IT Specialist at Novomatic in Buffalo Grove, IL

Description

NOVOMATIC Americas is a member of the NOVOMATIC Group of Companies. As NOVOMATIC’s local subsidiary in the USA it is responsible for distributing gaming technology for the North American and Caribbean market. With around 20,000 employees worldwide in R&D, gaming operations and equipment manufacturing, NOVOMATIC Group of Companies offers a world class product portfolio of slot machines, electronic table games, management systems, and market leading game content.

JOB SUMMARY:

We are seeking a skilled and motivated IT Specialist to serve as the primary internal point of contact for all technology needs across the organization. In this role, you will manage a portfolio of external IT vendors and technical consultants, maintain infrastructure, ensure network security, support end users, and drive technology initiatives forward. You will also collaborate with our external IT Team and the IT Team at our Austria-based parent company as needed. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail-oriented professional who can work independently, prioritize effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced, small-business environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Oversee the management and maintenance of internal servers, network infrastructure, and related hardware in partnership with external IT vendors.
• Manage and monitor Wi-Fi systems to ensure reliable connectivity across all locations.
• Oversee internet connectivity, including vendor relationships and service-level performance.
• Perform regular system maintenance, updates, and performance optimization.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all external IT vendors and technical consultants.
• Review, negotiate, and manage vendor contracts, ensuring terms align with organizational needs and budget.
• Monitor and enforce Service Level Agreements (SLAs), holding vendors accountable to performance standards and escalating issues as needed.
• Identify and engage the appropriate vendors and consultants to support projects, system initiatives, and specialized technical needs.
• Maintain documentation of all vendor agreements, renewals, and performance records.
• Implement and maintain IT security protocols, policies, and best practices in alignment with the IT Team at Austria HQ.
• Monitor security threats and respond to incidents in a timely manner, ensuring all events are properly documented.
• Support compliance efforts related to data protection and organizational IT standards.
• Maintain audit documentation for security policies, access controls, and compliance requirements, and report findings to the Austria parent company as needed.
• Manage the full lifecycle of IT equipment, including procurement, configuration, maintenance, and retirement.
• Manage software licensing across the organization, ensuring adequate coverage, cost efficiency, and compliance with vendor agreements.
• Manage the full technology lifecycle for employees, including hardware, software, and access provisioning for new hires and the revocation of access, equipment recovery, and account deactivation during offboarding.
• Set up and configure workstations, peripherals, and mobile devices for new and existing users.
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of all IT assets and software licenses.
• Lead or contribute to IT projects including system upgrades, migrations, and new technology rollouts.
• Collaborate with department leaders and cross-functional teams to assess technical requirements and deliver solutions.
• Develop project plans, timelines, and support documentation for technology initiatives.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies and tools to improve organizational efficiency and scalability.
• Support the development, maintain, and manage the IT budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and obtaining appropriate approvals.
• Partner with department leaders to identify and incorporate technology and project-related budget needs into annual and ongoing planning.
• Conduct regular standing meetings with the Finance team to review IT spending, forecast upcoming expenses, and ensure budget accountability.
• Track and report on IT expenditures, identifying opportunities for cost savings and optimization.
• Available to work outside normal business hours as needed for critical maintenance, upgrades, or incidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and a minimum of 3 years of relevant IT experience.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, networking concepts, and both cloud-based and on-premises solutions.
• Demonstrated knowledge of IT security principles and data protection requirements, with the ability to bridge communication between technical and business teams.
• Experience managing external IT vendors, technical consultants, or managed service providers (MSPs), including contract review and SLA oversight.
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate vendor performance and hold external partners accountable to agreed service standards.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and troubleshooting skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills; strong active listening abilities.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines with a strong sense of urgency.
• Experience with ERP systems such as Microsoft Business Central or similar platforms preferred.
• Experience building and maintaining dashboards and reports using Power BI, Tableau, or similar tools is a plus.
• Must be able to successfully complete the COBIT training course upon hire.
• Prior experience in a cross-functional or multi-department environment preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 25 pounds at a time.
• Must be able to move throughout the building to provide on-site IT support and assist employees at their workstations as needed.

Standard Benefits:
NOVOMATIC Americas offers a range of available benefits to all employees, including available medical, dental and vision programs. Company paid, short-term and long-term disability and basic life insurance. Other benefits include PTO accrual, paid holidays and company matched 401K. Company reimbursement for job required certifications and trainings.

NOVOMATIC Americas Sales, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants for employment because of race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Candidates are subject to pre-employment drug screens and background checks.