Manager of IT Infrastructure & Cloud Architecture

The IT Infrastructure & Cloud Architecture Manager is responsible for designing, building, and managing secure, scalable infrastructure solutions that support the brand’s rapidly growing enterprise needs. This role leads to the implementation and ongoing maintenance of both on-premises and Azure cloud environments, ensuring operational efficiency, resilience, and agility across the technology stack. This position requires deep expertise in networking, cloud architecture, Agile delivery, disaster recovery planning, and IT budget management. The Manager will lead a team of technical professionals and collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to ensure infrastructure capabilities align with current business requirements and are designed to support future scalability. Essential Functions: • Architect, implement, and maintain enterprise-scale infrastructure solutions across both on-premises and Azure cloud platforms. • Manage and optimize hybrid networking environments, ensuring seamless connectivity, high availability, and robust security. • Lead infrastructure strategy discussions, providing architectural insights and recommendations to support business initiatives. • Utilize Agile methodologies to manage infrastructure projects, coordinate sprints, and deliver iterative enhancements. • Build and maintain infrastructure automation and orchestration using tools like Terraform, Azure DevOps, Git, and YAML-based CI/CD pipelines. • Establish and enforce infrastructure security standards, ensuring compliance with best practices and industry regulations. • Develop and manage infrastructure budgets, optimizing costs while ensuring high-quality service delivery. • Design, implement, and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans to enhance organizational resilience. • Mentor, manage, and guide team members, fostering technical growth, collaboration, and operational excellence. • Stay updated on emerging infrastructure technologies, trends, and best practices to continually enhance our operational capabilities. Major Responsibilities: • Proven experience managing technical teams and providing effective leadership, coaching, and mentorship. • Demonstrated experience managing infrastructure budgets, forecasting costs, and optimizing resource allocation. • Extensive experience in developing and maintaining disaster recovery and business continuity strategies. • Deep understanding of network design, including LAN/WAN, VPNs, SD-WAN, firewalls, and load balancing. • Proven experience designing, deploying, and managing Azure environments (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and hybrid cloud solutions. • Proficiency in infrastructure automation tools (Terraform, Azure DevOps), CI/CD, Git version control, and YAML-based deployments. • Familiarity with Agile project management methodologies, sprint planning, and iterative development practices. • Strong knowledge of infrastructure security principles, including identity and access management, network segmentation, and cloud security controls. • Exceptional problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to resolve complex technical challenges efficiently. • Excellent communication and collaboration skills to effectively interact with technical and non-technical stakeholders. • Passionate about delivering robust infrastructure solutions, continuous improvement, and innovation. • Promote the culture, values, and mission of Smoothie King. Education & Experience: • Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field required; master’s degree in a technical or business discipline, preferred. • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in infrastructure architecture, systems administration, or IT operations, including at least three (3) years in a leadership or management capacity. • Extensive hands-on experience with hybrid IT environments, including both on-premises data centers and public cloud platforms (Azure preferred; AWS or GCP experience a plus). • Strong track record of successfully leading complex infrastructure projects from design through implementation using Agile or DevOps practices. • Certifications such as: • Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert (highly preferred) • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate or Professional (a plus) • Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or CompTIA Security+ (a plus for infrastructure security oversight) • ITIL certification for service management (preferred for leadership roles) • Experience with budget management, vendor negotiation, and strategic planning in an enterprise IT environment. • Experience supporting multi-location environments or distributed teams, preferred. • Personal passion for health, fitness, or wellness is a plus and aligns with the Smoothie King mission. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $140,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year Benefits: • 401(k) • Dental insurance • Employee discount • Flexible schedule • Health insurance • Professional development assistance • Relocation assistance Schedule: • 8 hour shift Ability to Commute: • Coppell, TX 75019 (Required) Ability to Relocate: • Coppell, TX 75019: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person