructure, including leadership responsibility.
- Demonstrated experience managing multi-site networking and infrastructure environments.
- Strong knowledge of network architecture, infrastructure management, cloud concepts, and cybersecurity fundamentals.
- Proven ability to manage vendors and managed services to deliver reliable outcomes.
- Strong communication skills, stakeholder management, and execution discipline in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred
- Experience in distribution, logistics, or similarly operationally intensive, multi-site environments.
- Familiarity with enterprise architecture concepts and large-scale standardization.
- Relevant certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CCSP) are a plus.
Leadership Profile
This role is best suited for someone who:
- Operates with a strong “own it” mindset and solves problems end-to-end, especially when vendors stall.
- Can set clear standards while remaining hands-on when execution is required.
- Strengthens security posture through practical controls, clear policies, and disciplined execution.
- Builds a scalable service model across helpdesk and MSP partnerships, using metrics to drive continuous improvement.
Location & Travel
- Northeast-based with flexibility on working location.
- Ability to travel regionally across sites as needed.