JUSTIN FRENCH
Director of IT | Infrastructure, Security & Operations Leadership

Building secure, reliable IT environments that scale with the business

Director of IT with 14+ years of experience leading infrastructure, security, and operations across multi-site environments. I help organizations reduce risk, improve uptime, and align technology with real business needs.

Key Metrics

14+

Years IT

7+

Leadership

$2M+

Budget

250+

Users

Professional Experience

Director of IT
2022 – Present
  • Lead IT staff through hiring, mentoring, performance management, and daily operational oversight
  • Define and execute IT strategy across infrastructure, security, and operations
  • Manage departmental budget exceeding $2M, ensuring cost-effective technology decisions
  • Partner with executive leadership to align technology initiatives with business objectives
  • Oversee network, systems, and security to maintain high availability and performance
  • Drive continuous improvement across IT processes, systems, and team capabilities
IT Manager
2019 – 2022
  • Directed IT operations, infrastructure, and service delivery across the organization
  • Led and developed IT staff while establishing clear expectations and accountability
  • Managed vendors, contracts, and project execution
  • Strengthened system reliability, security posture, and operational efficiency
  • Identified and implemented strategic improvements across IT systems and workflows
Network Services Manager
2018 – 2019
  • Managed network operations team and ensured consistent service delivery
  • Oversaw LAN/WAN infrastructure, telecommunications systems, and end-user experience
  • Maintained system uptime and performance across critical business systems
  • Ensured help desk SLA performance and user satisfaction
Systems Administrator
2017 – 2018
  • Maintained servers, network infrastructure, and user environments
  • Managed Active Directory, permissions, and system configurations
  • Provided organization-wide technical support and troubleshooting
  • Supported both on-site and remote users across multiple systems
Technology Consultant / Managed IT Services
2016 – Present
  • Provide managed IT services and consulting for small to mid-sized organizations
  • Design, implement, and maintain network infrastructure
  • Monitor system health, performance, and security
  • Troubleshoot hardware, software, and network issues
  • Recommend and implement technology upgrades
  • Build long-term client relationships
Network Administrator / Help Desk Support
2012 – 2017
  • Configured and maintained internal and external network infrastructure
  • Managed firewalls, security tools, and network performance optimization
  • Provided technical support and troubleshooting for end users
  • Supported VoIP systems and network hardware deployments
  • Trained users and junior staff on systems and best practices

Key Projects

Enterprise Network Overhaul
  • Overview: Led multiple enterprise network modernization initiatives.
  • Challenge: Aging infrastructure impacting performance, reliability, and security.
  • Action: Replaced backbone cabling, upgraded core network systems, and improved architecture.
  • Result: Increased performance, improved stability, and strengthened security posture.
COVID-19 Remote Workforce Enablement
  • Overview: Transitioned entire organization to remote work operations.
  • Challenge: Urgent timeline with limited hardware and supply chain constraints.
  • Action: Deployed VPN, laptops, and remote access tools while coordinating rapid support rollout.
  • Result: Enabled full remote operations within 1–2 days with minimal disruption.
WMS Migration
  • Overview: Led warehouse management system migration across operations.
  • Challenge: Complex integrations with fulfillment workflows and dependencies.
  • Action: Coordinated cross-functional teams to plan, test, and execute migration strategy.
  • Result: Delivered successful migration with zero disruption to fulfillment operations.
Office Renovation & Technology Integration
  • Overview: Led full IT infrastructure design and buildout for office renovation.
  • Challenge: Tight deadlines with complex infrastructure and integration requirements.
  • Action: Designed network and systems architecture and managed end-to-end deployment.
  • Result: Fully operational on day one with improved efficiency and $3M cost savings.
Phone System Migrations
  • Overview: Led multiple enterprise telephony migrations including PBX modernization initiatives.
  • Challenge: Complex transitions including legacy PBX to VoIP and cloud-to-cloud migrations across call center environments.
  • Action: Partnered with customer service leadership to plan cutovers, minimize downtime, and ensure call continuity.
  • Result: Successfully modernized communication systems with minimal disruption and improved scalability.

Core Competencies

Leadership
Build high-performing teams
IT Strategy
Align technology with business goals
Infrastructure
Hybrid environments
Networking
LAN/WAN, VPNs, firewalls
Cybersecurity
Risk mitigation
Project Management
Enterprise delivery

What colleagues say about me

About Me

I started my career on the technical side of IT and grew into leadership, which gives me a practical, end-to-end perspective on how technology supports a business. Today, I lead with a balance of strategy and hands-on understanding—able to set direction while staying connected to execution.

My experience spans infrastructure, networking, and security across multi-site environments, with a focus on building systems that are reliable, scalable, and aligned with real business needs. I’m most effective in roles where I can bring structure to complexity and ensure technology decisions translate into measurable outcomes.

I’m known for being direct, dependable, and solutions-oriented. I value clear communication, accountability, and follow-through—both within my team and across the organization.

Leadership Approach

  • Business-first mindset: Technology should drive organizational success
  • Hands-on leadership: Stay engaged to ensure execution and quality
  • Clear communication: Direct, transparent, and consistent
  • Accountability: Own outcomes, not just responsibilities
  • Continuous improvement: Always refining systems and teams
  • Reliability: Build systems and teams people can depend on