Position Overview
Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED
Job Classification: IT MANAGER-INFRASTRUCTURE (Compute)
Posting Number: 38379
Department: Houston Information Technology Services
Division: Enterprise Infrastructure Services
Reporting Location: 611 Walker ***Subject to Change
Workdays & Hours: MONDAY – FRIDAY, 8 AM – 5 PM*** ***Subject to Change
Description Of Duties / Essential Functions
The City of Houston is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking IT Manager – Infrastructure to lead a high-performing technical team supporting Data Center, Server, Storage, and Core Infrastructure operations. This leader will play a critical role in advancing the City’s digital transformation by strengthening on-premises capabilities while expanding our cloud infrastructure footprint. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise, practical leadership experience, and a passion for operational excellence, service reliability, and continuous improvement.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
- Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, and professional development to a technical team responsible for servers, storage, Active Directory, Microsoft 365 administration, and backup solutions.
- Assign tasks, set clear expectations, and maintain high standards for quality, accountability, and customer service.
- Conduct annual performance evaluations that align goals with department strategy, fostering skill development and succession planning.
- Promote a customer-centric culture focused on responsiveness, innovation, and operational excellence.
Operational Oversight
- Oversee administration of Data Center policies, documentation, and procedures—including development, updates, and enforcement of security, operational, and maintenance standards.
- Ensure effective 24/7 operational readiness through structured On-Call and remote support processes.
- Coordinate workload prioritization, monitor progress, and ensure timely delivery of operational and project commitments.
Strategic Planning & Execution
- Develop strategic and tactical plans for Infrastructure Services, including capacity planning, system design recommendations, lifecycle management, and modernization initiatives.
- Evaluate proposed projects and technology solutions to determine benefits, risks, and operational impact.
- Prepare cost estimates and resource plans to support ongoing operations and future initiatives.
Budget & Financial Management
- Participate in the development and ongoing management of the annual infrastructure budget covering hardware refresh cycles, software subscriptions, cloud services, maintenance agreements, and professional services.
- Track and optimize spending across servers, storage, backup systems, licensing, and support contracts; identify cost-savings through consolidation, optimization, or managed services.
- Contribute to scheduled budget updates, variance analyses, and justifications for capital expenditures and multi-year investments.
Contract, Licensing & Renewal Management
- Oversee annual and multi-year renewal cycles for software licenses, hardware maintenance, warranties, and managed service contracts.
- Ensure accurate tracking of entitlements, compliance with licensing terms, and readiness for vendor audits.
- Partner with divisions on negotiations, scope adjustments, SLAs, and vendor performance reviews.
- Maintain a centralized repository of key renewal dates, obligations, deliverables, and service-level requirements.
Lifecycle & Asset Management
- Establish and maintain lifecycle roadmaps for servers, storage platforms, operating systems, and related infrastructure technologies.
- Ensure timely refresh and decommissioning of end-of-life equipment to maintain security, supportability, and performance.
- Ensure that procurement planning, asset tagging, CMDB/inventory accuracy, and compliant disposal processes are properly executed and maintained.
Security, Compliance & Risk Management
- Collaborate with Cybersecurity and Compliance teams to enforce policies, conduct audits, and meet regulatory/standard requirements (e.g., configuration hardening, patching, logging, and access controls).
- Implement vulnerability remediation plans, patch cycles, and change-management controls for servers and infrastructure systems.
- Lead Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery planning, testing, and documentation for covered services.
Cloud & Modernization Initiatives
- Provide oversight for hybrid cloud operations, including cloud governance, tagging policies, cost optimization, and capacity controls.
- Drive modernization of legacy systems and adoption of infrastructure automation, infrastructure-as-code, and advanced monitoring/observability tools.
Operational Governance & Continuous Improvement
- Define and monitor service KPIs/SLAs (e.g., uptime, patch compliance, backup success rates, performance indicators).
- Lead post-incident reviews, root cause analysis, and corrective action plans; champion continuous improvement.
- Mature operational processes through documented SOPs, workflow automation, runbooks, and knowledge management.
Vendor Evaluation & Procurement Support
- Participate in reviews of vendor proposals for hardware, software, and professional services, ensuring alignment with technical standards, security requirements, and operational needs.
- Collaborate with stakeholders to support acquisition, contract compliance, and value realization across vendor engagements.
Documentation & Reporting
- Maintain accurate inventories, architectural documentation, operational reports, and performance metrics that enable data-driven decisions and transparent communication.
- Ensure documentation is current, accessible, and aligned with compliance and audit requirements.
WORKING CONDITIONS
There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, and air conditioning. The position requires prolonged use of computers, monitors, keyboards, and related technology.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management and Information Systems (MIS) or a closely related field.
Experience
At least eight (8) years of technology experience supporting IT infrastructure of a department or enterprise IT environment that includes two (2) years supervising a technology team.
License Requirements
None
PREFERENCES
- Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **
Preference will be given to candidates with the following skillsets:
- Experience leading enterprise server, storage, and backup operations in hybrid environments (on-prem and cloud).
- Hands-on expertise with Microsoft technologies (AD/Group Policy, Windows Server), Microsoft 365 administration, virtualization (VMware/Hyper-V), SAN/NAS storage, backup/DR platforms, and infrastructure automation/scripting.
- Knowledge of cloud governance, cost management, tagging, and security controls (e.g., Azure or AWS).
- Familiarity with ITIL practices (incident, change, problem), CMDB/asset management, and operational KPIs/SLAs.
- Strong vendor management, contract negotiation, and budget stewardship.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Selection / Skills Tests Required
Department may administer skills assessment test
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION– Yes
If
yes , this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
PAY GRADE : 32
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting:
http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call
(832) 393-0450.
If you need special services or accommodations, call
(832) 393-0450. (TTY 7-1-1).
If you need login assistance or technical support call
855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
