Manager of Desktop Operations

Vedder Price's Chicago office is looking for a Manager of Desktop Operations. The Manager of Desktop Operations is responsible for executing the strategy for the desktop initiatives across the firm. The manager should ensure the team and approach align with the firm's business objectives. The manager is expected to plan, coordinate, direct and design all activities of the Desktop Operations team, as well as provide direction and support for technology solutions that enhance mission-critical business operations. This role will work closely with the Sr. Manager of Infrastructure and Desktop Operations to identify, recommend, develop, implement and support the appropriate technology solutions for the firm.

As the Manager of Desktop Operations, your job duties will include but not be limited to:

Management of Team
* Lead the Desktop Operations team on programs and projects, ensuring optimal performance and uptime for all desktop-related systems.
* Provide training, mentoring, consulting, and knowledge transfer to other engineering staff.
* Produce and maintain desktop standards, operating procedures, guidelines and system documentation.
* Perform performance analysis and track metrics.
* Serve as an escalation point of contact with the primary focus on restoring services.
* Manage service escalation to resolution and identify continuous improvement opportunities as appropriate.
* Keep the knowledge base and runbook for the team updated with new resolution and process appropriately.

Deployment/Support of Products
* Improve desktop infrastructure, technical expertise, and support to end-users.
* Package, test, and deploy system and application updates/patches to the end-user environment.
* Develop and implement all Desktop Technology policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, documentation, standards, purchasing and service provisioning.
* Troubleshoot hardware and application configurations as it relates to workstation performance and end user experience.
* Ensure timely resolution of issues and requests.
* Maintain inventory of software versions and licenses.
* Ensure compliance with security and regulatory requirements.

Advisor on Emerging Technologies
* Research, analyze, evaluate and provide recommendations to management on future technology direction.
* Fluency with emerging offerings for M365, AI, iManage Cloud and other cloud technologies strongly preferred.
* Demonstrate willingness and ability to develop expertise in new technologies as needed.
* Optimize the desktop environment to ensure elegant design, consistent experience, and efficient processes of user experience management
* Participate in development and review of budgets for Desktop Operations and ensure they comply with stated goals, guidelines and objectives.

Skills & Competencies:

* Experience in working effectively with IT developers, architects and external vendors in advocating on behalf of end users.
* Demonstrated competence in detecting and eliminating technical issues in complex systems, utilizing monitoring and other analysis tools to ensure optimal system performance.
* Must be highly available and responsive to occasional after-hours issues, as the firm operates on a near 24x7 basis.
* Strong time management skills with proven ability to multi-task and maintain professional demeanor under pressure.
* Ability to function at a high level in a fast-paced environment where requirements and projects may change quickly.
* Act independently to meet goals and objectives identified by senior management, including the ability to assist in the creation of project plans and manage time effectively.
* Strong organizational skills, capability to schedule and coordinate multiple activities in results-oriented environment. Initiative and ability to enforce policies and procedures through influence.
* Effective communication skills, both written and oral. Strong interpersonal skills required to communicate with all other IT members, members of the firm, and clients. Must have customer service attitude and ability to work well with other groups.

Qualifications & Required Experience:

* Bachelor's degree preferred.
* 10+ years overall IT work experience, including three to five years' experience managing and/or directing a team and operation, ideally in the legal industry or other demanding professional services environment.
* Direct, hands-on experience managing mission-critical systems. Experience managing these technologies in a multi-site professional services environment, with proficiency in directing implementation, standardization, security, disaster recovery and compliance initiatives.
* Proven experience in IT desktop management, strategic planning and development, project management and policy development.
* Deep knowledge of Windows and Mac operating systems. Microsoft or other industry certifications are a plus.
* Prior Information Technology experience in the legal industry is a plus.
* Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines.
* Familiarity with desktop virtualization and remote management tools.
* Experience working with ITIL and service management tools.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following
software:
* iManage, SCCM, Intune, Group Policy/Group Policy Preferences, Active Directory, AppLocker, Windows Firewall and Defender, NTFS permissions, Windows registry, BitLocker, HTA/PowerShell scripting, Windows 11, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Citrix, and Azure Virtual Desktop.

Compensation Range: $110,000/yr. to $155,000/yr.

At Vedder Price, we believe in recognizing and rewarding our employees' contributions. Our comprehensive Total Rewards Package includes:

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive base salary commensurate with skills and experience.
• Bonus Program: Discretionary annual bonus program.
• Retirement Planning: Discretionary profit sharing and 401(k) matching to help you plan for your future.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, along with optional health savings and flexible spending accounts, firm-paid Life and Disability benefits, and wellness programs to support your overall well-being.
• Paid Time Off: Competitive time off package including vacation days, paid holidays, sick time and personal days.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth through firm provided training programs.
• Employee Recognition: Anniversary and Vedder Praise Programs to celebrate your achievements and milestones.
• Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work model and family-friendly policies.
• Additional Perks: Employee discount program, pre-tax commuter benefits, back up child & elder care, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), fitness center discounts and more.

Join Vedder Price and be part of a team that values hard work and dedication!

Equal Employment Opportunity

Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.