Sr. Manager, Digital Infrastructure

The Sr. Manager, Digital Infrastructure, reports to the Global Director of Infrastructure & Operations and is based in Avon Lake, Ohio. This role leads Avient's Global Infrastructure Governance function. It oversees the cloud, datacenter, compute, enterprise backup, and Microsoft 365 & collaboration platforms that serve approximately 9,000 associates at 130 facilities in more than 40 countries worldwide. The Sr. Manager leads a team of 5 direct reports across the US, Europe, China and India, governs a managed service provider team of approximately 50 resources, and manages an annual budget of approximately $20M. Working closely with Cybersecurity, Architecture, Applications and Procurement, this leader will modernize our infrastructure, build security in from the start, control cost, and hold delivery to high standards. Success is measured by the reliability of the environment and the predictability of delivery. It's an opportunity to bring new thinking, challenge the status quo, and make an impact across IT and the business.

Strategy & Leadership

• In collaboration with the Infrastructure Architect and Cybersecurity, establish and execute a Digital Infrastructure strategy and roadmap (cloud, datacenter, compute, storage, backup and collaboration) aligned with business objectives and industry best practice.

• Lead, develop and hold accountable a global team; set clear priorities and build strong governance and oversight of external service providers.

• Participate in the IT strategic planning and budgeting process.

Cloud, Datacenter & Modernization

• Own Microsoft Azure and hybrid cloud governance, including subscription and network design oversight, role-based access, platform security services, and cloud cost optimization (FinOps).

• Oversee datacenter, server and plant computer-room infrastructure globally, including hardware lifecycle and refresh, third-party maintenance, power/UPS, and infrastructure supporting manufacturing systems (e.g., MES) in partnership with operational technology (OT) security.

• Drive modernization programs such as server operating system upgrades, application and infrastructure rationalization and cloud migration, observability and monitoring, and certificate lifecycle management.

• Champion automation of routine infrastructure and collaboration tasks (e.g., PowerShell, Azure Automation and AI-enabled tools) to improve reliability, reduce manual effort and limit dependency on individual expertise.

• Ensure enterprise backup, disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities are designed, regularly tested and documented to meet business and compliance requirements.

Microsoft 365 & Collaboration

• Serve as service owner for the Microsoft 365 collaboration portfolio (Exchange Online/Hybrid, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive and Teams Rooms), including governance, lifecycle management and global standards such as data retention, and support the SharePoint-based intranet initiative.

• Partner with Cybersecurity, which owns identity and access management (e.g., Microsoft Entra ID, single sign-on, conditional access and privileged access), to ensure infrastructure and collaboration services align with identity standards. [Confirm whether endpoint management (Intune / Autopilot) is in scope for this role.]

Service Management, Vendors & Governance

• Govern managed service providers against contracts, SLAs and KPIs through regular service reviews, knowledge-transfer validation, quality scorecards and escalation management.

• Oversee IT service management (ITIL) processes, including incident, problem, request and change management, and the Change Advisory Board, so they are followed consistently, and response and resolution performance is measured and reported

• Manage Microsoft enterprise licensing agreements (true-ups, billing reconciliation and license optimization) and infrastructure vendor relationships and renewals; partner with Strategic Sourcing on quotes, purchase orders, contracts and capital planning.

Security, Risk & Compliance

• Embed security-by-design in partnership with Cybersecurity, ensuring new, changed and third-party hosted infrastructure meets Avient security baselines (endpoint detection and response, access controls and logging).

• Own SOX IT general controls within area of responsibility and install recurring control routines — access and privileged account reviews, change management evidence and software license compliance — supporting internal and external audits with documented evidence and timely remediation.

• Support NIST Cybersecurity Framework maturity, vulnerability and patch management, and applicable regulatory requirements (e.g., EU NIS2).

• Identify and address shadow-IT risks and ensure new tools and services are reviewed under Avient’s IT and AI policies.

General

• Ability to work highly effectively, with minimal supervision, across various global virtual teams.

• Flexibility to work across time zones, including participating in off-hour activities if appropriate.

• Potential global travel up to 10%.

• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems or related field, or equivalent experience
• Experience in Manufacturing or similar industry.
• 10+ years of progressive technical experience across infrastructure disciplines (cloud, datacenter, compute/virtualization, storage/backup and Microsoft 365).
• 3+ years of people leadership experience managing technical teams required; 5+ years leading global or multi-site teams preferred, including demonstrable high quality staff management.
• Proven experience governing outsourced or managed service providers against SLAs and contracts.
• Strong background in Microsoft Azure and Microsoft 365, including Microsoft enterprise licensing.
• Experience with environments segmented between IT and OT.
• Familiarity with ITIL or similar service management practices; ITIL certification preferred.
• Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Microsoft Azure, cloud security) are a benefit.

Additional Qualifications

• Strong process and internal customer focus.

• Experience in infrastructure project management, planning, and execution, with proven ability to deliver results on time and within budget.

• Financial acumen: budgeting, capital planning, cloud cost optimization, vendor negotiation and renewals.

• Working knowledge of security and compliance frameworks (NIST CSF, SOX IT general controls) and security-by-design practices.

• Hands-on scripting and automation experience (e.g., PowerShell, Azure Automation) and interest in applying AI-enabled tools to operations.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences, and to set clear expectations in writing.

• Demonstrated experience working and collaborating within a global enterprise with diverse teams.