IT Director of Ecommerce & Application Development- Onsite

About the position

Responsible for leading and developing the Ecommerce and Application Development teams. Ensure the streamlined operation of the IT department in alignment with Fielmann USA's business objectives. Plan, coordinate, direct, and design IT-related activities of Fielmann USA as well as provide administrative direction and support for daily operational activities of the IT department. Work closely with key stakeholders in other departments to identify, recommend, develop, implement, and support cost effective technology solutions for all aspects of the organization. Define and implement IT policies, procedures, and best practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall ecommerce and application development strategy in line with business objectives
• Create IT strategic plans, architecture, and roadmaps resulting in the execution of the overall business plan
• Create and execute operating and capital budgets, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting results
• Manage key projects within the IT department by developing regular project plans to meet project objectives and milestones
• Maintain project progress reports and regularly provide status updates to key stakeholders and project teams
• Follow effective change control processes to ensure minimum downtime and unplanned interruption of key services. Evaluate change control processes for improvement opportunities
• Maintain pace with technological progress, economic change, optical industry trends, and company needs by directing continual improvements of IT staff, equipment, and procedures
• Develop and implement departmental action plans including forecasting capital and operating system requirements and establishing policies and procedures to meet Fielmann USA's objectives
• Ensure timely and effective communication and periodic reporting to senior leadership on status and progress of strategic projects
• Develop criteria for evaluating successful execution of IT operations and report to senior leadership
• Represent Fielmann USA in discussions with external partners
• Maintain knowledge of optical industry trends and competitive landscape regarding IT processes and procedures
• Establish and maintain effective IT vendor relationships, including the review, negotiation, and approval of contracts for information technology services and equipment
• Establish and work within defined budgets

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, business administration, or equivalent related work experience; MBA preferred
• 6+ years of progressive leadership experience in the information systems environment; multi-unit retail experience required; retail optical experience desired
• 3+ years of technical experience
• Able to work cross-functionally in a matrixed organization with excellent attention to detail and follow through
• Demonstrated desire and capacity to learn the business
• Solid interpersonal relationship skills to interact with potential vendors and Fielmann USA's leadership team and investors
• Experience in process development and improvement
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed environment
• Able to analyze and solve issues of varied scope: able to act decisively to implement solutions
• Solid negotiation skills
• Solid organizational and planning skills
• Able to continuously monitor progress in relation to goal attainment
• Able to analyze financial data, recognize opportunities for improvement and formulate plans to address
• Able to provide clear vision of business objectives and goals
• Solid computer knowledge to include Microsoft Office Suite of programs