DIRECTOR OF IT

FULL-TIME, EXEMPT POSITION + COMPEITIVE BENEFIT PACKAGE

IN-OFFICE POSITION BASED OUT OF BEAR LAKE, MICHIGAN

Who is Blarney Castle Oil Co.? We’re the heart of retail C-Store operations and petroleum distribution in Michigan! We’re family-owned and have grown up in Michigan since our founding in 1933. Today we’re delighted to have over 1800 experienced and fun team members across the state, all with one purpose in mind – building great customer experiences one person at a time! 

JOB PURPOSE:  

The Director of Information Technology (IT) is responsible for overseeing the IT infrastructure, application systems and teams.  This includes managing IT strategies, budgets, technology implementations, and ensuring alignment with business objectives.  The Director will lead a team of IT professionals, collaborate with senior leadership, and ensure the security, scalability and efficiency of all technological systems.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership and Strategy:

• Build, lead, and cultivate a high-performing IT team through mentorship, training and professional development.
• Develop and implement the IT strategy aligned with the company’s overall business strategy.
• Oversee the IT department budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources and projects and systems.

IT Infrastructure and Systems Management:

• Manage and oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of all IT systems and infrastructure including but not limited to networking, cloud service applications, and servers.
• Ensure systems are scalable, secure, and reliable, meeting the operational needs of the business.
• Oversee IT support process.
• Plan and oversee execution of major system upgrades.
• Oversee IT-related equipment at Home Office, Branch Offices, & stores.
• Approve invoices for IT expenditures.
• Oversee contracts and service delivery for IT service providers (infrastructure, software, network, POS, office equipment, etc.).
• Lead a geographically distributed team.

Cybersecurity and Data Protection:

• Implement and maintain cybersecurity protocols to safeguard company data and IT systems from internal and external threats.
• Stay updated on emerging security threats, compliance standards, and best practices.
• Develop disaster recovery plans and Oversee security protocols, data backups, and to ensure disaster recovery plans are in place for business continuity.
• Ensure data privacy laws and regulations are adhered to, such as GDPR or HIPAA.

Project Management:

• Oversee IT projects, including system upgrades, hardware/software implementations, and integrations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure IT initiatives support broader business objectives.
• Manage project timelines, resources and risk mitigation.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Partner with senior leadership and other departments to align technology solutions with business needs.
• Work with fuel brands, to understand requirements, plan new initiatives, and address issues.
• Communicate IT-related updates, risks, and solutions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with third-party vendors, service providers and partners.

Technology Evaluations and Innovation:

• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies that can enhance business operations and performance.
• Assess the efficiency and effectiveness of existing IT systems and propose improvements.

Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and industry standards related to information technology and data security.
• Conduct audits and assessments of the IT environment to maintain compliance and mitigate risks.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Required Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of IT experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in IT strategy development, infrastructure management, and team leadership.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, cloud technologies, network administration, data management.
• Experience with project management and implementation of large-scale IT solutions.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with all levels of the organization.

Preferred Skills:

• A master’s degree is preferred but not required.
• Possess a working knowledge of PDI will be incredibly valuable.
• Certifications such as PMP, ITIL, CISSP, or other relevant industry certifications.
• Experience in managing IT for a fast-growing or dynamic business environment.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is primarily performed in a climate-controlled office environment. Occasional site visits where work is performed in a retail sales environment, and other company locations as needed.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Extensive typing and/or data entry.
• Physically qualified for a driver’s license.

Benefits? Our team members enjoy some of the finest benefits in the market, including Medical & Prescription plan coverages, FSA, HSA, Dental, Vision, Short & Long Term Disability, Life Insurances, 401(k) with company match, PTO, Tuition Assistance Programs, Employee Assistance Programs, Identity Theft Protection, and Home Heating Discounts.

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