Summary
Reporting to the CIO, the IT Operations Director is a pivotal role within our organization, responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of IT operations, including service management, network and infrastructure, and system administration. The role is a forward-looking technology leader who can develop a network strategy and drive through to execution and support to ensure the stability, integrity, and efficient operation of the technology environment that supports our core organizational functions. The Director will lead a dynamic team of IT professionals, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.\
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategy & Planning:
- Lead IT operational planning, oversee operations-related projects and project portfolio, and work with stakeholders to define business and systems requirements for new technology implementations.
- Ensure the efficient utilization of IT resources – including personnel and equipment – across the organization.
- Develop and implement all functional policies and procedures, including those for network architecture, standards, purchasing, and service provision.
Service Management:
- Implement and manage ITIL-based service management practices, ensuring efficient delivery of IT services.
- Oversee incident management processes to drive timely resolution of issues and identification of root causes to prevent future occurrences to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Implement and manage change control processes to minimize disruptions and risks associated with changes to IT systems.
Network and System Administration:
- Manage the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company's network infrastructure to ensure optimal network performance, reliability, and security.
- Maintain effective backup, recovery, and disaster recovery strategies and plans to minimize downtime and data loss in the event of a disaster.
- Direct the administration of the company's IT systems and servers to ensure systems are secure, optimized, and reliable.
- Support the execution of United Wheels’ security strategy and roadmap, including the design and execution of vulnerability assessments, penetration tests and security audits; and help ensure compliance with relevant cybersecurity compliance standards and regulations.
Budget and Vendor Management:
- Develop and manage the IT operations and security budget, including business case justification and cost/benefit analysis for IT spending and initiatives.
- Approve purchase of equipment and supplies to meet operational requirements of the business.
- Oversee vendor relationships and contract negotiations to ensure cost-effective procurement of IT services and products.
Competencies
- Customer Focus - Aims to satisfy all customers while maintaining effective relationships, both internal and external. Maximizes those relationships to improve personal, department, and organizational performance. Holds co-workers and customers to a similar standard.
- Energy - Have a tremendous amount of energy and passion for our people, products, and brands. Approaches each date willing to take on the day’s challenges. Operating at their individual peak performance without encouragement.
- Energize - Energize teams with enthusiasm and excitement without intimidating them. Projects a positive mental attitude and can-do spirit, who lifts members of his/her team. Doesn’t get discouraged by setbacks.
- Edge - Have a competitive edge and an overwhelming desire to win. Hates losing and will give 100% commitment to achieving or exceeding their plan. Willing to make difficult decisions, when called upon.
- Execution - Action and performance oriented and focused on attaining results. A team player who is reliable and follows through on tasks to completion. Attention to details.
- Increases Company Value - Strives to increase sales, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and maximize profits to increase the value of the Company.
- Innovative/Continuous Improvement - Committed to improving processes, products, services, and a willingness to embrace change for the benefit of our team, department, organization, and shareholders.
- Integrity - The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness. Elevating challenges to collaborate with co-workers, SLT, ELT, and the Board
Supervisory Responsibilities
Lead and manage a team of IT professionals responsible for various aspects of IT operations, infrastructure, and service management. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Education And Experience
- Bachelor's degree in a technology related field of study; master’s degree or graduate level coursework preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT operations (service management, network and infrastructure, system administration, and cybersecurity), with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- A passion for Cycling and the Outdoors!
- In-depth understanding of network architecture, infrastructure management, and system administration principles. Strong knowledge of ITIL and ITSM practices.
- Experience in developing Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plans.
- Strong technical knowledge of PC operating systems and current network hardware, protocols, and standards.
- Strong understanding of project management principles.
- Ability to conduct and direct research into IT issues and products as required.
- Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
- Extensive experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
- Exceptional customer service orientation.
- Strong leadership skills.
- Highly self-motivated and directed.
Language Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with all levels of staff.
- Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
- Ability to communicate effectively by adapting approach, language, and style to a wide variety of audiences, including stakeholders that are both technical and non-technical.
- Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions in business-friendly and user-friendly language.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents.
- Ability to grasp and communicate the big picture while remaining conversant with details.
Overview Of The Company
Overview of the Company
United Wheels Inc. (“UWI”) is an international, privately held business, with affiliated companies and operations in Asia, the Americas and around the world. UWI is a world leader in the design, manufacture and international distribution of bicycles, e-bikes, and rideable toys, manufacturing more than 6 million bicycles and e-Bikes each year.
UWI owns and operates several bicycle-related subsidiaries. These subsidiaries include:
- Huffy Corp. (https://www.huffybikes.com/), the iconic bicycling company based in Dayton, Ohio, with more than 125+ years of bicycling history.
- Buzz Bicycles (https//.buzzbicycles.com)
- Batch Outdoors Inc. (https://www.batchbicycles.com/)
- Niner Brands International Inc. (https://ninerbikes.com/)
- VAAST Bicycles (https://www.vaastbikes.com/)
