Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Summary of Qualifications
Accomplishments
Awards
References
Work Availability
Quote
Work Preference
Interests
Websites
Timeline
BusinessAnalyst
Jarrod Barnes

Jarrod Barnes

Servant Leader
Bentonville,AR

Summary

Experienced Information Security Leader skilled in managing and designing infrastructure, with expertise in secrets management, encrypted file transfers, and identity access management to ensure security and compliance. Recognized for fostering collaboration and risk awareness in global enterprises. Specialized in proactively enhancing security through Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, and Security Architecture. Collaborates effectively with IT and Security teams to navigate the evolving security landscape. Brings a decade of experience in developing solutions for critical needs, deploying systems with minimal disruptions, ensuring compatibility, operational thresholds, and budget compliance.

With over 10 years of expertise in cloud computing infrastructure development, excels in facilitating smooth transitions from on-premise to cloud-based solutions. Utilizes cloud infrastructure to address on-site computing challenges. Builds enduring partnerships with vendors and clients, adept at installing, configuring, and monitoring complex systems. Proficient in system virtualization using VMware for Windows and Linux systems. Motivational team leader aligns cross-functional teams with business objectives. Holistic Systems Engineer creates seamless solutions, contributing to increased revenue and profits. Experienced with IT infrastructure management and team leadership. Utilizes strategic planning to optimize technology solutions. Track record of driving efficiency and innovation in IT operations.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience

Work History

IT Manager II – Windows Infrastructure

Texas A&M University
06.2024 - Current
  • Lead the ISO-Windows Server Support Team, driving operational excellence and maintaining high-availability systems across the university's enterprise infrastructure.
  • Spearhead infrastructure modernization initiatives, including the design and implementation of VMware ESXi clusters and optimization of virtual environments.
  • Develop and implement metrics-driven strategies to enhance system uptime, reduce incident response times, and streamline service delivery.
  • Foster a culture of continuous learning and professional growth by mentoring team members, conducting one-on-one coaching, and facilitating technical workshops.
  • Champion security initiatives, including identity access management, secrets management, and vulnerability mitigation to strengthen operational security.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align IT operations with the university's strategic vision, ensuring seamless integration of services.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives, reducing service-level agreement (SLA) times and enhancing customer satisfaction metrics.
  • Utilize IT Service Management (ITSM) frameworks to ensure consistent change management, incident tracking, and problem resolution.
  • Drive operational credibility by standardizing documentation, establishing troubleshooting protocols, and reinforcing best practices.
  • Partner with executive leadership to align infrastructure strategies with institutional goals, ensuring scalability and long-term viability.

Sr Manager Information Security

Wal-Mart Inc.
03.2021 - 07.2023
  • Led multiple teams of globally remote information security professionals in implementing comprehensive security strategies including but not limited to secrets management strategies, secure key management, encryption policies, and access controls
  • Established and managed robust data encrypted file transfer mechanisms, ensuring secure exchange of sensitive information internally and with external partners
  • Developed and implemented identity access management framework, enhancing security measures while streamlining user provisioning and authorization processes
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to conduct risk assessments, identify vulnerabilities, and implementing proactive measures to mitigate potential risks
  • Provided expertise and guidance on regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to industry standards, such as GDPR and HIPAA
  • Implemented data encrypted file transfer protocols to protect sensitive information during transmission
  • Developed and enforced identity access management policies, including multifactor authentication and role-based access control
  • Established KPIs, identify opportunities, and improve processes.
  • Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
  • Implemented and developed operational standards, policies and procedures.
  • Managed large-scale projects and introduced new systems, tools, and processes to achieve challenging objectives.
  • Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
  • Evaluated hiring, firing, and promotions requests.
  • Boosted team member productivity by enhancing performance monitoring and instituting motivational approaches.
  • Developed proposals and presentations for internal and external audiences.
  • Executed appropriate staffing and budgetary plans to align with business forecasts.
  • Consolidated vendors and renegotiated contracts to optimize costs.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.

Infrastructure Virtualization Manager

Wal-Mart Inc.
10.2019 - 03.2021
  • Led successful migration of company's legacy systems to modern cloud-based architecture, improving scalability and reducing downtime by 20%
  • Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts and service-level agreements to optimize technology services and reduce costs
  • Mentored and coached team of 20 global technology professionals, fostering cultures of innovation and continuous learning
  • Developed and implemented project management strategies to optimize resources, reduce costs, and improve overall project efficiency
  • Spearheaded migration to microservices architecture, resulting in improved scalability and reduced deployment time
  • Collaborated with product and development teams to define and implement DevOps best practices, ensuring efficient release cycles
  • Conducted performance reviews, provided feedback, and set performance goals to support professional growth of team members
  • Collaborated with IT teams in managing organization's infrastructure, including network security devices and servers
  • Conducted regular security audits and vulnerability assessments, implementing necessary changes, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
  • Evaluated project requirements to identify and mitigate risks.
  • Addressed design challenges and evaluated alternative design models to meet project requirements.
  • Evaluated existing procedures and made proactive adjustments to meet changing demands.
  • Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
  • Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
  • Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
  • Cross-trained existing employees to maximize team agility and performance.
  • Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members.
  • Onboarded new employees with training and new hire documentation.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with customers and suppliers through account development.
  • Monitored and analyzed business performance to identify areas of improvement and make necessary adjustments.
  • Communicated clearly with employees, suppliers and stakeholders to keep everyone on same page and working toward established business goals.
  • Controlled costs to keep business operating within budget and increase profits.
  • Developed and implemented business strategies to achieve business goals and stay competitive.
  • Planned and budgeted accurately to provide business with resources needed to operate smoothly.
  • Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
  • Evaluated employee performance and conveyed constructive feedback to improve skills.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
  • Recruited, interviewed and hired employees and implemented mentoring program to promote positive feedback and engagement.
  • Cultivated positive rapport with fellow employees to boost company morale and promote employee retention.
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.

Senior Systems Engineer

Wal-Mart Inc.
04.2018 - 10.2019
  • Actively participated in design, development, and testing of internal automated Linux and Windows server deployments via ansible playbooks, puppet, and satellite
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between engineering, design, and manufacturing departments
  • Orchestrated containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes, improving resource utilization and application scalability
  • Developed technical roadmaps, prioritized tasks, and managed resources to ensure timely project delivery
  • Fostered collaborative and innovative environment, encouraging knowledge sharing and cross-team collaboration
  • Spearhead implementation of monitoring and alerting systems to proactively identify potential production issues, reducing mean time to resolution (MTTR) by 30%
  • Actively participated in recruitment and selection process, attracting top engineering talent to organization
  • Strong knowledge of security best practices, including system hardening, access control, and vulnerability management
  • Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, able to diagnose and resolve complex system issues promptly.
  • Worked with stakeholders to determine implementation and integration of system-oriented projects.
  • Performed root cause analysis to provide resolutions for production issues.
  • Created manuals and taught training sessions to educate co-workers on new systems.
  • Documented system configuration, mapping and processes.
  • Maintained stability, integrity and efficient operation of information systems supporting organizational functions.
  • Suggested system updates or changes after conduct in-depth technical reviews.
  • Proposed technical feasibility solutions for new system designs and suggested options for performance improvement of technical components.
  • Checked for accuracy and functionality during implementation of new systems.
  • Provided 2nd and 3rd level technical support and troubleshooting to internal and external clients.
  • Managed and monitored installed systems for highest level of availability.
  • Designed and implemented system security and data assurance.
  • Worked with stakeholders to determine implementation and integration of system-oriented projects
  • Performed root cause analysis to provide resolutions for production issues
  • Created manuals and taught training sessions to educate co-workers on new systems
  • Documented system configuration, mapping and processes

Supervisor – ISD

Wal-Mart Inc.
02.2017 - 04.2018
  • Audits progress of call reduction by evaluating business trends to determine high-impact improvements; and ensuring that processes are reviewed for symptoms and causes of Customer problems
  • Creates and audits team projects by ensuring target dates are established and met; providing technical and business feedback throughout project lifecycle; reviewing plans and budgets; tracking project completion against Information Systems Division (ISD) Lifecycle (ISDLC) standards; determining return on investment (ROI); and providing direction
  • Maintains team's high Customer service standards by reviewing surveys and/or caller feedback from both internal and external Customers; ensuring that any negative feedback is resolved; and addressing Customer complaints by assigning, reviewing, and delivering resolutions back to Customers
  • Manages Associate schedules to ensure coverage by working with peers and Associates to ensure business needs for their area are met; and adjusting schedules when Associates are on call or special circumstances warrant overtime
  • Holds team accountable for achieving and exceeding departmental goals and performance matrix by monitoring status of key performance indicators (KPIs) established by Customer service standards; and determining service standards by comparing to industry standards
  • Familiarity with help desk ticketing systems and experience in managing and prioritizing support tickets
  • Ability to work well under pressure, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in fast-paced environments
  • Proactive approach to problem-solving, identifying trends or recurring issues and implementing preventive measures.
  • Applied strong leadership talents and problem-solving skills to maintain team efficiency and organize workflows.
  • Handled customer complaints, resolved issues, and adjusted policies to meet changing needs.
  • Monitored workflow to improve employee time management and increase productivity.
  • Evaluated employee performance and coached and trained to improve weak areas.
  • Maintained compliance with company policies, objectives, and communication goals.
  • Achieved results by working with staff to meet established targets.
  • Mentored newly hired employees on operating equipment and safety and developed training manual to use for reference.
  • Created successful work schedules for each team member to maintain deadlines and fully staff shifts.
  • Boosted team performance by developing customer service training materials and conducting service training.
  • Developed and implemented customer service policies to enhance satisfaction.
  • Solicited customer feedback to identify and improve on areas of weakness.
  • Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
  • Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
  • Conducted regular reviews of operations and identified areas for improvement.
  • Listened carefully to Senior Leadership to understand directions and then carried out all work responsibilities efficiently
  • Supervised and coordinated daily workflows and delegated roustabout tasks
  • Monitored job progress and performance of employees or contractors to complete projects prior to deadlines
  • Created and implemented plans to maximize efficiency of workers
  • Communicated with stakeholders on job milestones
  • Assisted in recruiting and hiring new employees workers
  • Conferred with executives to advise and plan for short-term and long-term IT system upgrade needs
  • Interacted and negotiated with vendors, outsourcers and contractors to secure products and services
  • Collaborated with other departments to help meet IT needs and properly integrate and secure systems
  • Coordinated IT operations activities to deliver smooth flow of daily business needs
  • Oversaw IT department operations and training
  • Guided organizational technology strategy and roadmaps
  • Communicated with executive team and CEO to maximize development efficiencies and resolve technology issues
  • Created and terminated user's accounts from start to finish in business applications
  • Customized and repaired technology based on staff requests
  • Updated customers and senior leaders on progress and roadblocks

Systems Engineer

Wal-Mart Inc.
11.2012 - 02.2017
  • Established a beneficial relationship with vendor partners, ensuring service deliverables, challenged for status quo exceptional metrics, provided on-the-spot/scheduled training regiments, and worked with branch manager/account manager to guardrail better service delivery Manage internal/external resources to ensure 100% deliverables
  • Created processes /documentation for training and support
  • Trained new employees, vendors and project resources explaining protocols clearly and efficiently
  • Displayed courtesy and strong interpersonal skills with all customer interactions
  • Manage development of vendor and project resources
  • Meet weekly to discuss process performance improvement with vendors and across pillars, creating new documentation to implement
  • Leveraged technical knowledge to stabilize Wal-Mart technology environment on international scale using proactive monitoring/scans/scraps and leveling/version control of software/OS
  • Proficient in Linux system administration and troubleshooting
  • In-depth knowledge of various Linux distributions, such as Ubuntu, CentOS, and Red Hat
  • Skilled in managing virtualization technologies like VMware or KVM
  • Familiarity with configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet
  • Expertise in server deployment, configuration, and maintenance
  • Knowledge of security best practices and experience implementing security measures on Linux systems
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
  • Documented system configuration, mapping and processes.
  • Supported system users, educating employees on troubleshooting and problem-solving protocols.
  • Proposed technical feasibility solutions for new system designs and suggested options for performance improvement of technical components.
  • Conducted end-user reviews for modified and new systems.
  • Maintained stability, integrity and efficient operation of information systems supporting organizational functions.
  • Delivered helpdesk service and support to customers.
  • Collaborated with executive team to define business requirements and systems goals.
  • Suggested system updates or changes after conduct in-depth technical reviews.
  • Verified compliance with applicable performance metrics and compatibility expectations.
  • Streamlined troubleshooting processes to improve system support and enhance communication between support team and end-users.
  • Designed tailored disaster recovery solutions to maintain uptime.
  • Tested and analyzed equipment design and performance feasibility to determine potential ROI.
  • Checked for accuracy and functionality during implementation of new systems.
  • Negotiated with vendors, out sources and contractors to secure contracts and set SLAs.
  • Integrated database and backup servers into enterprise systems.
  • Provided 2nd and 3rd level technical support and troubleshooting to internal and external clients.
  • Managed and monitored installed systems for highest level of availability.
  • Managed installation, upgrade and deployment projects and provided on-site direction for network engineers.
  • Defined enterprise processes and best practices and tailored enterprise processes for applications.
  • Documented system configuration, mapping and processes
  • Supported system users, educating employees on troubleshooting and problem-solving protocols
  • Conducted end-user reviews for modified and new systems
  • Streamlined troubleshooting processes to improve system support and enhance communication between support team and end-users
  • Negotiated with vendors, outsourcers and contractors to secure contracts and set SLAs
  • Participated in system development life cycle from requirements analysis through system implementation
  • Managed and monitored installed systems for highest level of availability
  • Defined enterprise processes and best practices and tailored enterprise processes for applications

Education

High School Diploma -

North Pulaski High School
Jacksonville, AR
05.1989

Skills

  • Team Leadership
  • Project Management
  • Technical Support and Troubleshooting
  • Risk Assessment and Mitigation
  • Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Secrets Management
  • Security and Infrastructure Architecture
  • Agile/Scrum Methodologies
  • Identity Access Management
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Data Encrypted File Transfers
  • Infrastructure Management
  • Strong Communication Skills
  • Problem-solving and Decision-making Abilities
  • Vulnerability Management
  • AIX UNIX
  • HP-UX UNIX
  • Linux UNIX
  • VMware/Virtualization
  • Red Hat
  • Nutanix
  • HashiCorp Vault
  • Terraform
  • KeyWiz
  • ServiceNow
  • Google Cloud Provider (GCP)
  • Splunk
  • Beyond Trust (Password Vault & Password Manager)
  • Azure
  • OneOps
  • Wireshark
  • PaaS
  • SaaS
  • Akeyless Secrets Manager
  • JIRA
  • Workday
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Windows Server
  • Microsoft Exchange
  • User Support
  • Continuous Improvement
  • Mission-Critical System Design
  • Cybersecurity
  • Linux Certification
  • System Troubleshooting
  • Cloud Computing
  • Virtualization
  • Troubleshooting
  • Technical Support
  • TCP/IP Protocol
  • Cloud Services
  • Client Service and Support
  • Helpdesk Operations
  • Upgrade Path Design
  • Infrastructure Tracking
  • Technical Analysis
  • Infrastructure Development
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Penetration Testing
  • Model-Based System Engineering
  • Information Technology Infrastructure
  • Security infrastructure architecture
  • Operation and information security
  • Information Protection /Security
  • Information security integration
  • Information security technology

IT asset management

Technical troubleshooting

Team development

Team collaboration

IT compliance

IT infrastructure

Cybersecurity best practices

Disaster recovery

Change management

Operating system management

Information security

ITIL framework

Enterprise architecture

Documentation management

IT governance

IT risk management

Documentation and reporting

Information confidentiality

Technical leadership

Technical onboarding design

IT service management

Technical support scheduling

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Project coordination

Project leadership

Analytical thinking

Project planning

IT infrastructure proficiency

Infrastructure planning

Project lifecycle management

Agile framework

Relationship building

Staff hiring

Budget control

End point configurations

Attention to detail

Requirements analysis

Infrastructure development

Excellent communication

Task prioritization

Scope definition

Organizational skills

Security planning

Multitasking Abilities

Decision-making

Team building

Teamwork

Time management

Problem-solving abilities

Reliability

Active listening

Effective communication

Adaptability and flexibility

Self motivation

Interpersonal skills

Professionalism

Strategic planning

Agile methodology

Time management abilities

Continuous improvement

Adaptability

Project management

Risk management

Technology integration

Professional demeanor

Technical support

Performance metrics

Summary of Qualifications

· 10 years of progressive experience in leading technology initiatives and managing high-performing teams.

· Proven record of leading security teams and implementing robust security protocols to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data.

· Extensive expertise in secrets management, including key generation, rotation, and secure storage.

· Strong understanding of identity access management (IAM) principles and experience in designing and implementing IAM systems to ensure appropriate user access controls.

· Proficient in infrastructure management, adept at overseeing the deployment and maintenance of secure infrastructure architectures.

· Excellent problem-solving skills, with the ability to address security vulnerabilities and implement effective risk mitigation strategies.

· Strong communication and leadership abilities, capable of collaborating with diverse teams and stakeholders to drive security initiatives and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

· Stay current with security trends related to Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, and Security Architecture

· Build and develop teams that are integrated and high performing.

· Stay current with security trends related to Vulnerability Management, Penetration Testing, and Security Architecture

· Ensure solutions developed across the organization are aligned to enterprise architecture standards and principles, leverage common solutions and services, and meet financial targets (cost and benefits)

· Analyze to determine the best path for solving business problems/opportunities that may include process improvement, systems enhancement, and user training.

Accomplishments

  • Developed and implemented tangible risk reduction plans, resulting in a 50% decrease in the impact of risk events. Oversaw a team of 20 staff members, providing leadership and guidance to ensure the effective execution of strategic initiatives. Successfully resolved product issues by instituting a best practice strategy, mandating thorough lab testing before production rollouts.
  • Led a collaborative effort with a team of 10 engineers and 5 senior leaders, spanning multiple pillars, to develop and implement a successful secrets migration solution. Realized substantial cost reduction through the introduction of an innovative secrets management solution tailored for Kubernetes (k8) deployments. Effectively documented and resolved contract renewal costs, resulting in a significant savings of $54.2 million.
  • Developed and implemented a proof-of-concept for tier 1 & 2 support in Linux and Windows virtualization environments, facilitating the seamless transition of third-party support back to the organization. This initiative led to a significant reduction of $300 million in support costs.

Awards

ISD Infrastructure Pillar Award Outstanding Delivery Achievement EOL Team ISD Infrastructure Pillar Award Excellence in Collaboration ISD Operations Logistics & Infrastructure Operation Server Team Associate of the Month, July 2014 ISD Operations – Information Systems Division Associate of the Month, July 2016 ISD Operations – Information Systems Division Dale Carnegie Highest Achievement Award Human Relations Award Certificate of Achievement

References

Upon Request

Work Availability

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Quote

The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.
Barack Obama

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimeContract Work

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Company CultureCareer advancementPersonal development programs

Interests

NCAA Basketball

NCAA Football

Dallas Cowboys

LA Lakers

Family

Timeline

IT Manager II – Windows Infrastructure

Texas A&M University
06.2024 - Current

Sr Manager Information Security

Wal-Mart Inc.
03.2021 - 07.2023

Infrastructure Virtualization Manager

Wal-Mart Inc.
10.2019 - 03.2021

Senior Systems Engineer

Wal-Mart Inc.
04.2018 - 10.2019

Supervisor – ISD

Wal-Mart Inc.
02.2017 - 04.2018

Systems Engineer

Wal-Mart Inc.
11.2012 - 02.2017

High School Diploma -

North Pulaski High School
Jarrod BarnesServant Leader