Director of Desktop Engineering and Microsoft 365 Administration

Job Description:

Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company is seeking an experienced Director of Desktop Engineering and Microsoft 365 Administration to lead and drive the strategy, design, and execution of end-user computing and collaboration technologies. This critical leadership role will oversee desktop engineering, Microsoft 365 administration, and end-user support operations to ensure a secure, efficient, and innovative IT environment.

The ideal candidate will bring a visionary approach to desktop and collaboration technologies, leveraging modern solutions to enhance productivity, security, and user experience. This individual will lead high-performance teams, align technology roadmaps with business objectives, and drive operational excellence in desktop engineering and Microsoft 365 service delivery. Additionally, the role will require strong vendor management experience, particularly in engaging third-party professional services providers for complex systems integration projects.

We seek an individual that will advocate technology adoption, working closely with business stakeholders to identify opportunities to leverage technology for employee productivity and competitive advantage.

We've embraced a flexible, hybrid approach to work. Based on your role and personal preference, we empower you to choose where you work best. This model allows you to balance your life and bring your whole self to work.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Technology Advocacy

• Develop and execute the strategic roadmap for desktop engineering, Microsoft 365 services, and end-user support
• Collaborate with IT leadership to align end-user computing initiatives with business goals and digital transformation efforts
• Serve as a technology advocate and advisor to business leaders, translating complex technical concepts into business value propositions
• Evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to continuously improve security, automation, and user experience

Cross-Functional Partnership & Business Alignment

• Partner with business units across the organization to understand their operational challenges and technology requirements, and resolve IT operational issues
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that leverage desktop and collaboration technologies to drive business process improvements

Technical Leadership & Operations

• Lead the design, deployment, and optimization of enterprise-wide desktop environments, including Windows OS, MacOS, endpoint management (e.g., Intune, Ivanti), software deployment
• Drive the administration and governance of Microsoft 365 services, ensuring security, compliance, and efficiency across Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, Conditional Access, and authentication services
• Oversee the development of automation and scripting solutions (e.g., PowerShell) to streamline IT operations and improve efficiency
• Champion a zero-trust security model and enforce best practices in endpoint security, data protection, and identity management
• Lead complex systems integration efforts, ensuring seamless interoperability between desktop platforms, collaboration tools, and enterprise applications

Team Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead teams of Desktop Engineers, Microsoft 365 Administrators, and Help Desk professionals, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability
• Develop and manage budgets, resource allocation, and project timelines for IT initiatives
• Build strong relationships with internal customers and external vendors to ensure effective service delivery

Skills and Abilities

Technical Expertise

• Proven expertise in Microsoft 365 administration, including Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Conditional Access, MFA, and endpoint security
• Strong technical knowledge of Windows OS, MacOS, endpoint management tools (e.g., Intune, Ivanti), and software deployment strategies
• Experience with security frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001) and compliance standards related to desktop and cloud environments
• Knowledge of automation and scripting (e.g., PowerShell, Ansible, Terraform, etc.) preferred
• Familiarity with ITIL or other IT service management frameworks preferred

Leadership & Business Acumen

• Demonstrated experience engaging and managing third-party professional services firms for complex systems integration, cloud migrations, and enterprise IT modernization projects
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with a track record of building and leading high-performing IT teams
• Experience collaborating across diverse business functions to solve operational challenges
• Proven ability to serve as a technology advocate, effectively communicating technical solutions and their business impact to non-technical stakeholders
• Experience managing budgets, vendor contracts, and IT service delivery metrics

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)

Experience

• 10+ years of IT experience, with at least 5+ years in a leadership role overseeing desktop engineering, Microsoft 365 administration, and end-user support
• Demonstrated experience working cross-functionally with business teams to identify technology solutions for operational challenges
• Experience with cloud-first and hybrid workplace strategies preferred

Base Salary Range - $155,000 - $170,000

For over 175 years, Penn Mutual has empowered individuals, families and businesses on the journey to achieve their financial goals. Through our partnership with Financial Professionals across the U.S., we help instill the confidence and reliability that comes from a stronger financial future. Penn Mutual and its affiliates offer a comprehensive suite of competitive products and services to meet the unique needs of Financial Professionals and their clients, including life insurance, annuities, wealth management and institutional asset management. To learn more, including current financial strength ratings, visit www.pennmutual.com.

Penn Mutual is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We provide employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and associates, according to applicable laws. This is reflected in our practices for hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, recruitment, compensation, selection or training, and all other terms and conditions of employment. All employment-related decisions and practices are free from unlawful discrimination. This includes: race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship age, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic partnership or civil union status, marital status, genetic information, disability, religious observance or practice, liability, veteran status or any other classification protected under applicable law.