IT Infrastructure Lead

IT Infrastructure Lead Department: IT / Infrastructure & Operations Reports to: IT & DT Manager Location: Wendell, NC Position Status: Full-Time Status: Salary, Exempt Management Level: Lead JOB SUMMARY KIOTI Tractor is seeking an IT Infrastructure Lead to join our team onsite in Wendell, NC. This role leads day-to-day infrastructure and end-user support operations across network, server, security, endpoint, and workplace technologies.

The position is expected to provide both operational leadership and hands-on technical support when needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

OF JOB Infrastructure Operations Leadership o Lead daily infrastructure operations across network, server, security, backup, virtualization, and endpoint environments. o Monitor the overall health, stability, performance, and support readiness of core infrastructure services. Helpdesk Escalation and User Support o Act as the primary escalation point for issues not resolved at the helpdesk level.

o Establish support standards, escalation paths, and documentation discipline for end-user support activities. System Monitoring and Troubleshooting o Support and maintain firewalls, switches, wireless, servers, storage, backup systems, Microsoft 365, Active Directory, and related infrastructure platforms. o Participate directly in troubleshooting, configuration, implementation, and recovery work when hands-on intervention is required.

o Provide after-hours or emergency leadership support when significant incidents or urgent infrastructure work require it. Vendor and Outsourcing Management o Coordinate and manage external infrastructure vendors, MSPs, and project partners. o Follow up on service quality, project progress, issue resolution, and technical deliverables.

Infrastructure Project Lead o Plan and execute infrastructure upgrades, replacements, maintenance activities, and operational improvement projects. o Prepare implementation approach, risk review, rollback planning, business communication, and execution follow-up for infrastructure changes. System Installation and Configuration o Support installation and configuration of servers, network devices, endpoint tools, and related infrastructure components.

o Maintain and improve identity, access, device, and collaboration platforms such as Active Directory, Entra ID / Azure AD, Microsoft 365, and endpoint administration tools. Backup and Recovery o Support patching, backup operations, and disaster recovery readiness to reduce operational and business risk. Security Management o Support access control, security control execution, and infrastructure security governance in coordination with internal and external stakeholders.

Documentation and Reporting o Maintain infrastructure documentation, diagrams, asset records, support procedures, and operational status reporting for management review. Cross-Functional Support o Work closely with the IT systems / planning function to support business applications, plant operations, and cross-functional business requirements.

EDUCATIONAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Education and Experience o Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. o 8+ years of progressive IT infrastructure experience in support, administration, implementation, or operational leadership roles. Technical Knowledge o Broad working knowledge of enterprise infrastructure including network, firewall, wireless, Windows Server, virtualization, storage, backup, endpoint, identity, and Microsoft 365 environments.

o Working knowledge of tools and platforms such as Active Directory, Entra ID / Azure AD, Power. Shell, VMware, backup platforms, and network/security equipment. o Ability to troubleshoot across server, network, security, and end-user support issues. Leadership and Work Style o Ability to lead infrastructure operations without depending entirely on vendors, while still managing external partners effectively.

o Ability to communicate technical issues, priorities, tradeoffs, and recommendations clearly to both technical staff and management. o Strong ownership, follow-through, time management, and multi-tasking capability.

Preferred Qualifications

o Experience in a manufacturing, distribution, or multi-site operational environment preferred.