Director of IT Operations & Security

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. In additional to cycling, UWI is at the forefront of materials science through Allite Inc. and its affiliated companies, which utilizes its proprietary magnesium alloys across numerous industries (e.g., sporting goods, robotics, electronics, aerospace, etc.).

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, (a division of Allite Inc.) (https://www.vaastbikes.com/)

Summary

Reporting to the CIO, the Director of IT Operations and Security is a pivotal role within our organization, responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of IT operations, including service management, network and infrastructure, system administration, and cybersecurity. The role is a forward-looking technology leader who can develop an infrastructure and security 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 of IT Operations and Security will lead a dynamic team of IT professionals, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Strategy & Planning:

Lead IT operational planning, oversee security and 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.

Security:

Create and maintain United Wheels’ security strategy and roadmap; security awareness training program; and security policies, standards, guidelines, and procedures.

• Select, acquire, and oversee the deployment, integration and initial configuration of all security solutions or enhancements to existing security solutions to improve overall enterprise security posture.
• Supervise the design and execution of vulnerability assessments, penetration tests and security audits. Monitor and respond to security incidents and vulnerabilities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant cybersecurity compliance standards and regulations.

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.

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, security, 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.

In-depth understanding of network architecture, infrastructure management, system administration and cybersecurity 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.

In-depth knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.

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.

Mathematical Skills

Ability to apply mathematical operations such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations. Ability to perform general mathematical calculations for the purpose of creating business cases, budgets, etc.

Reasoning Ability

Keen attention to detail. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

Computer Skills

Microsoft Office, knowledge of systems, software, and hardware, including application systems and operating systems.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Relevant technical certifications such as ITIL, CISSP, CISM, or PMP are highly desirable.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This role is primarily based in an office environment, but may require occasional travel and the ability to work outside regular business hours as needed.