🚀 IT Director

Posted Friday, October 24, 2025 at 6:00 AM

JOB SUMMARY

To ensure the highest level of service possible to Outpost’s internal and external customers. To configure and maintain IT hardware, software, network and retail systems for Outpost. To support best practices of system and network administration. To provide hands on management in technology systems and operations. To advance Outpost’s mission to build a sustainable, inclusive, and cooperative community.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Business office with moderate noise environment including but not limited to computers, printers, paging, telephones, and human voices. Work near moving mechanical parts (i.e., store equipment, tools, etc.) and in high precarious places (i.e., ladders). Job related travel within metro Milwaukee area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

Customer Service

• Treat people fairly, consistently, and with respect.
• Ensure efficient, informative, and friendly service according to established customer service standards.

Leadership

• Model supportive and participatory leadership qualities.
• Treat staff and managers with consistency and fairness, in a style appropriate to a cooperative work environment.
• Ensure that communications are clear, direct, and respectful.
• Ensure the integrity of Outpost’s stated values in decision‑making and interactions with others.
• Act as a model to all employees following Outpost policies and procedures.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are welcomed and valued.

Information Technology

• Manage the administration of all Outpost servers, desktops, laptops, handheld devices, POS registers, label printing scales, and all other business and retail technology.
• Maintain and support network infrastructure, including firewalls, switches, wireless, VPN, and related services.
• Manage helpdesk operations to ensure timely and effective service to internal customers.
• Maintain and monitor security awareness programs, backups, disaster recovery systems, and PCI compliance.
• Administer and support Microsoft 365, ECRS Catapult, and other business–critical software and cloud services, ensuring security, performance, and availability.
• Develop, maintain, and review IT usage policies, standards, and best practices.
• Oversee procurement, configuration, deployment, and lifecycle management of IT assets.
• Manage vendor contracts and purchasing approvals for IT systems and services.
• Manage relationships with vendors and external service providers, monitoring performance, service levels, and overall value to Outpost.
• Provide technical oversight and integration between other business and retail systems.
• Collaborate closely with Operations, Pricing and Finance to ensure alignment, knowledge sharing, and coordinated support for ECRS Catapult and its integration with other business systems.

Supervision

• Supervise IT department staff and Pricing Manager.
• Develop and uphold performance expectations and standards.
• Interview, hire and onboard qualified candidates into the department.
• Provide ongoing training, guidance, and direction.
• Provide timely, thorough, and thoughtful performance feedback.
• Foster a work environment where staff are set up to do their best work.
• Maintain effective communication and conduct regular and useful department meetings.
• Document performance management actions and take corrective action in accordance with established procedures.

Budget & Planning

• Prepare and manage the IT operating budget and contribute to capitol planning.
• Plan and execute IT‑related projects, ensuring timelines, budgets, and quality standards are met.
• Work collaboratively with peers to ensure technology initiatives align with organizational goals and processes.
• Participate in planning and execution of infrastructure upgrades, remodels, and expansions.
• Work with the CEO to develop long‑range plans and goals that will ensure compliance with Board Ends policies.
• Monitor industry trends, to ensure innovation and new services that anticipate the needs of our operations, employees and shoppers.

All Staff Duties

• Abide by all Co‑op policies and procedures as outlined in the Employee Handbook and other company documents.
• Keep store/office orderly and clean.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by direct supervisor.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

• Bachelor’s in Information Technology, Computer Science or related field, OR equivalent combination of education and professional experience
• Preferred minimum of 5 years of IT experience in managing day‑to‑day operations within an organization, with a focus on team leadership, service delivery, and performance management, preferably in a retail or multi‑site environment
• Strong understanding of network infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud‑based systems
• Experience with ERP and POS systems preferred; ECRS Catapult experience highly preferred
• Management and supervision experience – hiring, training, evaluating, disciplining
• Excellent customer service and collaboration skills
• Attention to detail and good organizational skills
• Ability to handle multiple demands, work under time pressures, and meet deadlines
• Experience in vendor negotiations and IT budgeting
• Willingness to be open, to learn, and take on new responsibilities
• Demonstrate objectivity, neutrality and calmness under pressure
• Reliable and consistent presence to support team and business needs
• Effective communication skills in English
• Ability to read and comprehend instructions
• Demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness
• Ability to follow through on systems and procedures
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in technology systems and team development

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Standing, walking, bending, sitting, reaching
• Using hands or fingers to handle or feel
• Specific vision ability: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjust focus
• Ability to climb up and down ladders
• Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to communicate by talking and hearing

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER NOTICE

The job duties, elements, responsibilities, skills, functions, experience, educational factors, requirements and conditions listed in this job description are representative only and not exhaustive of the tasks that the employee may be required to perform. The employer reserves the right to revise this job description at any time and require employees to perform other tasks as circumstances or conditions of its business, competitive considerations or a work environment change.

Outpost Natural Foods Co‑op is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. We believe that diverse experiences and perspectives strengthen our cooperative and our community.

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