Director of Technology

Location: Wadsworth, OH

Full Time

CLIENT is an industry leader in the sale and distribution of high-quality automotive parts and accessories for European car brands to the end consumer, primarily through its proprietary E-Commerce platform.

CLIENT is looking for a senior level candidate to join our team as the Director of Technology. This position will report directly to the CEO based at our world headquarters in Wadsworth, Ohio. This position contributes to CLIENT world leading success by leading the IT team which is composed of web programmers, database admins, network admins, hardware/software support, report writers, front end coders to name a few.

• Summary of Key Responsibilities:

·         Responsibilities and essential job functions of this role include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop, oversee and manage the overall department Budget and priorities.
• Directs the information technology department including directing staff, who support administrative computing, networking, user services, telecommunications and other information technology functions.
• Propose budgets for large- and small-scale Company programs and projects
• Enhance and stream-line end-to-end processes, tools and project flow within the IT department as well as working effectively with all management
• Provide technological guidance within the Company.
• Provide leadership and knowledge of new cutting edge technologies
• Supervise comprehensive information system and communications network.
• Maintain a network infrastructure for local and wide area connectivity and remote access (3PLs and multiple locations).
• Co-manage the technology roadmap (along with Management) ensuring that priorities are aligned with Company needs, and that appropriate resources are available to deliver the projects/programs.
• Maintain security of all data proprietary to the Company and its customers and provide for the complete backup of all computer systems in case of system failure or disaster.
• Leadership:

·         Setting goals for the IT team, developing organizational capability, and modeling how we work together:

• Identify and communicate key responsibilities and practices to ensure the immediate team of direct reports promotes a successful attitude, confidence in leadership, and teamwork to achieve business results.
• Lead the evolution and execution of the IT strategy. This involves broad cross-functional collaboration, alignment, and implementation of IT Planning processes across the Company based on industry best practices.
• Contribute to the development and execution of long-term Strategic Plan for the Company
• Planning and Execution

·         Developing strategic and operational plans for the work group, managing execution, and measuring results:

• Collaborates with all functional departments to understand system, technical and infrastructure needs and develop plans (along with Product Management) and roadmap to meet those needs.
• Evaluates alternative strategies license/SAAS vs. internal solutions (i.e., make vs. buy)
• Collaborates with vendors and external service providers to identify and evaluate opportunities for system efficiency and cost reduction.
• Develops and directs resource plan for effective implementation of systems/projects/tools (e.g., new CRM system) to build organizational capability.
• Plans and manages department processes and practices to ensure that programs are aligned with company business goals and objectives.
• Establishes and maintains performance metrics to drive improved business results.
• Influences the thinking and leadership style of senior leaders to help focus efforts on the highest priorities; foster a culture of continuous improvement, standardization and cross-functional collaboration.
• Personnel Development & Team Building

·         Providing partners with coaching, feedback, and developmental opportunities and building effective teams:

• Challenges and inspires team members to achieve performance/quality goals and productivity goals.
• Conducts and ensures the completion of performance reviews.
• Provides coaching, direction and leadership support to team members in order to achieve business results and Company objectives.
• Competencies
• Technical Capacity.
• Communication Proficiency.
• Problem Solving/Analysis.
• Organization Skills.
• Teamwork Orientation.
• Time Management.
• Customer/ Focus.
• Summary of Experience
• Senior IT / Technology Leadership Experience 15+ years
• Progressive IT roles within mid- to large-size online retail operation 10+ years
• BS Degree required and Advanced Certifications Preferred
• Master\'s Degree in information technology or computer science Preferred
• Working knowledge of systems that support the business including: Web/commerce platform end to end services, WMS, EDI, Business Intelligence and Analytics (BI), CRM
• Familiarity and experience using Agile process
• Prior accounting/ERP system implementation preferred
• Experience in strategic planning and execution.
• Knowledge of contracting, negotiating, and change management. Knowledge of information technology computer systems and software and the ability to manage the entire spectrum of information technology operations.
• Experience with implementation of information technology integrations in a large division/company.
• Experience in senior-level information technology positions
• Experience with LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL and Perl/PHP/Python) required