VP of Infrastructure Operations

Zurich North America is looking for a VP of Infrastructure Operations reporting to the Head of IT Infrastructure & Operations will be based in our Schaumburg, IL office.

The ideal leader will be capable of directing operations for teams across varying technology platforms and service functions, and adept at engaging a cross-functional workforce of employees and vendor managed services/environments. Strong leadership, communication, collaboration, and analytical skills are crucial to the success of this position. 

Accountabilities include:

• Lead enterprise infrastructure engineering / operations teams (consisting of 30+ employees) in a large-scale, distributed organization.
• Oversee daily operation of organization's technical infrastructure, including servers, storage, backups, network connectivity, software currency, and security remediation.
• Administer $30m+ annual budget for transformation and technology with internal and vendor partners.
• Ensure organization's infrastructure meets service level agreements (SLAs)s, including uptime, response times, and resolution of technical issues.

• Collaborate with Application, Architecture and Security functions to execute on cloud-first technology strategy enabled by scalable, reliable, compliant, and secure infrastructure services.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate infrastructure, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions.

• Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies, and recommend new technologies and approaches to improve the organization's infrastructure.
• Identify, attract and retain talent while embracing diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging and ensuring optimal engagement of hybrid workforce.

The role has four main areas of responsibility which include:

• Cloud operations: Manage hybrid cloud environment and associated foundational capabilities. Establish and drive an Operational Excellence strategy focused on operational resiliency, cost optimization, process automation, etc. Maintain server, storage, network and security components. Define best practices for technology and tooling selection. 

• Data center services: Ensure effective delivery of Infrastructure managed services. Effectively manage strategic supplier and associated commercial commitments. Continually modernize technology and infrastructure responsibly.

• Infrastructure and application performance management: Maintain and execute on robust monitoring strategy. Evolve capabilities to include broad adoption of AIOps and related infrastructure self-healing capabilities. Deliver effective performance / load testing  service to Application Development Management teams.

• Service management: Provide clear, concise and actionable direction to IT leaders and subject matter expects following major infrastructure or application production incidents. Ensure timely and diligent remediation of Infrastructure vulnerabilities.  Mature Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) practices within function then champion adoption across department. 

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree and 10 or more years of experience in the Information Technology area
  OR

• High School Diploma or Equivalent and 10 or more years of experience in the Information Technology area
  AND
• Experience with IT development and/or maintenance
• Knowledge of IT standards and policy
• Project management experience
• People management experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Technology consulting and associated transformation experience
• Infrastructure operations experience
• Supplier management experience

As a condition of employment at Zurich, employees must adhere to any COVID-related health and safety protocols in place at that time (https://www.zurichna.com/careers/faq).

A future with Zurich. What can go right when you apply at Zurich?

Now is the time to move forward and make a difference. At Zurich, we want you to share your unique perspectives, experiences and ideas so we can grow and drive sustainable change together. As part of a leading global organization, Zurich North America has over 150 years of experience managing risk and supporting resilience. Today, Zurich North America is a leading provider of commercial property-casualty insurance solutions and a wide range of risk management products and services for businesses and individuals. We serve more than 25 industries, from agriculture to technology, and we insure 90% of the Fortune 500. Our growth strategy is not limited to our business. As an employer, we strive to provide ongoing career development opportunities, and we foster an environment where voices are diverse, behaviors are inclusive, actions drive equity, and our people feel a sense of belonging. Be a part of the next evolution of the insurance industry. Join us in building a brighter future for our colleagues, our customers and the communities we serve. Zurich maintains a comprehensive employee benefits package for employees as well as eligible dependents and competitive compensation. Please click here to learn more.

As a global company, Zurich recognizes the diversity of our workforce as an asset. We recruit talented people from a variety of backgrounds with unique perspectives that are truly welcome here. Taken together, diversity and inclusion bring us closer to our common goal: exceeding our customers' expectations. Zurich does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. EOE disability/vet 

Zurich does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or employment agencies. Any unsolicited resume will become the property of Zurich American Insurance. If you are a preferred vendor, please use our Recruiting Agency Portal for resume submission. 

Location(s): AM - Schaumburg
Remote Working: Hybrid
Schedule: Full Time
 
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