Enterprise Platforms, Data, and AI Director

Benesch•Chicago, IL

22h

About The Position

Benesch is seeking an Enterprise Platforms, Data, and AI Director to lead the strategy, delivery, and ongoing optimization of our enterprise application portfolio and data analytics capabilities. Reporting directly to the Chief Information Officer, the Director will lead a team responsible for developing, maintaining, supporting, optimizing, and safeguarding Benesch’s in-house and commercial application solutions while advancing the company’s data, analytics, and AI capabilities. The ideal candidate is a strategic and operational technology leader who can translate business needs into scalable, secure, and high-performing technology solutions. This individual will help shape Benesch’s data and AI strategy, establish effective data governance practices, drive technology transformation, and partner with leaders across the organization to improve business performance through trusted data, analytics, automation, and technology.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or another related technical field.
10+ years of experience developing, implementing, and operating on-premises, hosted, and cloud-based enterprise application services, including ERP, CRM, and Microsoft Fabric technologies.
6 - 8+ years of experience leading enterprise application, data services, or technology delivery teams, with progressive responsibility for teams, technology services, and strategic initiatives.
Experience with hosted and cloud-based application and data services, including the design, implementation, or technical direction of enterprise reporting, data warehousing, analytics, and data platforms.
Experience developing or supporting data governance practices, including data quality standards, data ownership models, stewardship, and enterprise data strategy initiatives.
Strong understanding of Software Development Lifecycle methodologies and demonstrated experience managing products and services throughout their lifecycle.
Strong knowledge of enterprise applications, technology services, vendors, and service delivery models, including experience establishing and managing SLAs, KPIs, service performance metrics, and demand forecasting.
Experience developing and managing technology business cases, including detailed cost-benefit analysis, investment recommendations, and financial planning.
Experience leading onshore and offshore teams and managing insourced and outsourced IT operations and service providers.
Demonstrated leadership and team-building experience, with the ability to develop high-performing teams, plan and direct large-scale initiatives, and effectively manage multiple stakeholders and resources.
Strong decision-making, problem-solving, client relationship-building, and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust and effectively partner across business and technology teams.
Strong financial, service management, and contract management acumen.
Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business information and recommendations.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the strategic direction for Benesch’s Enterprise Platforms, Data, and AI functions, ensuring alignment with the company’s broader IT strategy and business objectives.
Support the development and execution of the IT Division’s strategic direction, translating priorities into effective technology initiatives and services.
Support the development of Benesch’s internal data and AI strategy, including practical roadmaps that align data, analytics, automation, and emerging AI capabilities with business priorities.
Establish and mature data governance practices, including data ownership, quality, stewardship, access, security, and lifecycle standards across enterprise applications and data platforms.
Oversee Benesch’s Software Development Lifecycle from ideation and development through implementation, support, optimization, and application retirement.
Establish and monitor key performance metrics to continuously improve enterprise application services and ensure they meet the needs and expectations of the business.
Develop technology transformation strategies and business cases that support operational efficiency, innovation, and measurable business value.
Ensure application systems are secure and aligned with applicable security and compliance requirements, including ISO 27001.
Partner with senior leaders across Benesch to define and deliver strategic and operational technology initiatives.
Lead, mentor, and develop managers, supervisors, and staff while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Ensure the team is appropriately staffed and resourced to effectively deliver required services and support Benesch’s current and future technology needs.
Develop and manage business plans and budgets, monitoring expenditures to ensure alignment with strategic priorities and approved financial plans.
Oversee talent management decisions, including hiring, performance management, promotions, compensation adjustments, and terminations.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with technology vendors and partners to support effective service delivery and business objectives.