I'm looking for a hands-on IT management role where I can lead a team, improve operations, solve problems, and make a meaningful impact. I value collaboration, open communication, and a workplace that encourages learning and growth. Open to remote opportunities with occasional travel, as well as local or hybrid roles in CT and RI.

justin ermler
@justinermler
Hands-on IT Manager with extensive experience leading multi-site infrastructure, operations, security, and technical teams across diverse environments
What I'm looking for
I'm a hands-on IT infrastructure and operations manager with an extensive background supporting manufacturing, distribution, and multi-site business environments. Throughout my career, I've been responsible for keeping IT operations running smoothly, leading technical teams, managing vendors, and finding practical ways to improve systems, processes, and overall reliability.
My experience includes Microsoft 365, Azure, Entra ID, Intune, Active Directory, networking, virtualization, cybersecurity, cloud migrations, disaster recovery, and IT service management. I've worked in environments ranging from smaller, independently owned businesses to larger organizations supporting hundreds of employees across multiple locations.
I've also been through several acquisitions and organizational transitions, which have given me valuable experience adapting to new systems, integrating environments, and working through challenging situations with limited resources and tight deadlines. Some of my accomplishments include leading a company-wide migration to Egnyte cloud storage, implementing an IT ticketing system to improve service delivery and accountability, coordinating infrastructure upgrades across multiple locations, and supporting critical ERP and warehouse system transitions.
My management style is collaborative and hands-on. I believe in giving people the tools and support they need to succeed without micromanaging. I'm comfortable leading projects and managing teams, but I'm equally comfortable rolling up my sleeves and troubleshooting an issue when needed.
What I enjoy most about IT is the variety. Every day brings different challenges, and I like being in a position where I can solve problems, improve how things work, and make a meaningful difference to the business.
I'm currently interested in IT Manager, IT Operations Manager, and Infrastructure & Operations leadership opportunities where I can bring that same practical, hands-on approach to a new organization. I'm open to remote opportunities, including positions that involve occasional travel, as well as local opportunities in Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Manager of IT Infrastructure & Security
Tranzonic Companies (Hospeco Brands Group)
Jun 2024 - Jul 2026 (2 years 1 month)
Managed IT infrastructure and operations supporting 600 employees across 10 locations. Led technical staff, oversaw security, managed vendors, and supported Microsoft 365, Azure, networking, and virtualization. Drove infrastructure standardization, cloud migrations, security improvements, and post-acquisition integration.
Senior Manager, IT Infrastructure
Supply Source Enterprises
Jan 2020 - Jun 2024 (4 years 5 months)
Managed infrastructure and IT operations during the company's transition from its former parent organization. Supported corp carve-out activities, data center migrations, distribution center technology deployments, and ERP/WMS transitions. Improved IT service delivery through ticketing, documented priorities, vendor coordination, and infrastructure improvements across multiple locations.
IT Manager
The Safety Zone
Sep 2001 - Jan 2020 (18 years 4 months)
Progressed from hands-on technical support into IT management as the company grew. Managed infrastructure, networking, servers, end-user support, and warehouse technology for a growing distribution business. Supported RF-based warehouse operations, system upgrades, business applications, and IT integration activities during acquisitions and organizational changes.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
Ridley Lowell Business & Technical Institute
Network & System Administration Certification, Network & System Administration
Completed coursework toward CompTIA A+ and Network+ as part of a Network & System Administration Certification program.
Norwich Free Academy
High School Diploma, General Studies
Earned a high school diploma.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
Salary expectations
Social media
Job categories
Skills
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