Network Operations Manager - IT

General Summary

This is a hybrid position
$148,871 - $199,457

Are you a strategic technology leader who thrives on building secure, reliable, and high-performing network infrastructure? Oakland County is seeking an experienced IT infrastructure professional to lead the management, coordination, and optimization of the County's network and communications systems. In this role, you'll oversee critical technology infrastructure supporting County operations, public safety systems, and secure communications across a complex enterprise environment. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys combining technical expertise, team leadership, and strategic planning to support essential public services and modern technology operations.

What you'll do:
• Lead the management and support of the County's network and communications infrastructure, systems, and technologies
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee the design, installation, and maintenance of network, telephony, and communication systems
• Ensure the stability, security, and performance of enterprise IT assets and communication links
• Direct and support a team of network specialists in resolving hardware, software, and connectivity issues
• Maintain infrastructure hardware, software, documentation, and system configurations
• Collaborate with CLEMIS and public safety agencies to maintain secure network connectivity for Radio and 911 systems
• Assess technology needs and oversee the implementation of infrastructure solutions for County departments and partner agencies
• Support ongoing optimization, modernization, and operational reliability of County IT systems

Why You'll Love It:
• The opportunity to lead and support mission-critical technology infrastructure with real community impact
• A highly visible role supporting public safety, emergency communications, and Countywide operations
• Hands-on involvement with enterprise networking, telecommunications, and secure systems
• Leadership experience managing technical teams and large-scale infrastructure initiatives
• A collaborative environment working with County departments, CLEMIS members, and public safety partners
• Competitive compensation, strong benefits, and the stability of public sector employment

If you're passionate about technology leadership, secure infrastructure, and supporting systems that communities rely on every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Minimum Qualifications
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Possess a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
• Have had at least eight (8) years of full-time experience in information technology involving systems software, systems analysis, or technical infrastructure; including two (2) years in a technical leader or supervisory capacity.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Considerable knowledge of local and wide area networking, network management, structured cabling systems, fiber optics, client/server, operating systems, computer hardware, software, system design/analysis, programming, training, and support.
• Extensive knowledge of current hardware and software technologies and uses.
• Hands-on experience troubleshooting hardware such as servers, routers, bridges, switches, hubs, modems, and network interface cards.
• Exceptional technical knowledge of network and PC operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and Cisco IOS
• Extensive application support experience with network monitoring and optimization tools.
• Extensive knowledge of radio systems and statewide networking infrastructure to ensure 911 service availability.
• Expert in telephony and Voice Over Internet Protocol including the optimization models for deciding the best price/performance model for the County. Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, user departments and representatives of other agencies.
• Considerable ability to exercise mature judgment and initiative in analyzing problems and implementing solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to emerging technologies, evolving business needs, and dynamic network environments.
• Stays current with advancements in networking including software defined networking, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and communications systems, and proactively recommends innovative solutions to improve performance, reliability, and efficiency.
• Encourages a culture of continuous improvement and learning within the team, fostering innovation and professional development to maintain technical excellence across the department.
• Demonstrated capability to leverage automation, analytics, and digital workflow tools to improve network performance visibility, operational efficiency, and service delivery.
• Ability to utilize emerging digital technologies to enhance communication, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making across both in-person and hybrid work environments.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

• Functions over a group of supervisors, professional, technical, and/or support employees.
• Instructs, assigns, schedules, checks, and appraises performance.
• Participates in decisions to hire, discipline, discharge, and award pay increases and/or promotions.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Manages and ensures optimal operation of all network hardware and equipment, including routers, switches, hubs, UPSs, firewalls and so on.
• Ensures fiber plans are maintained in cost effective manners while providing high availability and redundancy for all network, telephony, and radio activities.
• Manages network hardware/software lifecycle management to ensure the security, scalability, and reliability, including on and off premise systems.
• Develops and deploys methodologies for testing network performance and providing network performance statistics and reports.
• Secures project management disciplines are followed for large, complex technology projects to define deliverables, develop realistic costs and timeframe, and ensure quality and customer satisfaction.
• Coordinates multiple teams to ensure the accurate and timely completion of assigned work.
• Uses technical knowledge of high availability and redundancy to provide maximum availability of all systems to the customer community. Leads triage efforts when unexpected breakdowns occur until final resolution.
• Provides input to department research and review of available communications technology and software and evaluates the possible impact on County technology strategy and direction.
• Reviews proposed communication systems and recommends changes for improved operation and/or cost effectiveness.
• Serves as a technical consultant for internal IT staff, County departments, municipalities, and local agencies. Prepares budgets and monitors project expenditures.
• Reviews scope of work request and RFPs (request for proposal) and where necessary, negotiates with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and service.
• Participates in the preparing of budgets both annually and project specific.
• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participates in and conducts quality meetings for process improvement throughout the department.
• Coordinates and directs professional service contractors and their usage within the department.
• Assumes responsibility for adherence to all departmental standards.
• Utilizes current countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to communicate accurately to convey information using tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable