DBI is working with a long time Hospitality Design firm in Chicago to support their hiring of a Director of Information Technology. This role will be a Principal leadership role in the firm tasked with providing overall strategic leadership and support to the firm regarding technology needs. The right candidate will be comfortable directing, managing, and coordinating the firm’s information systems, determining system capacity/equipment needs, managing acquisition/upgrades of hardware, software and other necessary tools.

The candidate must have a background supporting the technology needs for a diverse and creative office environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Directs, manages, and coordinates the firm’s information systems, determines system capacity/equipment needs, manages and implements acquisition/upgrades of hardware, software and other necessary tools

· Oversight of the firm’s overall information systems function, including systems and programming procedures and computer equipment operations

· Coordinates the integration of office operations and information systems, and evaluates the acquisition and installation of new equipment

· Develops and executes tactical plans for information systems that support the firm’s strategic objectives

· Consults with management to determine information requirements and priorities of new project, and to discuss system capacity and equipment needs

· Provides recommendations and manages/ implements the acquisition and upgrade of all hardware, software, and service purchases and/or leases to keep the organization’s information accessible in a timely, efficient, and secure manner

· Develops and employs disaster recovery plans to ensure continued business operations

· Directly supports and troubleshoots day to day needs of design staff, administrative personnel and firm leaders

Leadership Skills:

· Effectively leads, directs and implements all aspects of the firm’s IT systems with a solution-oriented approach

· Must lead by example with a collaborative and professional work ethic and demonstrate effective leadership, management, and interactive skills

· Accomplished problem solver with superior analytical skills

· Professional verbal and written business communication skills

· Interested in future technology and innovative support solutions to advance the firm’s needs

Background Requirements:

· Bachelor/ Master’s Degree in Computer Science/ MIS/ Architecture or related field

· Minimum 10 years of experience in the A/E industry in the field of Information Technology

· Expert knowledge of information systems, CAD related and 3D modeling software, custom databases, servers, file exchange protocol, hardware and software support

· Experience directly supporting a creative design studio of 25 or more people

· Proven working experience as an IT manager or relevant experience

· Excellent knowledge of technical management, information analysis and of computer hardware/software systems

· Expertise in data center management and data governance

· Hands-on experience with computer networks, network administration and network installation

· Ability to manage personnel