Manager, IT Infrastructure & Operations chez Canaveral Port Authority

Job Summary

The Manager, IT Infrastructure & Operations provides strategic leadership to ensure the Port’s technology infrastructure is secure, reliable, and scalable. This role oversees systems, networks, databases, and service desk operations in a hybrid cloud and on-premise environment, enabling 24/7 availability to support one of the world’s busiest seaports.

The Manager leads a team of IT professionals, driving innovation in operations, implementing robust security practices, and ensuring superior customer service for stakeholders at every level. As a key member of the IT leadership team, this position partners with executives, business units, and external vendors to align IT initiatives with organizational strategy, ensuring that technology investments directly support the growth and resilience of the Canaveral Port Authority.

Key Responsibilities 

Infrastructure & Operations Leadership

•    Ensure continuous availability, performance, and scalability of IT systems, networks, and databases across hybrid environments.

•    Oversee day-to-day operations, including incident response, system monitoring, and service desk functions, ensuring exceptional customer support.

•    Develop and manage operational and capital budgets for IT infrastructure, software, and services.

•    Establish and track KPIs such as system uptime, incident resolution time, and user satisfaction to drive continuous improvement.

•    Direct 24/7 support readiness through structured on-call rotations and rapid incident response.

•    Manage IT asset lifecycle, including procurement, tracking, deployment, and disposal in coordination with the IT Specialist.

Security, Compliance & Risk Management

•    Under the guidance of the Director of Information Security, implement and maintain technical controls aligned with the Information Security Program, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of systems.

•    Serve on the Change Advisory Board (CAB) to oversee and enforce IT change management processes.

•    Lead disaster recovery and business continuity planning, including testing, RPO/RTO alignment, and documentation of recovery strategies.

•    Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and Port Authority policies and procedures.

Strategic Alignment & Innovation

•    Partner with Port leadership to translate business needs into technology solutions, ensuring IT strategy aligns with organizational objectives.

•    Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend investments that enhance efficiency, security, and innovation.

•    Manage relationships with external vendors, contractors, and service providers to maximize value and performance.

Team Leadership & Development

•    Lead, mentor, and develop a team of IT professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.

•    Support professional development and certifications to maintain technical expertise within the team.

•    Conduct performance reviews, provide coaching, and recognize achievements to strengthen team engagement and retention.

Professional Standards & Representation

•    Ensure exceptional customer service for both internal and external stakeholders.

•    Maintain strict confidentiality of sensitive information at all times.

•    Represent the Canaveral Port Authority with the highest levels of integrity and professionalism.

•    Emergency & Special Assignments

•    During emergency conditions, all CPA (Canaveral Port Authority) employees are automatically considered essential employees and may be subject to recall. These events may include, but are not limited to, natural, man-made, or public health emergencies. Employees may be expected to perform emergency and/or recovery operations outside of their normal assigned responsibilities and routine working hours.

•    Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education & Experience

•    Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field; or 6-8 years equivalent IT professional experience.

•    10+ years of progressive IT experience, including at least 5 years in management leading infrastructure and operations teams, and 5 years managing IT implementation or enhancement projects.

•    Strong project management, budgeting, and vendor management capabilities.

•    Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.

•    Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-critical environment.

•    Prior experience in mission-critical industries (e.g., maritime, transportation, utilities, or campus environments) preferred.

Technical Expertise

•    Proven success managing hybrid IT environments, including cloud (SaaS/IaaS/PaaS) and on-premise systems.

•    Demonstrated ability to design, manage, and optimize networking, systems, and storage solutions (SAN/NAS), including virtualization platforms such as VMware, Nutanix, and KVM.

•    Experience with Microsoft 365 Suite, Entra ID, Microsoft Defender Suite, Intune Endpoint Manager.

•    Knowledge of audio-visual systems, digital signage, and IPTV is a plus.

Licenses / Certification Required:

•    Florida Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one within 30 days.

•    Ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)

•    Microsoft 365 Certified: Enterprise Administrator Expert (or equivalent modern Microsoft certification).

•    CompTIA Security+ or the ability to obtain within 90 days.

Physical Requirements:

•    Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.

•    May involve some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (20-50 pounds).

Environmental Requirements:

•    This role requires flexibility and may involve evening/weekend work as well as participation in an on-call rotation.

•    Office Environment – with the ability to travel to and from other offices/buildings.

The Canaveral Port Authority is an EO employer – M/F/Vets/Disabled