Director, Information Technology - Hybrid

We are looking for a forward-thinking, dynamic, and collaborative technology leader to join us as the Director, Information Technology. In this exciting and hands-on role, you will play a key part in aligning our IT strategy with business objectives and driving operational excellence across our geographically diverse teams. Based in Houston, you will be the primary technology resource for our local teams, serving as a trusted advisor and go-to expert for all technology-related matters.

You will oversee a wide range of IT functions, from strategic planning to hands-on troubleshooting and project management, ensuring that our technology not only supports but accelerates our business growth. With your proactive and solutions-oriented mindset, you will be ready to dive into complex challenges, driving results through your deep expertise and innovative approach. While you'll be the key IT leader in Houston, success in this role will also come from your ability to collaborate seamlessly with IT leaders across the organization, leveraging their expertise to implement effective solutions and drive transformative change.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Formulate and implement a forward-thinking IT strategy for areas assigned that aligns with company growth and supports overall business objectives
• Partner on defining a clear strategic direction for the development, deployment, and continuous improvement of IT systems with a focus on scalability, security, and innovation
• Work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to identify opportunities, set technology priorities, and drive digital transformation

IT Operations Management

• Collaborate with IT teams across all offices to manage and optimize IT infrastructure, ensuring systems remain robust, secure, and reliable
• Oversee and actively participate in the maintenance, upgrades, and security initiatives for all IT systems
• Champion the adoption of Agile methodologies and DevOps practices to streamline software development and deployment
• Ensure that enterprise software applications are maintained, updated, and fully aligned with business needs
• Act as a hands-on resource by actively engaging in resolving critical IT issues, setting an example of technical excellence

Project Management and Delivery

• Lead and manage IT projects from conception through execution, ensuring timely delivery, budget adherence, and achievement of business objectives
• Utilize best practices in project management to guide projects, manage risks, and proactively address challenges
• Work with various business units and external partners to define project scopes, set clear milestones, allocate resources effectively, and monitor progress
• Provide regular updates on project status, challenges, and outcomes to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability throughout the lifecycle
• Foster a culture of project management excellence by implementing tools and techniques that drive efficiency and continuous process improvement

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a diverse team of IT professionals, cultivating a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and collaboration
• Establish clear communication channels and promote teamwork across multiple office locations to ensure cohesive IT practices
• Balance strategic oversight with active technical involvement, consistently engaging in hands-on problem resolution

Innovation and Emerging Technologies

• Continuously assess emerging technologies (such as AI/ML, data analytics, IoT, and cloud computing) to determine their potential business value
• Identify and drive digital transformation initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and support strategic business initiatives
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to ensure the organization remains at the forefront of technological innovation

Security and Compliance

• Support cybersecurity initiatives to ensure robust data protection, effective risk management, and compliance with industry standards, including CMMC Certification requirements
• Partner with other IT members to strengthen, implement, and regularly test comprehensive disaster recovery and incident response plans to safeguard business continuity
• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements and internal policies

Local and Cross-Office Collaboration

• Serve as the main IT leader for Houston IT operations, providing responsive and effective support for local teams
• Establish and maintain robust communication and collaboration frameworks between Houston and other key office locations (such as Gainesville) to ensure a unified IT strategy
• Act as a trusted liaison between local business units and corporate IT, ensuring that local needs are integrated into broader strategic initiatives

Requirements:

Formal Education & Certification:

• Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field; Master's preferred
• 10+ years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role

Knowledge & Experience:

• 5 or more years of direct experience in software engineering within a similar sized, or larger, organization.
• 5 or more years' experience in leading teams
• Experience with managing software development projects, including resource allocation, project planning and risk management.
• Strong background in software development, design, and implementation
• Expertise in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Experience with strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management in IT
• Knowledge of IT security, data management, and regulatory compliance
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Qualifications & Characteristics:

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task.
• Strong customer-service orientation.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate ideas in both technical and user-friendly language
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to conduct research into application development issues and products.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Able to prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Hands-on management approach: comfortable coding, troubleshooting technical issues, and developing custom solutions.
• Ability to "hit the ground running," quickly adapting to new tools, technologies, and project requirements.
• Proven collaboration skills, with a track record of fostering positive teamwork and strong working relationships.

Work Environment & Travel:

• 40-hour work week with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote, at various offices in the Houston area, business conditions permitting.
• This position may have planned, overnight travel to other site locations within the Company that could include weekends and Holidays.

• Sitting for extended periods of time.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other computer components.
• Close visual acuity needed to review diagrams and for discerning fine print.
• Lifting and transporting of moderately heavy objects, such as computers and peripherals.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.