Job Title: Manager, Information Technology (IT)  

Department:  Business Strategy & Analytics (BSA)

Reports to: Director, Technology Strategy

# Direct Reports: 0

Perks and Benefits:

FREE: breakfast, lunch, parking, on-site gym and training classes, and gym membership at Chicago Athletic Clubs.  Free Peloton membership, casual dress environment, access to United Center concert events, one-time stipend for home office equipment, competitive total rewards package, full benefits (medical, dental, vision, 401k matching, paid life insurance), comprehensive PTO package, social events, volunteer opportunities, and focused learning and development. 

What It’s Like Working Here:

The Chicago Blackhawks experience isn’t just on the ice.   Our office, located in the United Center, promotes a fun, engaging, fast-paced and collaborative atmosphere where we can celebrate both hockey and each other.  Our commitment to curating an environment where all individuals feel empowered to bring their best self to work each day can be seen throughout our organization.  Whether you are a job seeker looking to join the organization, a current member of our amazing team, or someone looking to help support our mission, our goal is the same – to reimagine the potential of hockey through memorable, inclusive experiences.  

The Ideal Candidate: Will showcase a strong comprehension of IT infrastructure, systems, and cybersecurity principles, coupled with a deep understanding of business processes. This includes the capacity to seamlessly align IT strategies with overarching business goals and objectives.

The Top Shelf:   

In this role, you'll lead strategic initiatives for the Chicago Blackhawks and its subsidiaries, ensuring global infrastructure standards and best practices alignment across the UC Joint Venture. You'll focus on robust support for local infrastructure services, manage 3rd party providers, and serve as a resource for innovative back-end technology solutions, relieving BSA and business areas of vendor management intricacies.

How You’ll Contribute:  

• Lead essential IT infrastructure (cloud and on-prem), including operating systems, security tools, applications, servers, email systems, laptops, desktops, software, and hardware for the Blackhawks and related entities (Fifth Third Arena, Rockford IceHogs, etc.)
• Document data architecture and integrations, ensuring ongoing maintenance via policy.
• Analyze enterprise needs, identify vulnerabilities, and boost productivity, efficiency, and accuracy to inform business decisions.
• Analyze processes, technologies, and vendors continually to find areas for improvement.
• Ensure network components work together seamlessly to meet business needs, using their full range of capabilities, and stay informed about new features and solutions.
• Develop tailored operational policies in collaboration with United Center IT team (UCIT), aligning with technical capabilities and audit standards for Chicago Blackhawks.
• Efficiently manage IT inventory, setting clear expectations and reporting requirements, and improving service levels for UCIT partners.
• Prepare cost–benefit analyses when upgrades are necessary and monitor vendors to ensure that they’re offering the best possible service and value for business needs.
• Train employees to use software and hardware; troubleshoot issues and provide technical support when needed.
• Develop and execute disaster planning and maintain data backups.
• Lead and support the service desk for Chicago Blackhawks, adhering to ITIL standards.
• Generate insightful analytics and reports covering key performance metrics.
• Document support models for BMO Harris Center (Home of Rockford IceHogs), Fifth Third Arena, and other related entities, minimizing confusion and enhancing support efficiency.
• Maintain a list of preferred applications, ensuring a shared standard toolset understanding with UCIT.
• Manage MSP relationships, oversee cybersecurity, and implement policy-based governance for top-tier support and services.
• Establish internal IT governance, ensuring consistent communication with stakeholders.
• Design a solution selection process involving legal, finance, and BSA considerations.
• Create work intake processes for Blackhawks and UCIT-supported projects, including standard and emergency procedures.
• Develop a business continuity plan, conducting annual exercises for Blackhawks personnel.
• Address and mitigate risks of unauthorized data access through immediate fixes and proactive measures.
• Research, evaluate, and implement emerging back of house technology, hardware, and software.

Player Stats and Qualifications:  

• 5+ years of IT management experience
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in computer science, information tech or systems, software engineering or related field
• Excellent communication skills with ability to demonstrate clear, concise articulation of scenarios, options, risks, mitigations, and recommendations.
• Exceptional problem-solving skills with the power to develop creative and efficient solutions.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure including cloud and On-Prem solutions, applications, and emerging technologies
• Proficiency in project management, IT governance, and IT service management practices.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity principles and best practices.
• Ability to set strategic IT goals and objectives aligned with overall business goals.
• Understanding of business processes and the ability to align IT strategies with overall business objectives.
• Demonstrate technical mastery for cross-functional systems (HR, Sales, and finance systems)
• Demonstrate technical mastery for desktop related issues (Windows 10, 11 and MacOS)
• Demonstrates Chicago Blackhawks core values of integrity, curiosity, empathy, collaboration, and originality.

The Team: