IT Operations Manager

Position : IT Operations Manager

Location : Chicago (Hybrid)

Reporting to : Executive Director, Finance and Administration

About Us

World Bicycle Relief empowers communities in rural regions around the world to thrive with life-changing bicycles. We envision a world where distance is no longer a barrier to education, health services, and economic opportunity.

A catalyst for change, World Bicycle Relief helps people in need realize their goals by providing a tool that will support them to access these critical services.

Equipped with a purpose-designed Buffalo Bicycle from World Bicycle Relief, students, health workers and entrepreneurs in low-income regions create opportunities for themselves, their families, and entire communities.

We are a mission-driven, global not-for-profit that manages a highly refined bicycle supply chain from design through final distribution.

World Bicycle Relief uses an innovative business model to create sustainable bicycle ecosystems. Through World Bicycle Relief's 501(c)3, we provide transport solutions to those who cannot afford them, and through Buffalo Bicycle Limited, we sell the rugged Buffalo Bicycle and spare parts.

Buffalo Bicycle Limited also offers users repair and maintenance services via a retail network of shops and local mechanics.

WBR has distributed over 780,000 fit-for-purpose bicycles and trained 2,700+ community-based mechanics. Girls with Buffalo Bicycles are 19% less likely to drop out of school;

dairy farmers earn 23% more income; and health workers reach 88% more patients.

Purpose of the Position

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, the IT Operations Manager is a newly created position within the organization.

This role is tasked with leading global IT initiatives, focusing on the strategic development and optimization of IT infrastructure and solutions.

This includes the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and the establishment of efficient processes (i.

e., equipment procurement and inventory management). Integral to this role is reinforcing cybersecurity to protect against digital threats, safeguard sensitive data, and ensure operational continuity.

This position manages and executes the day-to-day activities of World Bicycle Relief's IT operations.

The IT Operations Manager will work in close collaboration with various functional groups within the organization, aligning IT strategies with business needs to deliver essential support for the organization's strategic objectives.

Alignment is vital for ensuring IT meets our diverse and growing operational demands effectively.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proactive, hands-on attitude, ready to establish and evolve the foundational IT functions flexibly.

They will welcome challenges and have the capability to work autonomously with little supervision. This is an exciting opportunity for someone seeking to champion World Bicycle Relief's mission, eager to spark impactful change and contribute to a significant global cause.

Your work will directly influence the expansion of our mission's reach and impact.

Job Responsibilities :

Infrastructure and Strategy :

• In partnership with key stakeholders, sets and oversees the strategic IT direction to match infrastructure with business objectives.
• Develops and implements IT policies, procedures, and processes to ensure the delivery of high-quality IT services to the organization.
• Oversee the deployment, maintenance, and support of all IT infrastructure including hardware, software, and networks.
• Implements business continuity strategies to maintain operations during disruptions.

Security and Compliance :

• Develops network security policies and ensures compliance with laws and regulations.
• Manages access control and data protection - ensuring compliance with data privacy and regulations; safeguarding information from unauthorized activities and ensures only approved users access specific systems.
• Identifies and mitigates vulnerabilities. Coordinates responses to data breaches, including recovery actions and communication with affected parties.
• Manages third-party vendor compliance to minimize risks to the organization's data and systems.

Operational Management :

• Manages IT operations to maintain network service and data integrity, including troubleshooting.
• Oversee the organization's technology stack, ensuring strategic integrations and information security.
• Establishes update and backup protocols.
• Oversees IT budgets and promotes cost-efficiency.
• Handles procurement of hardware.

Support and Service Delivery :

• Implements and manages equipment tracking systems and facilitates new hire IT induction.
• Troubleshoots and resolves IT issues and completes service tickets.
• Consults with third-party vendors for application support and integration.

Collaboration

• Provides guidance in large organizational changes and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
• Collaborates with internal teams and external vendors to identify, evaluate, and implement IT solutions that meet the organization's needs.
• Establish formal IT Service Management practices globally.
• Perform analysis to support decision-making.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements :

• Bachelor's Degree in an IT related field or equivalent experience
• 10 years' proven experience in Information Technology.
• Proven experience in IT management or a similar role, with a track record of developing and delivering high-quality IT services.
• Experience working on global, cross-functional teams and projects.
• Demonstrated creative and analytical trouble-shooting skills.
• Ability to provide technical training.
• Excellent project management skills and attention to detail.
• Strong team mentality.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working at a non-profit is a plus.

Travel Required : May require up to 5% travel.

Work Location

Chicago, IL

WBR is a registered not-for profit in the USA (501c3), Canada, UK, Germany, Switzerland, and Australia. We have supported programs in 20 countries, and have country offices, staff, and assembly facilities in Colombia, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

WBR is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.