IT Manager

ALEKO (www.aleko.com) is a family-owned e-commerce company based in Kent, WA, specializing in residential outdoor furniture and equipment. Since our foundation in 2005, we have grown our Kent operation significantly and become a pillar of the local retail community. We opened a Jacksonville, FL warehouse in 2019, and we have expanded our presence across a range of online sales channels. Our growth will continue!

To achieve this success, we have assembled a great team of employees. From forklift drivers to customer service agents, our people are focused on delivering a positive customer experience. At the same time, we are committed to treating our employees well. We have a respectful, light-hearted work, fast-paced environment, competitive wages, insurance and 401(k) benefits, several other perks, and promotion opportunities for top performers.

We are looking for an IT Manager to join our Kent office. This is a new position, somewhat overdue, that will be responsible for conducting an immediate needs assessment and building a substantial volume of IT infrastructure.

The IT Manager will:

· Conduct a cost-benefit analysis of retaining the current in-house IT team versus outsourcing parts or most of IT to a managed service provider.

· Supervise all IT personnel, providing effective oversight of their performance and robust feedback; provide appropriate employee recognition.

· No less than weekly, meet with the IT team collectively, and formally with each employee one-on-one.

· Serve as a coach and mentor for all IT personnel and conduct their performance reviews.

· Assign and coordinate work arrangements for the team; serve as the primary contact for questions, concerns, and call-outs.

· Review, approve, and submit work hours for all IT personnel to Accounting.

· Lead the recruitment, orientation, and training of all IT personnel.

· Lead team building and employee recognition efforts.

· Lead the development of IT strategy and policy for the company.

· Prepare reports and analyses for the Director of Operations as required.

· Perform an audit at least annually of all managed systems.

· Cost-effectively purchase, issue, manage, secure, back up, collect, and decommission company information technology, network systems, telecommunication systems, and all company-issued technological hardware.

· Oversee IT asset management, and develop a replacement schedule.

· Work closely with department managers to assess the growth needs and maintenance of the company’s IT infrastructure.

· Directly manage or oversee all IT projects.

· Train non-IT staff to maximize the utility of managed hardware, software, and systems; develop training materials and illustrated guides appropriately.

· Develop network troubleshooting strategies to maximize secure accessibility, minimize downtime, and decrease maintenance costs.

· Develop rational strategies for upgrading the company’s network software whenever an update is available.

· Successfully deploy and monitor an IT support ticketing system to prioritize effective customer service.

· Proactively identify and pursue cost-effective opportunities to improve IT infrastructure and services.

· Manage all IT service contracts, and periodically evaluate them and review alternatives.

· Maintain a secure repository of IT administrative credentials accessible by the CEO.

· Maintain user permissions for all managed hardware and software; coordinate permissions as necessary with non-managed systems, including the ERP, to facilitate continuity across systems.

· Travel as necessary to ALEKO facilities.

· Ensure that IT functions in alignment with applicable laws and regulations, user needs, and company policy.

· Ensure that thorough Standard Operating Procedures are documented.

· Contribute to the operational budget for IT.

· Serve as a member of the IT Steering Committee.

· Remain up to date with new IT and report this information to the leadership team quarterly.

· Monitor developments in applicable law and best practices, and recommend procedures and policies to Management; identify ways to balance efficiency with risk mitigation.

· Attend periodic management meetings.

Qualifications

· At least 5 years of IT management, preferably in mid-sized or large organizations.

· Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Science, or related field is required; Master’s degree is highly preferred.

· Broad familiarity with general business operations.

· Deep knowledge of common business hardware, software, systems, and solutions, ideally both Microsoft and Apple.

· Strong working knowledge of IT laws, regulations, and best practices.

· Proven ability to plan and manage operational processes for maximum efficiency and productivity.

· Ability to streamline and implement new structures and roles that create speed, efficiency, and support rapidly shifting business demands.

· Demonstrated project management experience with successful stakeholder engagement.

· Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

· Strong proficiency with MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

· Excellent verbal and written organizational and communication skills, including a willingness to train.

· Excellent qualitative and quantitative analytical skills.

· Ability to work on multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.

· A positive, enthusiastic, and diplomatic attitude.

· A consistently professional decorum.

· Willingness to travel periodically.

Physical Requirements

The employee will likely be required to sit at a desk and look at computer monitors for much of the day. Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may also be required.

Job duties listed are not intended to encompass full scope of position. The employee will be expected to perform other job-related duties as required. The Company reserves the right to add to or revise an employee’s position scope at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $100,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:
We comply with federal and state guidelines as much as possible. Candidates are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated per OSHA rules.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Kent, WA 98032: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• IT management: 5 years (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: One location