VP, IT Experience, Infrastructure, Operations

QSC is a global leader and one of the fastest-growing companies in full-stack AV solutions, transforming physical and collaboration experiences across corporate, education, hospitality, entertainment, and other markets.

Acuity Brands, a $4 billion global technology company, is leveraging the power of its portfolio, including QSC for AV & collaboration, Distech and Atrius for building controls and automation, and Acuity's industry-leading lighting solutions, to create best-in-class connected spaces. As the VP of IT Experience, Infrastructure & Operations, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring Acuity Brands' IT infrastructure, end-user experience, and operations are optimized to drive business success. This role will oversee global IT infrastructure, ensuring high availability, security, scalability, and a superior user experience, while also leading strategic initiatives such as establishing showcase centers and planning & executing a blueprint to showcase Acuity's product portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned IT leader to shape the future of employee experience, infrastructure, operations at Acuity Brands, driving technology excellence and innovation across a global enterprise.

1. Associate / End-User Experience

Lead the development and implementation of strategies to enhance the end-user technology experience, ensuring seamless integration of hardware, software, and collaboration tools.
• Oversee the IT Helpdesk, ensuring a user-centric approach that delivers efficient incident resolution, service request management, and proactive support. This also include IT support for remote offices and field employees, maintaining reliable connectivity, providing event support, and integrating with core IT systems.
• Manage End-User Computing (EUC), including device provisioning, lifecycle management, performance optimization, and automation of deployments to improve user productivity.
• Drive continuous improvements in user support processes, leveraging analytics and feedback to enhance IT service delivery.

2. Collaboration & Experience Centers

• Develop and implement world-class meeting and collaboration spaces leveraging QSC's AV & collaboration solutions, Distech and Atrius for building automation, and Acuity's lighting portfolio.
• Define best practices for meeting room technology, ensuring high-quality AV experiences, intuitive interfaces, and seamless connectivity for in-person and hybrid meetings.
• Lead initiatives to build cutting-edge global experience centers that showcase Acuity's portfolio, providing customers with immersive, hands-on demonstrations.
• Ensure meeting and collaboration technologies remain at the forefront of industry advancements by collaborating with the product portfolio engineering leaders to pilot and test new capabilities.

3. Infrastructure (On-Prem & Cloud)

• Manage the deployment, configuration, and maintenance of server infrastructure, ensuring high availability, reliability, and optimal performance.
• Oversee storage solutions, including data centers and storage area networks (SAN), ensuring scalability and efficient data access for business operations.
• Develop and execute a cloud strategy, with a focus on Azure, optimizing cloud resources to enhance performance, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Oversee the entire cloud technology lifecycle, from selection and procurement through implementation, continuous management, updates, and retirement.
• Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of enterprise-wide network infrastructure, including LAN, WAN, WiFi, and SD-WAN solutions.
• Ensure reliable and secure connectivity across all business locations by managing ISP circuits, MPLS, and VPN solutions.
• Manage network performance, capacity planning, and optimization to support business operations and future growth.
• Lead the deployment and lifecycle management of network switches, routers, and wireless access points, ensuring high availability and redundancy.
• Oversee the enterprise telephony infrastructure, including VoIP systems, SIP trunking, and on-prem/cloud-based PBX solutions.
• Manage Microsoft Teams Voice and other collaboration tools to ensure seamless communication across the organization.
• Ensure high availability, quality of service (QoS), and security for voice and video communications.
• Work with telecom providers to optimize contracts, manage costs, and ensure consistent service delivery.

4. Operations

• Ensure IT operations comply with all relevant regulations and standards, including SOX, SOC II, and ISO, maintaining rigorous governance and controls.
• Develop and implement IT disaster recovery and business continuity strategies to minimize downtime and mitigate risks in case of failures or cyber incidents.
• Oversee asset and lifecycle management for all IT infrastructure components, ensuring cost-effective procurement, maintenance, and end-of-life decommissioning.
• Drive performance optimization initiatives for IT infrastructure and operations, leveraging data-driven insights to continuously improve efficiency and service levels.
• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring the selection of best-in-class technology providers, negotiating contracts, and optimizing partnerships to deliver value.
• Implement process automation across IT operations, leveraging AI-driven insights and self-healing technologies to enhance operational resilience.

5. Security

• Collaborate closely with the CISO and security teams to ensure the enterprise IT infrastructure is secure, resilient, and aligned with cybersecurity policies.
• Implement and enforce best practices for identity and access management (IAM), ensuring strong authentication, privileged access controls, and zero-trust security models.
• Monitor security threats and vulnerabilities in collaboration with the cybersecurity team, ensuring proactive mitigation strategies and timely incident response.
• Support security audits, assessments, and compliance initiatives, ensuring IT infrastructure and operations adhere to regulatory and corporate security requirements.

6. Management & Team Building

• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing IT infrastructure and operations team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear performance goals, provide regular feedback, and implement professional development programs to strengthen technical and leadership capabilities.
• Develop and manage the infrastructure and operations budget, ensuring cost-effective investments and optimal resource allocation.
• Monitor and report on infrastructure performance metrics, financials, and project progress to executive leadership, ensuring alignment with business priorities.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, with at least 8 years in leadership roles.
• Proven experience managing IT infrastructure in complex, multi-business unit environments, especially during transitions like mergers, acquisitions, and spin-offs.
• Expertise across telecom, networking, messaging, operations, Wintel, Linux, database servers, endpoint management, identity management, and cybersecurity.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage senior executives, technical teams, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and drive strategic initiatives in a dynamic, high-pressure environment.
• Knowledge of ITIL and IT Service Management frameworks.
• Technical proficiency in:
  • Windows operating systems and desktop troubleshooting.
  • Mobile device management (MDM) solutions for iOS/Android.
  • Microsoft Office 365 and Teams.
  • AV/video conferencing technologies.
  • Internet browsers and local account management.
  • System management tools, including registry, command line, and service management systems.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication and Cisco VPN.
• Strong strategic thinking capabilities, aligning IT infrastructure with business goals and driving transformation.
• Deep understanding of cybersecurity concepts, risk management, and cloud security (Azure).
• Strong project management skills, capable of managing multiple complex initiatives while delivering results on time and within budget.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, leveraging best practices from frameworks such as NIST CSF and CIS Controls.