IT Infrastructure and Operations Manager

Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) is an integrated global trading company active in a range of commercial ventures.  It imports and exports raw materials, and goods and has diversified activities in businesses throughout the Americas.  These activities include investments and financing, coordination and operation of urban and industrial infrastructure projects, providing transportation and logistics services, developing natural resources, distribution of steel and other products, and developing and managing real estate.  SCOA is the largest subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation (SC), one of Japan's major integrated trading and investment business enterprises with operations in a wide array of businesses, organized into six industry focused segments, Metal Products; Transportation & Construction Systems; Infrastructure; Media & Digital; Living Related & Real Estate; and Mineral Resources, Energy, Chemical and Electronics. 
Visit www.sumitomocorp.com for more information.

IT Infrastructure and Operations Manager

131k-160k
 

Job Summary:

All SCOA’s infrastructure is managed by a single third-party vendor named SCSKUSA. SCOA and SCSKUSA have a strategic relationship which extends from the Sumitomo Corporation Headquarters in Tokyo. The IT Infrastructure and Operations Manager will report to the Direct and will work closely with SCSKUSA to understand their operation from a day-to-day basis supporting the SCOA infrastructure. They will work with management in SCSKUSA to make improvements in operations and ultimately the satisfaction of the SCOA employees. They will work on defining the service level of SCSKUSA as it evolves and ensure that they are meeting their expectations. This individual will lead infrastructure related projects of various sizes. They will need to work with SCSKUSA directly to support all project related activities including the management of other external third-party vendors. It is critical that this individual can evaluate the performance of all vendors involved to ensure the project is on schedule, deliverables are meet and within the defined budget. This individual will be communicating with Headquarters IT Department in Tokyo to receive direction and policies as well as reporting SCOA’s current project status and other related items.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Manage large and small IT infrastructure related projects focusing on communication, schedule, and budget.
• Take a proactive approach to monitor performance, identifying delays and understanding the dynamics within SCSKUSA.
• Act as intermediary between SCOA ITPP and SCSK, diligently bridging communication gaps and ensuring the timely completion of tasks for enhanced project efficiency.
• Work closely with SCSKUSA operational support team to improve operations and employee satisfaction.
• Maintain strong communications channels within SCSKUSA staff and SCOA employees including top management.
• Performs and supports other related duties as assigned by Directors.

Job Specific Knowledge/Skills & Abilities

Required:

• Effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation across diverse cultures and business domains.
• Excellent analytical, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong attention to detail, consultation skills, and coordination skills.
• Thorough understanding of project management principles and planning.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships within SCOA and SCSKUSA, and with any other external partners and clients

Preferred:

• Fluency in English and Japanese: The ability to speak, read, and write in Japanese would be an asset, as the company is a subsidiary of a Japanese company, and this would facilitate communication with the parent company and other Japanese stakeholders.

Education, Certification and Experience:

Required:

• 8-10 years of experience in IT Infrastructure
• Minimum 2 years of project management experience
• Bachelor’s degree or higher level of education
• Familiarity with IT infrastructure best practices
• Strong understanding of MS Office products including Outlook, Excel and Word

Preferred:

• PMP or similar project management certifications.
• Certified or understand COBIT or ITIL best practices.
• Basic knowledge in project management software.
• Managed or supported several major IT related projects in a corporate environment.
• Experience in assisting users with IT problems either by leading a support team or third-party vendor.

Physical Requirements:

• Hybrid work style: minimum 2 days in office and 3 days remote work
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional business travel (0-3 trips/year, 3-5 days each, Domestic and International)

Please note that there is no visa sponsorship/support provided for this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement
Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (SCOA) is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at Sumitomo are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. Sumitomo will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.