QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
College degree or equivalent work experienceAt least 5 years in an IT leadership or architectural rolePractical hands-on experience leading and executing hybrid cloud implementations (AWS, Azure)Experience giving guidance implementing emerging infrastructure platforms and techniques: OpenStack, Kubernetes, Docker, Ansible, VMWareExperience managing a complex corporate network that includes mainframe computing resources, Microsoft Windows Servers, Linux, CISCO telecommunications and networkingUnderstanding of ITIL process and framework: incident management, request fulfillment, change management, hardware & software asset management, and problem management is preferredExtensive verbal and written communicationRefined negotiation skills required in establishing internal commitments and in developing cost effective contracts with external providersEffective managerial and organizational skills required in organizing, developing, maintaining and allocating a wide range of technical personnel, projects and processesAbility to keep up with changing cyber security threats. Cyber security plans must constantly be evaluated to meet an ever evolving threat landscapeEffective analysis skills required to derive risk/rewards of a given business or technological opportunity.DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
Strategic Planning & Architectural Design: Develop and implement a long-term technology strategy aligned with the company's objectives. Design and maintain the architecture of Enterprise IT services, ensuring scalability, security, and reliability. Evaluate emerging technologies for adoption.Infrastructure & Operations Management: Oversee the daily support operations of the service desk and technical operations functions. Manage all public and private cloud infrastructure as a cohesive unit of infrastructure services. Maintain the operating system and system utilities in good working order. Ensure effective and efficient integration of software systems with minimal adverse impact on operations.Team Leadership & Interdepartmental Collaboration: Manage core internal IT staff, as well as IT resources from company business partners. Establish key working relationships with all other IT areas such as application development, data and analytics, and business process groups. Assure an efficiently operated department by effectively managing and educating competently trained staff.Risk & Performance Management: Ensure all backup and recovery infrastructure meet business continuity RTO and RPO requirements. Provide a reliable infrastructure of adequately performing computer resources as business needs dictate. Monitor systems performance and provide regular backup and recovery services.Consultative Services & Stakeholder Management: Provide consultative services to IT managers and corporate management. Collaborate with other departments, including Product Development, Marketing, and Customer Support to ensure technology aligns with business needs. Present to the Board and senior leadership on the status of key initiatives and projects.Budget & Vendor Management: Develop and oversee the annual I&O budget. Secure funding for critical infrastructure projects and upgrades. Establish and manage relationships with external vendors and service providers.Performance Metrics & Capacity Planning: Develop KPIs to measure the effectiveness and efficiency of I&O. Provide monthly performance reports to senior management. Contribute to strategic capacity management by monitoring utilization of current resources and projecting future needs.Kansas City Life Insurance Company is committed to equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, disability, or genetic information.
Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality is an essential function of this position.