Director of Information Technology

Job Purpose

The Director of Information Technology is responsible for directing, planning, organizing, and controlling all activities of the Information Technology Department, as well as ensuring the effective, efficient, and secure operation of all automated data processing systems. The Director of IT partners with the executive management team to grow the Company through the use of technology. Using an active and practical approach, the Director of IT directs all employees in the IT department to attain the Company’s strategic plan. As a disciplined business and technical leader, the Director of IT will lead from a place of expert authority and lead by example through their willingness to roll up their sleeves to get the job done while proactively designing systems, processes, and procedures that scale to meet the needs, risks, challenges, and opportunities of a high-growth organization. This person should have retail and supply-chain experience.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Establishing Furnitureland South’s technical vision and leading all aspects of the Company’s technological development
• Providing oversight and direction in the continuation of the Company’s ERP integration to accomplish a successful implementation and migration, including integration of additional modules with the ERP
• Working in a consultative fashion with other department heads as an advisor of technologies that will improve efficiency and effectiveness
• Determine and present to FLS Executive Leadership the Digital Transformation strategy to encompass developing and leading short- and long-term Digital Transformation Journey & IT modernization efforts including support for Artificial Intelligence.
• Ensures IT Projects are well-managed, within budget, and maintain a realistic timeline. Provides status updates to senior leadership.
• Conducting research and thought leadership on leading-edge technologies to evaluate new equipment, software, and processes for implementation
• Identify technology trends and evolving social behavior that may support or impede the success of the business to include Artificial Intelligence in the workplace
• Developing policy and proposing long-range strategies for the leveraging of information technology within the Company
• Recruiting, motivating, and developing a high-performing team of qualified IT leaders; encouraging creativity, driving performance, and ensuring a collaborative spirit across the entire company while maintaining a management system that is accountable to the business
• Working with consultants, advisory teams, technology providers, and other sources of relevant information and expertise to advise executive leadership on technology developments
• Maintaining the security of all data that belongs to the business, and ensuring complete backup of all systems in the event of failure or disaster
• Overseeing the procurement, installation, and maintenance of all computer hardware and software necessary to keep systems operable
• Managing strong operating practices for vendor management, contracting, and ongoing support and maintenance of systems and applications
• Providing leadership and performing all functions of employee management/development for IT employees
• Developing, maintaining, and enforcing written policies and procedures regarding all computer and systems operations throughout the business
• Onsite position

Required Education and Experience

• The ideal candidate will possess at least 10 years of experience in all phases of computer operations, at least 5 of which must be managerial and strategic. Specific qualities and experience for the position include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or similar field
• Broad technical capacity including knowledge of hardware, software, databases, networking, and communication capabilities
• Creation of 3-5 year IT Roadmap experience
• Deep understanding of cloud-based technologies (AWS, Azure), ERP systems (preferably NetSuite), Business Intelligence and Data Analytics
• ERP upgrade and eCommerce implementation experience
• Demonstrated success in formation of a creative vision, strategic planning, staff development, project planning and implementation, and budget management
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including organization development, coaching, and mentoring skills, influencing others, and negotiating skills
• Strong business acumen and demonstrated experience in providing strategic contributions to business results and implementing process improvements company-wide
• Skilled and competent vendor/partner manager with a successful track record in agreement and contract negotiations
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving/analytical skills, as well as high emotional intelligence and maturity
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and experience in presenting to senior executives as well as communicating objectives to a team

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Information Technology or Business Administration
• 10+ years in technology management experience

Working Conditions

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, photocopiers and smartphones.

5-10% travel possible.