Director of IT Operations

RaceTrac Company Overview

Job Description:

The Director of IT Operations is responsible for providing strategic direction for the Store/Guest-facing technology Back Office and Support teams’ objectives align with overall RaceTrac Business Objectives and Strategy, in addition to having accountability for execution and measures of success. The Director of IT Operations is also responsible for the ongoing enhancement and evolution of IT operations by identifying, justifying, prioritizing, and delivering continuous improvements initiatives. This individual is responsible for maintaining their portfolio including managing costs and licenses and enabling business results through the implementation and acquisitions of systems & applications.

Responsibilities:

• Leads the Store/Guest-facing technology Back Office and Support teams and grows talent to support future roles in the organization; develops, coaches and trains with a focus on sharing knowledge and providing the tools necessary to increase department growth and exposure.
• Promotes a compliant and professional team in alignment with RaceTrac’s core values and leadership qualities.
• Partners cross-functionally with other internal departments to support the department and the Company’s strategic goals; plans and executes the strategic vision for the Store/Guest-facing technology Back Office and Support teams.
• Manages strategic projects that drive streamlined processes and improved efficiencies through completion, while ensuring alignment to RaceTrac’s strategic vision.
• Directs the department in developing strategies, including business case justification, financial and risk analysis, and clear vision communication.
• Develops measurement plans with customized KPI’s necessary to track big picture success and alignment with strategy.
• Monitors the industry and competitive advantage. Strengthens key vendor relationships to maximize RaceTrac’s position in the marketplace.
• Creates and serves as a critical center of expertise, offering guidance across all areas of implementation and support strategy and operations.
• Defines and tracks consistent practices and proper workload assignments to ensure demand can be met for services, projects, and other project requests without impacting quality, availability, and performance.
• Ensures standard IT operations processes are appropriately documented, kept up to date, and leveraged for the delivery of daily IT operations services.
• Maintains strong formal and informal networks by building relationships across a variety of functions.
• Directs department financial activities to maximize operations and increase productivity, including setting and managing the annual budget for the Store/Guest-facing technology teams, appropriate approval of department expenditures, and coaching department leaders in financial acumen to make sound business decisions.
• Drives vendor management for the department, including ensuring quality service delivery and all contract engagements and negotiation strategies are in line with RaceTrac’s best interest.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year College or University, with a focus on Information Technology or equivalent professional experience required
• 10+ years related IT experience required, with experience in a retail technology environment preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in a managerial role required
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment; recognize and react to changing business needs
• Ability to own robust, seamless strategic planning, partnering with cross-functional stakeholders, anticipating roadblocks, resolving issues, and formulating effective communication on progress and results
• Can effectively communicate with all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining strategic relationships with suppliers and Business Leaders.
• Must display outstanding verbal, written, and technical communication skills
• The ability to accurately scope, budget, manage, and measure success of projects.
• Must possess a unique blend of business and technical savvy; a big-picture vision, and the drive to make that vision a reality.
• Must possess a strong financial acumen, with an ability to lead others in financial planning and analysis efforts.
• Holds others accountable by monitoring progress and results and giving effective feedback; able to make tough decisions when appropriate