IT Operations Manager

General Description POSTING TYPE: Open Competitive DEPARTMENT: Information Technology HOURS: Fulltime HIRING RANGE: $103,284-$ 129,105 /year (Grade Level 111) SALARY RANGE: $103,284-$ 161,381/year LOCATION: Hastings ADC UNION: None CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on 11/23/2026

The IT Operation Manager's role is to plan, coordinate and supervise all activities related to the analysis, design, development, configuration and implementation of organizational information systems operations within the area of responsibilities. The IT Operations Manager provides leadership and establishes operational vision, monitors and supports daily IT operations and provides strategic support to the IT Director. Primary responsibilities include providing operational vision resulting in operational efficiency, reducing costs and establishing IT policies and technical standards. Additional responsibilities include risk assessment, support for IT audits, budget management, contract management, board approval, service requests and operational escalation.

Who we are Dakota County is Minnesota’s third most populous county and home to more than 400,000 residents. We strive every day to achieve excellence public service, with a focus on four values: Service, Integrity, People, and Innovation. Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves. Minimum Qualifications

NEED TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in computer information systems, computer science, engineering, business administration or similar discipline; AND
• Five years of work experience in an administrative or operational context, preferably in the Information Technology field.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education and experience totaling nine years.

NICE TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's degree in computer science/engineering, information systems or a related field.
• Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) Foundation Certification.

Duties & Responsibilities These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

• Advance the department vision, goals, program requirements and strategic plans by being the primary point person to support department operations.
• Assist with preparing, managing and monitoring the Information Technology department operational budget.
• Contribute to the development of departmental and county-level goals, measures, objectives and strategic plans and monitors the standards for achievement.
• Support the development and implementation of relevant departmental and annual county goals.
• Establish operational procedures, technical standards and support policies to foster operations that are efficient, uninterrupted and compliant.
• Develop and implement department policies and procedures and monitor policies and procedures for operational compliance.
• Research and draft proposed new and revised county policies related to Information Technology and guide them through the approval process to implementation.
• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency,
• Support IT audits, risk assessments and compliance initiatives.
• Manage relationships with IT vendors, service providers and technology partners.
• Oversee software licensing, hardware procurement and IT contracts.
• Monitor service delivery and billing from vendors to ensure accuracy and quality standards are met. Address and resolve deficiencies.
• Seek and identify opportunities to reduce costs and/or improve quality in the future, including proposing new vendors.
• Serve as the primary contact for department-level operational issues.
• Ensure timely resolution of department incidents, service requests and escalations.
• Identify recurring problems and work in partnership with staff members to implement preventive measures.
• Coordinate with other county departments and/or external service providers to resolve operational issues and prevent their recurrence.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships and communication with peers within the Information Technology department and other county departments.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to support business requirements.
• May lead and direct the activities of assigned staff through formal or informal supervision that includes work assignments, review of work performed, performance evaluations, setting goals and priorities and disciplinary procedures.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Responsibilities 1-6 are essential functions. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Knowledge of standard practices, operations and documentation for an information technology organization.
• Knowledge of current developments and trends in information technology.
• Understanding the impact of organizational, management, administrative and personnel aspects of information systems design and the ability to resolve related problems and make appropriate recommendations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, communication and leadership skills.
• Ability to plan, implement and evaluate programs, systems, policies and procedures.
• Demonstrated skill analyzing, preparing and managing comprehensive department budgets.
• Ability and skill to lead and coordinate the professional and administrative support personnel and to establish and support effective working relationships within and among divisions, departments and outside agencies.
• Ability to discern changing customer needs, interests and requirements and to respond with innovative solutions demonstrating agility and creativity.
• Verbal and written communication skill to effectively conduct meetings, to lead others and to present analysis and recommendations clearly and concisely.
• Ability to establish department objectives and performance measures and to communicate, support and evaluate the achievement of those objectives and measures.
• Experience with budgets and/or vendor management. Strong analytical, organizational, communication and leadership skills.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Dakota County aims to create an environment that is welcoming and inclusive of diverse people, backgrounds, and experiences. Our goal is to have a workforce that is reflective of the communities and individuals we serve. We promote an equitable and culturally aware work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves.

Work is primarily sedentary and is usually accomplished while incumbent is comfortably seated at a desk or table. Some walking and standing may occur during a normal workday in connection with attendance at meetings and conferences or while researching files. Items carried typically are light objects such as briefcases, notebooks and data processing reports. Occasional evening and weekend work or travel may be required to meet service delivery standards. Ability to operate a computer and other devices and objects.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off
• Eleven paid holidays each year and one floating holiday
• Pension with a generous employer contribution
• Ability to work from home some of the time

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background check

Benefits

Visit our Benefits site for more information.