Director of IT Operations and Cybersecurity

Position Summary

The Director of IT Operations and Cybersecurity is a senior technology leader responsible for global IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, desktop support, and service desk functions. This role ensures secure, resilient, and scalable IT services across the enterprise, including management of cloud platforms, network operations, OT environments, and end-user computing. The role leads global teams and partners cross-functionally to align IT operations with business priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Infrastructure & Cloud Operations

• Lead global IT infrastructure including Azure cloud, Microsoft 365 administration, on-prem systems, storage, and hybrid environments.

• Oversee networking strategy, including enterprise LAN/WAN, SD-WAN architecture, VPN access, and remote workforce enablement.

• Ensure stability and scalability of systems supporting both corporate IT and operational (OT) environments.

• Drive automation, standardization, and modernization initiatives across infrastructure platforms.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Develop and execute a global cybersecurity roadmap covering identity, access, network security, and endpoint protection.

• Oversee vulnerability management, threat detection, incident response, and compliance with frameworks like NIST, ISO 27001, and CIS Controls.

• Establish data security standards across cloud and on-prem platforms, including encryption, data loss prevention (DLP), and classification policies.

• Oversee governance of data residency, retention, and privacy compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).

• Manage threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, and third-party risk across both IT and OT systems.

End-User Support & Service Desk

• Lead global service desk and desktop support teams, ensuring high user satisfaction and adherence to SLAs.

• Define ITSM processes and drive continuous improvement through metrics and automation.

• Standardize device management, patching, and support tooling across regions and business units.

Leadership & Strategy

• Build and lead a global, high-performing IT operations team; mentor direct reports across infrastructure, security, and support.

• Collaborate with enterprise architects, application owners, and business stakeholders to ensure infrastructure supports digital initiatives.

• Manage vendor relationships, contracts, and enterprise licensing for platforms including Microsoft 365, Azure, SD-WAN providers, and cybersecurity tools.

• Own and evolve the disaster recovery and business continuity strategy

Education & Experience

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field; Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT operations and/or Infrastructure, with at least 5 years in a leadership role across a global organization.

Knowledge, Skills, & Talents

Proven expertise in:

• Global Azure administration and hybrid cloud operations

• Microsoft 365 platform (Exchange, Teams, SharePoint, Intune, Defender)

• Global Enterprise networking, including SD-WAN, firewalls, and VPN technologies

• Operational Technology (OT) networks and integration with IT systems

• Data security best practices, including encryption, DLP, access controls, and compliance

• Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001) and IT governance.

• Experience with ITSM tools, infrastructure monitoring platforms, and identity/access management solutions.

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Working Conditions

Ability to travel globally

Pay and Benefits

The estimated base pay range for this position is:  $190,000 - $280,000 annually.  Actual pay will be determined based on education, certifications, experience, qualifications, skills, and geographic location. This position is eligible to participate in a short-term incentive program.

Vantage offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including:

• Medical, HSA, dental, vision

• FSA (limited purpose, dependent care, and commuter/parking)

• Life and AD&D insurance

• Accident, hospital indemnity and critical illness insurance

• Short- and long-term disability

• EAP, identity theft protection

• Paid time off, Parental Leave

• 401(k) with company match

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vantage is an equal opportunity employer.  Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected category. 

About Vantage

Vantage provides natural solutions to our customers’ technical performance and marketing needs through a unique combination of chemistry, application expertise and service. Underpinned by our broad portfolio of formulations, ingredients and actives that are built on a backbone of sustainable oils, fats and their derivatives, Vantage targets selected markets and applications including personal care, food, surface treatment, agriculture, pharma, and consumer and industrial performance. Vantage is headquartered in Deerfield, IL., operates in 11 countries worldwide and employs more than 1,000 talented professionals focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences with every interaction.

We are a dynamic people-centered organization where you’ll be part of a collaborative global team. Embracing our cultural diversity, we learn from each other to constantly improve, adapt and iterate. We value the voices and talents of our colleagues, empowering them to drive their unique ideas to completion. We’re convinced that exceptionally motivated employees produce outstanding results and we celebrate them by fostering a culture of recognition, development, learning, excellence and shared achievement. Most importantly, we know you’re going to like it here.  For more information visit: vantagegrp.com or LinkedIn/vantage.