Infrastructure Administrator

AKIRA Infrastructure Administrator

In 2002, AKIRA opened the doors to its first women's clothing boutique in Chicago. Since then, the company has extended its reach to 35+ stores across the United States, as well as a thriving eCommerce business (shopAKIRA.com.) AKIRA is extremely well-poised for sustained growth as we continue to build a nationally recognized brand.

AKIRA’s culture has one very large, distinct difference from other high fashion competitors: Fanatical, Obsessive Attention to the consumer’s needs and desires. The core principle for all employees at AKIRA is to Act and Think Like an Owner, and this belief can be reflected across all areas of the company.

The Position

Infrastructure Administrator

Location

Chicago, IL (On-site)

Overview:

This new role will manage and optimize our infrastructure, including cloud solutions, servers, virtual machines, storage, databases, and network components, to ensure efficient operation of business-critical applications. The Infrastructure Administrator will work cross-functionally to configure and enhance systems, identify automation opportunities, and reduce operational costs.

Essential Functions:

Server and System Administration:

• Maintain physical, virtual servers and cloud servers with a mix of Windows, Linux, and other environments (including security and patching of systems).
• Manage and maintain Active Directory, including user accounts, groups, and policies.
• Monitor server performance, troubleshoot issues, and optimize system resources to ensure maximum uptime and efficiency.
• Implement and manage disaster recovery solutions, server backup and recovery processes, ensuring data integrity and availability.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of the IT infrastructure, including system configurations, network diagrams, and operational procedures.

Cloud Infrastructure Management:

• Design, deploy, and manage cloud infrastructure, primarily in Microsoft Azure.
• Monitor and optimize cloud resources for cost, performance, and scalability.
• Implement and manage cloud-based services such as virtual machines, storage, networking, and databases.
• Manage hybrid cloud environments, ensuring seamless integration between on-premises and cloud systems.
• Design, implement, and manage enterprise-level storage solutions, including SAN, NAS, and cloud storage.

Network Infrastructure Support:

• Provide support for network infrastructure, including routers, switches, and firewalls, ensuring reliable and secure communication between systems.
• Assist in network troubleshooting and problem resolution, working closely with network engineers.
• Implement network configuration changes as needed to support infrastructure projects.
• Utilize monitoring tools to continuously assess the health and performance of the IT infrastructure.
• Proactively identify and resolve potential issues before they impact business operations.

Security and Compliance:

• Implement security best practices across the IT infrastructure, including patch management, access control, and data encryption.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, implementing corrective actions as necessary.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field
• Demonstrated 5+ years of experience in a similar role

The Ideal Candidate Has/Is:

• Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate (for managing and optimizing Microsoft Azure environments)
• CompTIA Cloud+, Network, or CCNA certifications
• Exceptional work ethic and motivation to meet strict deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communicator
• Outstanding organizational skills, with keen attention to detail and diligent task follow-through
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast - paced, dynamic environment
• Highly collaborative, responsive team player

Diversity & Inclusion:

At AKIRA we believe that treating everyone in a first-class manner is essential to fostering an inclusive environment that reflects our values and our community. This is deeply rooted in our company's principles, culture, and fashion. We continuously strive to cultivate a company where employees feel a sense of belonging and contribute to a culture that values differences, ideas, and experiences. Our unique workforce is directly linked to our success and makes us stronger collectively.

Benefits and Perks:

AKIRA offers competitive benefits for full time employees, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Pet, Life, LTD, FSA/HSA/Dependent Care FSA, Flex Transit (CTA), 401(k), and employee discount. We are committed to encouraging internal development and providing significant career enrichment opportunities. Most importantly, what has propelled AKIRA’s growth and success over the years has been the dynamic culture within the company - if you’re filled with passion, have a strong desire to get things done, and if you want to go to a place where you know your work matters and where you can implement your ideas and decisions, then AKIRA just might be the place for you.

Job Type: Full Time