IT Director

TITLE: IT Director DEPARTMENT: Information Technology (IT)

STATUS: Full-time, At-Will, Salaried REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

JOB SUMMARY: To ensure the highest level of service possible to Outpost’s internal and external customers. To configure and maintain IT hardware, software, network and retail systems for Outpost. To support best practices of system and network administration. To provide hands on management in technology systems and operations. To advance Outpost’s mission to build a sustainable, inclusive, and cooperative community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Business office with moderate noise environment including but not limited to computers, printers, paging, telephones, and human voices. Work near moving mechanical parts (i.e., store equipment, tools, etc.) and in high precarious places (i.e., ladders). Job related travel within metro Milwaukee area.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

1. Customer Service
a. Treat people fairly, consistently, and with respect.
b. Ensure efficient, informative, and friendly service according to established customer service standards.

2. IT Manager Responsibilities
Leadership
a. Model supportive and participatory leadership qualities.
b. Treat staff and managers with consistency and fairness, in a style appropriate to a cooperative work environment.
c. Ensure that communications are clear, direct, and respectful.
d. Ensure the integrity of Outpost’s stated values in decision-making and interactions with others.
e. Act as a model to all employees following Outpost policies and procedures.
f. Foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued.
Information Technology
a. Manage the administration of all Outpost servers, desktops, laptops, handheld devices, POS registers, label printing scales, and all other business and retail technology.
b. Maintain and support network infrastructure, including firewalls, switches, wireless, VPN, and related services.
c. Manage helpdesk operations to ensure timely and effective service to internal customers.
d. Maintain and monitor security awareness programs, backups, disaster recovery systems, and PCI compliance.
e. Administer and support Microsoft 365, ECRS Catapult, and other business-critical software and cloud services, ensuring security, performance, and availability.
f. Develop, maintain, and review IT usage policies, standards, and best practices.
g. Oversee procurement, configuration, deployment, and lifecycle management of IT assets.
h. Manage vendor contracts and purchasing approvals for IT systems and services.
i. Manage relationships with vendors and external service providers, monitoring performance, service levels, and overall value to Outpost.
j. Provide technical oversight and integration between other business and retail systems.
k. Collaborate closely with Operations, Pricing and Finance to ensure alignment, knowledge sharing, and coordinated support for ECRS Catapult and its integration with other business systems.
Supervision
a. Supervise IT department staff and Pricing Manager.
b. Develop and uphold performance expectations and standards.
c. Interview, hire and onboard qualified candidates into the department.
d. Provide ongoing training, guidance, and direction.
e. Provide timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance feedback.
f. Foster a work environment where staff are set up to do their best work.
g. Maintain effective communication and conduct regular and useful department meetings.
h. Document performance management actions and take corrective action in accordance with established procedures.
Budget & Planning
a. Prepare and manage the IT operating budget and contribute to capitol planning.
b. Plan and execute IT-related projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
c. Work collaboratively with peers to ensure technology initiatives align with organizational goals and processes.
d. Participate in planning and execution of infrastructure upgrades, remodels, and expansions.
e. Work with the CEO to develop long-range plans and goals that will ensure compliance with Board Ends policies.
f. Monitor industry trends, to ensure innovation and new services that anticipate the needs of our operations, employees and shoppers.

3. All Staff Duties
a. Abide by all Co-op policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and other company documents.
b. Keep store/office orderly and clean.
c. Maintain a positive attitude.
d. Perform all other duties as assigned by direct supervisor.