At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead systems engineering and operations for WPI's enterprise infrastructure.
- Company: Worcester Polytechnic Institute is a leading university focused on innovation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 4 weeks paid leave, health insurance, tuition assistance, and flexible hours.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team driving tech advancements in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in IT or related field with 8 years of experience required.
- Other info: This role offers a competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 84000 £ per year.
The Associate Director, Systems Engineering Operations leads the planning, implementation, and daily management of WPI’s enterprise systems infrastructure. This includes oversight of Windows and Linux environments, virtualization platforms, cloud services, and device integrations.
Reporting to the Chief Information Security & Technology Officer, the Associate Director manages a team of Systems Engineers and Systems Administrators who support the core systems that keep the university running. This role is responsible for setting standards, creating repeatable processes, and ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient IT services.
The Associate Director plays a key role in identifying and implementing new technologies, guiding team development, and collaborating with IT and academic departments. This position balances strategic planning with hands-on expertise to align infrastructure with WPI’s mission and compliance needs.
Compensation depends on experience and ranges from $95,000 to $110,000 annually. The role includes a generous benefits package: 4 weeks of paid time off, an extra week off at the end of December, 13 paid holidays, comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, a 9.5% retirement match after one year, disability and life insurance, tuition assistance (including full WPI tuition for dependents after 3 years), free access to the fitness center, wellness resources, flexible summer hours, employee discounts, and opportunities to join employee resource groups.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership – Develop and lead systems operations strategies aligned with institutional goals. Partner with members of Information Technology Services (ITS) Leadership to establish priorities and standards.
- Enterprise Systems Oversight – Lead daily operations and long-term planning for enterprise Windows and Linux servers, virtualization, and backup environments. Maintain system uptime and performance.
- Automation & Infrastructure Tools – Oversee SCCM, Intune, and automation platforms. Drive efficiencies and modern infrastructure practices such as scripting and infrastructure-as-code.
- Endpoint-Integrated Systems Support – Support back-end systems critical to endpoint services including provisioning, patching, and academic lab infrastructure. Collaborate closely with Endpoint and Desktop teams.
- Security and Compliance – Ensure system operations meet institutional security policies and compliance requirements. Collaborate with Information Security to maintain secure configurations and audit readiness.
- Team Management – Supervise, mentor, and develop Systems Operations team members. Oversee performance reviews, goal setting, and workforce planning.
- Operational Excellence – Ensure effective documentation, proactive monitoring, and service request fulfillment. Promote continuous improvement and adherence to SLAs.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent experience.
- 8 years of related experience.
WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.
Contact Detail:
TN United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director, Systems Engineering and Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in systems engineering and operations, particularly in enterprise environments. Understanding current technologies like cloud services, virtualization platforms, and automation tools will give you an edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field, especially those who work at Worcester Polytechnic Institute or similar institutions. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences managing teams. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led projects or initiatives that align with the responsibilities of the Associate Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research WPI's mission and values thoroughly. Be ready to articulate how your skills and experiences can contribute to their goals, particularly in enhancing IT services and ensuring compliance with security policies.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director, Systems Engineering and Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in systems engineering and operations. Focus on your leadership roles, technical skills, and any specific projects that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only introduces yourself but also explains why you are a great fit for the Associate Director role. Mention your experience with Windows and Linux environments, cloud services, and team management to demonstrate your suitability.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, include specific achievements that showcase your ability to lead teams and implement new technologies. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact, such as improvements in system uptime or efficiency.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a leadership position.
How to prepare for a job interview at TN United Kingdom
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Associate Director, Systems Engineering and Operations. Familiarise yourself with enterprise systems, cloud services, and the specific technologies mentioned in the job description, such as Windows, Linux, SCCM, and Intune.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Highlight examples where you've successfully led teams, implemented strategies, or improved processes in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to systems engineering and operations. Brush up on your knowledge of system uptime, performance monitoring, and security compliance. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific scenarios that may arise in the role.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration
Collaboration is key in this position. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with other departments in the past, particularly in IT and academic settings. Share examples of successful projects that required cross-departmental teamwork.