Thomas Foss
Phoenix
Summary
Dynamic IT Manager with a proven track record at Monster Energy, excelling in IT infrastructure management and cybersecurity implementation. Skilled in vendor negotiation and team development, I successfully enhanced system reliability and reduced downtime, driving operational improvements and fostering a collaborative environment for technical excellence.
IT professional prepared for leadership roles in technology management. Background in overseeing complex IT projects and driving technological advancements. Known for strong team collaboration and delivering results in dynamic environments. Skilled in network administration and IT strategy development.
Overview
42
42
years of professional experience
Work History
IT Manager
Monster Energy
08.2023 - Current
- Directed IT infrastructure projects to enhance system reliability and performance.
- Implemented cybersecurity measures, ensuring data protection and compliance.
- Managed vendor relationships, negotiating contracts for software and hardware solutions.
- Developed IT policies to streamline operations and improve service delivery.
- Led team training initiatives to elevate technical skills and knowledge retention.
- Analyzed system performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.
- Coordinated cross-departmental collaboration to align IT strategies with business goals.
- Developed custom IT solutions to address specific business needs, driving operational improvements and cost savings.
IT Manager
Bang Energy
01.2020 - 07.2023
- Oversaw budget management for IT expenditures, ensuring cost-effective resource allocation.
- Collaborated with other departments to help meet IT needs and properly integrate and secure systems.
- Reduced downtime by promptly addressing hardware and software issues, ensuring minimal impact on business operations.
- Optimized helpdesk performance through process improvements, enabling faster response times and increased user satisfaction levels.
- Managed vendor relationships for hardware, software, and services procurement, ensuring quality products at competitive prices.
- Oversaw technology budget planning and allocation to optimize resource utilization while meeting organizational objectives.
- Interacted and negotiated with vendors, outsourcers and contractors to secure products and services.
- Promoted collaboration between cross-functional teams by integrating disparate systems into unified platforms for improved communication and workflow efficiency.
- Streamlined processes through the automation of routine tasks, increasing team productivity and reducing manual effort.
- Facilitated seamless transitions during system upgrades or migrations by coordinating between stakeholders and mitigating potential disruptions to business operations.
- Coordinated IT operations activities to deliver smooth flow of daily business needs.
- Managed network and system performance, conducting troubleshooting, security patching, and maintenance.
- Led a skilled IT team in providing exceptional technical support, fostering a collaborative environment that promoted professional growth.
- Conducted regular performance evaluations to identify areas for improvement and develop targeted action plans for continuous enhancement of IT services.
- Built, repaired and installed computer-related hardware based on deployment procedures.
- Improved network efficiency by implementing new server configurations and optimizing system operations.
- 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.
- Guided organizational technology strategy and roadmaps.
- Managed life cycle replacement of hardware and software.
Data Analyst
Halvico Technologies
07.2017 - 10.2019
- Analyzed large datasets to identify trends and inform business decisions.
- Developed interactive dashboards using Tableau to visualize key performance indicators.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to enhance data collection processes.
- Streamlined reporting procedures, reducing turnaround time for insights delivery.
- Conducted data quality assessments, ensuring accuracy and consistency in reports.
- Presented findings to stakeholders, facilitating data-driven strategic planning sessions.
- Produced monthly reports using advanced Excel spreadsheet functions.
- Created various Excel documents to assist with pulling metrics data and presenting information to stakeholders for concise explanations of best placement for needed resources.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure data integrity and accuracy, resulting in better-informed decisions.
- Integrated multiple sources of disparate data into cohesive datasets using ETL processes, improving overall analytic capabilities.
- Collaborated with IT to ensure data security measures were in place, safeguarding sensitive information.
- Developed and maintained data pipelines for seamless flow of information, ensuring timely availability for decision-making.
- Facilitated cross-departmental data integration, enhancing overall data coherence and utility.
- Facilitated knowledge sharing by creating centralized data repository accessible to all relevant parties.
- Updated and developed scripts and queries to extract and analyze data from multiple sources.
- Provided technical support for troubleshooting analytics and reporting issues.
Network Administrator
CompuCom
12.2014 - 03.2016
- Monitored network performance to ensure optimal system functionality and availability.
- Configured and maintained routers, switches, and firewalls to enhance security protocols.
- Implemented network monitoring tools for real-time analysis and troubleshooting.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support project initiatives and technical solutions.
- Managed configuration and maintenance of routers, switches, and firewalls to optimize security protocols.
- Monitored network performance using advanced diagnostic tools to identify and resolve issues proactively.
- Conducted regular system audits to ensure compliance with industry standards and best practices.
- Led troubleshooting efforts for complex network outages, restoring service with minimal downtime.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop strategies for network upgrades and expansions.
- Mentored junior engineers on best practices in network administration and problem-solving techniques.
- Developed documentation for network configurations and procedures to streamline operations and training processes.
- Led training sessions for staff members on proper use of hardware and software systems to enhance productivity levels within the organization.
- Coordinated with IT Security teams to address vulnerabilities within the network infrastructure, preventing unauthorized access or data breaches from occurring.
- Reduced downtime by proactively identifying and resolving potential network issues before they escalated.
- Maintained a high level of expertise in networking technologies through continuous professional development initiatives.
- Promoted a culture of continuous improvement by regularly reviewing processes and procedures, making adjustments where necessary to keep pace with industry advancements.
- Developed detailed documentation for network architecture, policies, and procedures to maintain consistency across the organization.
- Optimized network infrastructure through regular updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting activities.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable network solutions for various projects.
- Enhanced network performance by implementing optimization strategies and monitoring system usage.
- Monitored network capacity and performance to diagnose and resolve complex network problems.
- Troubleshot complex multi-vendor network service provider issues.
- Provided network support services for devices such as hubs, bridges, routers, and other hardware.
- Assisted with implementation and support of network monitoring tools.
- Managed, tracked, and coordinated problem resolution and escalation processes.
- Integrated fixed wireless connectivity into facilities requiring high-speed networks.
- Performed troubleshooting for Juniper, Cisco, and packet analysis.
- Installed and configured network printers and other peripheral devices.
- Diagnosed and resolved hardware and software issues.
- Resolved issues and escalated problems with knowledgeable support and quality service.
- Planned and implemented upgrades to system hardware and software.
- Maintained flexible schedule and responded to after-hours and weekend emergencies.
- Diagnosed and executed resolution for network and server issues.
- Implemented, developed and tested installation and update of file servers, print servers and application servers.
- Designed and evaluated WAN and LAN connectivity technologies.
- Analyzed network traffic and performance metrics to optimize system performance.
- Devised scripts and automation tools to improve system efficiency.
Network Engineer
State of Wisconsin
08.1983 - 01.2013
- Designed and implemented network architectures to enhance system performance and reliability.
- Managed configuration and administration of routers, switches, and firewalls to ensure secure communications.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex network issues effectively.
- Developed comprehensive documentation for network processes, policies, and procedures to streamline operations.
- Led training sessions for junior engineers on best practices in network management and troubleshooting techniques.
- Conducted regular assessments of network infrastructure to identify improvements and optimize resource allocation.
- Spearheaded migration projects to upgrade legacy systems, enhancing overall network capacity and efficiency.
- Provided complete end-to-end engineering and installation of route-based IP network solutions.
- Delivered end-user support by troubleshooting connectivity issues and providing guidance on proper usage of networking equipment.
- Evaluated emerging networking technologies to identify infrastructure improvement opportunities.
- Trained junior engineers on industry best practices, fostering a collaborative team environment that prioritized knowledge sharing.
- Designed and deployed scalable network infrastructure for increased efficiency and reliability.
- Managed vendor relationships to negotiate contracts, procure equipment, and receive timely technical support when needed.
- Created VPN infrastructure and allowed for secure remote connections.
- Installed, supported and maintained company hardware and software infrastructure according to best practices.
- Diagnosed network problems involving combination of hardware, software, power and communications issues.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Madison, WISkills
- IT infrastructure management
- Cybersecurity implementation
- Vendor negotiation
- IT policy development
- Team training initiatives
- Budget management
- Helpdesk optimization
- Troubleshooting hardware issues
- Data analysis and visualization
- Project management principles
- Technical documentation creation
- Data security measures implementation
- Network configuration management
- IT asset management
- Network administration
- Technical troubleshooting
- Team development
- IT procurement
- IT infrastructure
- Change management
- Business analysis
- Information security
- IT budgeting
- Documentation management
- IT risk management
- Mobile technologies
- IT service management
- Technical leadership
- Project coordination
- Project leadership
- Project planning
- Infrastructure planning
- Staff hiring
Timeline
IT Manager
Monster Energy
08.2023 - Current
IT Manager
Bang Energy
01.2020 - 07.2023
Data Analyst
Halvico Technologies
07.2017 - 10.2019
Network Administrator
CompuCom
12.2014 - 03.2016
Network Engineer
State of Wisconsin
08.1983 - 01.2013
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
University of Wisconsin, Madison