IT Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois
IT Operations Manager jobs in Illinois are consistently active, with strong demand concentrated in enterprise technology, financial services, healthcare systems, and logistics, at every level from junior operations lead through senior director. Chicago drives the bulk of hiring, followed by Naperville and Schaumburg, where companies like Allstate, United Airlines, and Caterpillar maintain large technology operations. The most sought-after specialties in Illinois include IT service management, infrastructure operations, and ITIL-aligned process optimization. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 19+ IT Operations Manager jobs
Role Overview
We are seeking an IT Support & Operations Specialist to serve as a critical bridge between day-to-day technical support and IT leadership. This role sits above traditional help desk support and works closely with our managed service provider (MSP), while retaining direct ownership of on-site technology across our manufacturing and warehouse facilities, non-MSP hardware, and internal IT operations, along with day-to-day oversight of Microsoft 365 and security operations.
This position is hands-on, operational, and accountable. The ideal candidate is comfortable troubleshooting issues in real time, coordinating vendors, managing systems end-to-end, and helping execute strategic IT initiatives—without being limited to ticket triage or scripted fixes.
Key Responsibilities
IT Operations & Ownership
- Own and manage all non-MSP supported hardware and systems, ensuring reliability, documentation, and lifecycle planning
- Install, configure, and deploy end-user and operational technology (e.g., tablets, printers, scanners, phones, peripherals)
- Support technology on manufacturing and warehouse floors, including production-line data devices and shop-floor workstations, and coordinate with automation and equipment vendors
- Maintain responsibility for on-site technology environments, ensuring issues are resolved without over-reliance on IT leadership
MSP Coordination & Oversight
- Act as the primary operational liaison with the MSP
- Review, prioritize, and manage MSP tickets for quality, responsiveness, and proper escalation
- Identify recurring issues and gaps in MSP coverage and work with IT leadership to resolve them
- Track MSP performance against agreed responsibilities, response times, and communication, and escalate misses to IT leadership
- Ensure clear handoffs between internal support and MSP responsibilities
Technical Support (Above Level 1)
- Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and system issues involving workstations, monitors, peripherals, and connected devices
- Diagnose and address both basic and intermediate technical issues before escalation
- Support users onsite when issues fall outside standard MSP workflows
Microsoft 365, Identity & Security Operations
- Coordinate user onboarding, offboarding, and access changes with the MSP, and verify that accounts, licensing, MFA, and group membership in Microsoft 365 and hybrid Active Directory/Entra ID are correct
- Oversee MSP endpoint management, including patch status and device compliance, and follow up on gaps
- Monitor security alerts from endpoint protection, application control, and RMM platforms, and confirm the MSP responds and communicates on each one
Network & Infrastructure Support
- Assist with troubleshooting network connectivity, access issues, and device communication problems
- Identify and resolve common infrastructure issues related to switches, access points, cabling, and endpoints
- Partner with IT leadership and vendors on higher-complexity networking challenges
Systems & Platform Management
- Take ownership of physical security and camera systems (e.g., Axis), including monitoring, basic troubleshooting, and vendor coordination
- Ensure operational continuity of systems critical to facilities and security
Documentation & Process Improvement
- Create and maintain clear IT documentation, including procedures, asset tracking, and support workflows
- Improve consistency and repeatability of IT processes to reduce dependency on tribal knowledge
Asset & Lifecycle Management
- Develop and manage an IT equipment recycling and decommissioning program
- Track asset lifecycle from deployment through retirement, ensuring compliance and data security
Strategic Support
- Support IT leadership in executing roadmap initiatives (including our ERP migration to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Azure infrastructure improvements), modernization efforts, and operational improvements
- Provide hands-on assistance for projects that improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability
Qualifications
- Experience in IT support, IT operations, or systems administration (typically 3–6 years)
- Strong working knowledge of end-user hardware, operating systems, and peripherals
- Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Active Directory/Entra ID administration
- Familiarity with networking fundamentals (LAN/WAN, switches, access points, troubleshooting)
- Experience working alongside or managing MSP relationships
- Experience supporting technology in a manufacturing, warehouse, or other industrial environment preferred
- PowerShell or other scripting experience a plus
- Comfortable operating independently and taking ownership of systems and outcomes
- Strong documentation and communication skills
Position Details
- Reports to: IT Manager
- Location: On-site, with regular work across GNC’s manufacturing and warehouse facilities
- Schedule: Occasional after-hours or weekend work for planned maintenance and urgent issues
- Physical requirements: Able to lift and move IT equipment, work from ladders, and work on production and warehouse floors in line with food safety and GMP requirements
Role Overview
We are seeking an IT Support & Operations Specialist to serve as a critical bridge between day-to-day technical support and IT leadership. This role sits above traditional help desk support and works closely with our managed service provider (MSP), while retaining direct ownership of on-site technology across our manufacturing and warehouse facilities, non-MSP hardware, and internal IT operations, along with day-to-day oversight of Microsoft 365 and security operations.
This position is hands-on, operational, and accountable. The ideal candidate is comfortable troubleshooting issues in real time, coordinating vendors, managing systems end-to-end, and helping execute strategic IT initiatives—without being limited to ticket triage or scripted fixes.
Key Responsibilities
IT Operations & Ownership
- Own and manage all non-MSP supported hardware and systems, ensuring reliability, documentation, and lifecycle planning
- Install, configure, and deploy end-user and operational technology (e.g., tablets, printers, scanners, phones, peripherals)
- Support technology on manufacturing and warehouse floors, including production-line data devices and shop-floor workstations, and coordinate with automation and equipment vendors
- Maintain responsibility for on-site technology environments, ensuring issues are resolved without over-reliance on IT leadership
MSP Coordination & Oversight
- Act as the primary operational liaison with the MSP
- Review, prioritize, and manage MSP tickets for quality, responsiveness, and proper escalation
- Identify recurring issues and gaps in MSP coverage and work with IT leadership to resolve them
- Track MSP performance against agreed responsibilities, response times, and communication, and escalate misses to IT leadership
- Ensure clear handoffs between internal support and MSP responsibilities
Technical Support (Above Level 1)
- Troubleshoot and resolve hardware and system issues involving workstations, monitors, peripherals, and connected devices
- Diagnose and address both basic and intermediate technical issues before escalation
- Support users onsite when issues fall outside standard MSP workflows
Microsoft 365, Identity & Security Operations
- Coordinate user onboarding, offboarding, and access changes with the MSP, and verify that accounts, licensing, MFA, and group membership in Microsoft 365 and hybrid Active Directory/Entra ID are correct
- Oversee MSP endpoint management, including patch status and device compliance, and follow up on gaps
- Monitor security alerts from endpoint protection, application control, and RMM platforms, and confirm the MSP responds and communicates on each one
Network & Infrastructure Support
- Assist with troubleshooting network connectivity, access issues, and device communication problems
- Identify and resolve common infrastructure issues related to switches, access points, cabling, and endpoints
- Partner with IT leadership and vendors on higher-complexity networking challenges
Systems & Platform Management
- Take ownership of physical security and camera systems (e.g., Axis), including monitoring, basic troubleshooting, and vendor coordination
- Ensure operational continuity of systems critical to facilities and security
Documentation & Process Improvement
- Create and maintain clear IT documentation, including procedures, asset tracking, and support workflows
- Improve consistency and repeatability of IT processes to reduce dependency on tribal knowledge
Asset & Lifecycle Management
- Develop and manage an IT equipment recycling and decommissioning program
- Track asset lifecycle from deployment through retirement, ensuring compliance and data security
Strategic Support
- Support IT leadership in executing roadmap initiatives (including our ERP migration to Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Azure infrastructure improvements), modernization efforts, and operational improvements
- Provide hands-on assistance for projects that improve efficiency, reliability, and scalability
Qualifications
- Experience in IT support, IT operations, or systems administration (typically 3–6 years)
- Strong working knowledge of end-user hardware, operating systems, and peripherals
- Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Active Directory/Entra ID administration
- Familiarity with networking fundamentals (LAN/WAN, switches, access points, troubleshooting)
- Experience working alongside or managing MSP relationships
- Experience supporting technology in a manufacturing, warehouse, or other industrial environment preferred
- PowerShell or other scripting experience a plus
- Comfortable operating independently and taking ownership of systems and outcomes
- Strong documentation and communication skills
Position Details
- Reports to: IT Manager
- Location: On-site, with regular work across GNC’s manufacturing and warehouse facilities
- Schedule: Occasional after-hours or weekend work for planned maintenance and urgent issues
- Physical requirements: Able to lift and move IT equipment, work from ladders, and work on production and warehouse floors in line with food safety and GMP requirements
See All 19 IT Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find IT Operations Manager JobsIT Operations Manager Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
IT Operations Manager Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in IT operations manager jobs across Illinois.
- Bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field required
- ITIL Foundation certification or higher strongly preferred by Illinois enterprise employers
- Five or more years of progressive IT operations or infrastructure management experience
- Demonstrated experience managing help desk, network, or systems teams in a complex environment
- Proficiency with ITSM platforms such as ServiceNow widely required across Illinois organizations
- PMP or CompTIA Project+ certification advantageous for roles in financial and healthcare sectors
IT Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a it operations manager in Illinois?
Most it operations managers in Illinois start with a bachelor's degree in information technology, computer science, or management information systems, then build several years of hands-on IT support or systems administration experience. Illinois does not require a state-issued license for this role. Earning industry credentials such as ITIL Foundation through an accredited training provider and demonstrating leadership over IT teams or projects is the standard path Illinois employers expect before promoting or hiring into a management position.
How much do IT operations managers make in Illinois?
IT operations managers in Illinois earn a median of about $103,570 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $53,240 for the lowest 10% to over $269,320 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire it operations managers in Illinois?
Employers hiring it operations managers in Illinois right now include EY, ITW, and ECHO, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Illinois's concentration of Fortune 500 headquarters, major health systems, and financial institutions in the Chicago metro means consistent, year-round demand for experienced operations management professionals.
Which Illinois cities have the most it operations manager jobs?
Chicago, Rosemont, and Naperville have the most it operations manager openings in Illinois. Chicago anchors the market through its dense cluster of corporate headquarters, financial firms, and large hospital networks, while Naperville and Schaumburg draw significant hiring from technology companies, insurance carriers, and regional distribution operations that have established campuses in the western suburbs.
Are there remote it operations manager jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical roles because it operations managers often oversee on-site infrastructure, data centers, and in-person IT staff. About 50% of it operations manager openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. Strategic and governance-focused responsibilities such as vendor management, ITSM process oversight, and budget planning are the functions most frequently performed remotely.
How can I get hired as a it operations manager in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving up from an IT support analyst, systems administrator, or help desk lead role at a large Illinois employer and stepping into a team lead or operations coordinator title first. Major Illinois health systems and financial institutions regularly post associate IT operations or IT supervisor roles that serve as structured stepping stones. Earning an ITIL Foundation certification before applying gives candidates a concrete edge, and candidates who can demonstrate ownership of a process improvement or incident reduction project stand out even without a formal management title.
Where can I find and apply to it operations manager jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to it operations manager jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings across Chicago, Naperville, Schaumburg, and the broader state. Find roles that match your experience level and focus area, then apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 19 IT Operations Manager Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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