Vice President, IT

Job Purpose:  

The key purpose of this position is the design, development, implementation, and maintenance of organizational information systems including software applications and IT infrastructure and systems. This position will manage IT strategic and tactical plans and programs according to established goals and objectives. This is a key leadership position that will direct the teams in charge of unified communications, network services, data center operations, servers and storage platforms, service monitoring, application development, project management, data quality, and help desk.

This role reports directly to ACW’s CEO and with dotted line reporting to Universal Weather and Aviation’s Vice President of Information Technology.  As such, enterprise policies, standards, and technologies put forth by the parent company (UWA) will be his/her direct responsibility to implement and be accountable for compliance at ACW.  This role works closely with UWA’s Information Security and Infrastructure groups to design and execute on the company's technology roadmap. 

The VP of Technology is a forward-looking technology leader who can develop an infrastructure strategy and drive through to execution and support. The responsibilities listed are not intended to be all-inclusive and additional responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Responsibilities and Associated Duties:

Responsible for IT/IS Operations.

• Oversee the design, planning, implementation, and maintenance of the computing infrastructure that supports the company's operations and business applications.
• Establish and perform regular meetings/reviews of IT/IS teams and partners performance and operations.
• Ensure cost-effective design, development, integration, implementation, testing, and maintenance of new services, equipment and systems in support of business objectives and requirements. Work with UWA’s Business Continuity lead and IT technology teams to design, implement and maintain an enterprise-wide disaster recovery and business continuity program.
• Establish and enforce IT policies, procedures, processes, standards and methodologies.
• Monitor the industry for developments in IT operations; evaluate and implement relevant new tools and service management frameworks.
• Oversee an effective Service Desk/User Support team ensuring adherence to ITIL best practices; deployment procedures; corporate policies; Defines and exceeds the service level expectations of the organization.
• Participate in various meetings with IT teams, vendors, and business units to ensure technology is meeting all expectations
• Participate in webinars/conferences/telephone meetings and other activities geared towards acquiring knowledge or evaluating new or existing technology solutions.
• Review, approve, and oversee all IT related vendors and managed service agreements for computing, telecommunications and equipment. (Note:  The delegation of authority instructs that all new IT purchases / new contracts must be approved by the UWA VP-IT)
• Ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of the telecommunication system, core-processing systems, data networks, e-Commerce technology, PCs, software and peripherals.
• Ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of mission-critical third-party systems including Great Plains, Office 365

Responsible for overseeing Software/Application Development.

• Meeting with business areas to understand wants and needs.
• Analyzing business functions.
• Assess and develop application development team/function.
• Develop and lead a collaborative and agile software development approach that improves velocity, while maintaining a strong focus on both quality and scalability.
• Drive the cultural changes necessary to enable a continuous delivery model and foster a strong focus on automation of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).
• Oversee development and maintenance of all proprietary and custom developed software products and lead efforts to scope out new product development when applicable.
• Evaluate effectiveness of programs.
• Offer solution to enhance effectiveness when needed.
• Ensure efficient operation and maintenance of mission-critical developed systems including ACES, Menu App, Delivery App and integrations/interfaces.

Responsible for designing, developing and implementing comprehensive, computer-based information systems to ensure users' needs are met and data is processed according to company requirements.

• Translating strategic initiatives into technology initiatives.
• Identifying opportunities for technology integration, streamlining and potential outsourcing.
• Building strong relationships with business groups and their leaders across the organization and developing a detailed understanding of their technology issues, challenges and opportunities.
• Working with Business units to create and implement solutions to resolve inefficiencies or issues.
• Collaborate with the CEO to develop strategic and tactical solution plans for IT, especially ACW’s future technology infrastructure.
• Partner with the CEO and UWA’s IT Leadership Team to build and modernize the organizational structure and business processes to support our growth in an increasingly digital world.
• Manage the evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies including cloud, software defined networking, high-performance computing, continuous delivery and the latest collaboration technologies.

Responsible for managing a staff of competent employees.

• Hiring, training, developing and accessing performance effectively.
• Being a mentor and coach.

Responsible for ACWs technology disaster recovery plan.

• Preparing and maintaining technical specifications and related documentation to secure procedures.
• Coordinating annual DR testing of IT systems.

Responsible for managing IT budget and controlling expenses effectively.

• Researching and making recommendations on hardware and software purchases.
• Negotiating with vendors on behalf of ACW to ensure cost-effective purchasing decisions.

Measures of Success:

• Specific Job Responsibilities
• Stellar Customer Service
• Integrity & Accountability
• Entrepreneurial Spirit
• Teamwork Commitment

Knowledge, Experience and Skill Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems Management, Business Administration or related technical field required.
• 10 years of career experience in Technology to include IT Service delivery, application development, and project management responsibilities required.
• 10 years in a leadership/management position required. 
• Experience in analysis, implementation and evaluation of IT systems and their specifications.
• Excellent organizational, leadership and communication skills
• Ability to travel as required
• Certifications:  MCSA, MCP, ITILv3-F, PMP, CSM, PSM, Six Sigma Black Belt or similar preferred

Operational Demands

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  Candidates must also agree to work in accordance to Air Culinaire’s Employee Handbook and be able to travel in accordance with the current Air Culinaire’s Travel Policy.

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