About the Role

Robert Half is seeking a highly skilled Senior M&A Strategic Planning Advisor for IT Infrastructure to join our dynamic team in Chicago, Illinois. This pivotal long-term contract position is ideal for a strategic thinker with deep expertise in IT infrastructure, particularly in the context of mergers and acquisitions (M&A). As a key player, you will oversee complex infrastructure projects, drive seamless operations, and lead transformative initiatives that align IT capabilities with broader business objectives. In Chicago's thriving tech ecosystem, this role offers the chance to work on high-impact projects for Fortune 500 clients, ensuring enterprise-level scalability, reliability, and innovation.

Our client, a leader in their industry, is undergoing significant growth through strategic M&A activities, creating an urgent need for experts who can integrate disparate IT infrastructures post-acquisition. You will bridge the gap between technical execution and strategic vision, collaborating with C-suite executives, engineering teams, and external vendors. This is more than a job—it's an opportunity to shape the future of enterprise IT in one of the nation's top business hubs.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, your leadership will be crucial across multiple facets of IT infrastructure management:

• Lead comprehensive planning and execution of infrastructure projects, ensuring perfect alignment with organizational goals and M&A timelines.
• Oversee all aspects of data center operations, including upgrades, migrations, and enhancements for optimal performance, scalability, and redundancy.
• Manage structured cabling systems, ensuring they support high-speed networks, fiber optics, and future-proof infrastructure functionality.
• Coordinate strategic network infrastructure improvements and expansions to accommodate growing business demands and hybrid cloud environments.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams—ranging from software developers to finance stakeholders—to design, deploy, and refine enterprise-grade infrastructure solutions.
• Proactively identify opportunities for IT systems and process optimization, leveraging automation, AI-driven analytics, and cost-saving measures to boost efficiency.
• Maintain strict compliance with industry standards such as ISO 27001, NIST, GDPR, and PCI-DSS in all infrastructure initiatives.
• Develop and maintain detailed project documentation, including Gantt charts, budgets, risk assessments, and executive progress reports.
• Provide expert leadership and guidance to ensure flawless M&A-related infrastructure integrations, minimizing downtime and maximizing synergies.
• Continuously monitor infrastructure performance using tools like SolarWinds, Nagios, or Prometheus, addressing issues proactively to prevent disruptions.

Required Qualifications

To excel in this Senior M&A Strategic Planning Advisor role, candidates must bring a robust blend of technical prowess and strategic acumen:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
• At least 8-10 years of progressive experience in IT infrastructure management, with 5+ years focused on M&A integrations and strategic planning.
• Proven expertise in data centers, including virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and high-availability architectures.
• Hands-on experience with structured cabling (Cat6/6A, fiber optics), network protocols (TCP/IP, BGP, SDN), and enterprise networking (Cisco, Juniper).
• Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale projects using PMP, Agile, or ITIL methodologies.
• Strong analytical skills for performance monitoring, capacity planning, and optimization using tools like Splunk or Tableau.
• Excellent communication skills for stakeholder engagement, vendor management, and team leadership.
• Certifications such as CISSP, CCNP, PMP, or ITIL v4 highly preferred.
• Experience in Chicago's competitive job market, understanding local regulations and business culture, is a plus.

We prioritize candidates who thrive in fast-paced, collaborative environments and have a passion for driving IT innovation amid corporate transformations.

Why Join Us at Robert Half?

Joining Robert Half means accessing a world-class platform for career advancement in Chicago's vibrant professional landscape. As a global leader in specialized staffing, we offer unparalleled support, from resume optimization to exclusive job opportunities. This long-term contract provides stability, competitive compensation estimated at $140,000-$180,000 annually (based on experience), and exposure to cutting-edge M&A projects.

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health coverage, 401(k) matching, and generous PTO.
• Professional growth through training, certifications, and mentorship.
• A supportive culture fostering work-life balance and innovation.
• Networking with top-tier clients and Robert Half's extensive alumni community.

Chicago, IL, offers an unbeatable mix of urban energy, tech innovation, and Midwest hospitality—perfect for advancing your career in IT infrastructure and M&A strategy. Apply today to become a cornerstone of our client's success story. Robert Half: Where talent meets opportunity.