KEEPING THE LIGHTS ON, AND EVERYTHING ELSE RUNNING SMOOTHLY
THE OPPORTUNITY:
At Lakeshirts, over 900 people count on technology working every single day. Our network, our hardware, our helpdesk, when it all runs right, nobody notices. When it doesn't, everybody does. That's the quiet superpower of a great IT Lead.
We're seeking an IT Lead to own our IT infrastructure, networking, and helpdesk operations. This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll be managing two Network Admins and two Helpdesk Technicians, owning the systems that keep our headquarters humming and our team productive.
Reporting to the IT Manager, you'll bring structure, reliability, and a continuous improvement mindset to our IT operations. If you're an IT professional who takes pride in rock-solid infrastructure, responsive support, and a team that delivers, we want to meet you.
Schedule: Monday-Friday Location: Onsite employment in Detroit Lakes, MN
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Lead and manage a team of Network Admins and Helpdesk Technicians, owning day-to-day IT operations across the organization.
- Own and maintain network infrastructure, security, and performance across the Detroit Lakes HQ campus.
- Oversee helpdesk operations, ensuring timely, high-quality support for all staff.
- Develop and maintain IT policies, procedures, and documentation.
- Manage hardware lifecycle procurement, deployment, maintenance, and retirement.
- Partner with the IT Manager on infrastructure requirements for AI systems and automation platforms.
- Monitor and respond to system performance, uptime, and security events.
- Manage vendor relationships and coordinate with external service providers.
- Drive continuous improvement in IT service delivery, response times, and system reliability.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support the company's value of Team.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 5+ years of IT experience, with 2+ years in a lead, supervisor, or senior infrastructure role.
- Strong knowledge of networking - VLANs, firewalls, switches, wireless, and network security.
- Experience in managing helpdesk operations and IT support teams.
- Proficiency with hardware management, Windows/Linux environments, and endpoint management tools.
- Familiarity with cloud infrastructure and hybrid environments.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
- Strong communicator, clear, calm, and effective whether talking to a frontline employee or a senior leader.
- Experience in a manufacturing, production, or operations environment is a strong plus.
- Must love dogs (we kinda like them a lot at HQ).
OUR CULTURE IS ONE-OF-A-KIND
We are proud of our humble beginnings and non-corporate style. We offer a unique atmosphere unlike any other manufacturer. We work hard to be the best and seek committed individuals who will help move our company forward while embracing our values and culture.
Lakeshirts | Blue 84 is one of the largest privately owned screen-printing manufacturers in the United States, decorating and distributing a wide variety of garments for the resort, college, and K-12 markets. At our headquarters in Detroit Lakes, MN, we employ over 900 great people and proudly produce 45,000+ garments daily.
It's not just a job - it's a lifestyle.
LIFE'S BETTER IN A T-SHIRT. IT REALLY IS.
COGNITIVE OR MENTAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB
Employee must be able to see and hear, read and write. Requires adaptability, analyzing, assessing, calculating, decision-making, dependability, judgment, reasoning, speaking, following direction, and the ability to handle multiple priorities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
NEVER (0%): Climb, Crawl, Lift 25-50 lbs., Lift over 50 lbs., Carry 25-50 lbs., Carry over 50 lbs.
OCCASIONALLY (1%-33%): Lift, Stand, Walk, Carry, Push, Pull, Balance, Bend, Twist, Reach, Lift under 10 lbs., Lift 10-24 lbs., Carry under 10 lbs., Carry 10-24 lbs.
FREQUENTLY (34%-66%): Reach below shoulder height.
CONTINUOUSLY (67%-100%): Sit.
NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive and should in no way be considered a contract or guarantee of employment. Employees may perform other related duties as needed based on the ongoing needs of the business. Minnesota is an Employment-At-Will state and implies no specific length of employment.
