Comhar Partners

Director,Information Technology Position Profile

ABOUT ETTA COLLECTIVE


Etta Collective is creating an unprecedented value-based ethos.

Its focus? – their staff or what they consider, family. Specifically, they will provide comprehensive benefits to ensure their entire team feels cared for, supported, and energized in all aspects of their lives.

They believe there’s more to work than “work,” and they will stop at nothing to keep their people first. Come grow with them!

Etta Restaurant offers a festive and inviting atmosphere with exceptional food and beverage options and a superior customer experience. The relaxed yet refined dining experience is enhanced by friendly and attentive service, making it an ideal gathering place for friends and family to enjoy great food, drinks, and conversation in a convivial setting. Etta currently has locations in Chicago, Los Angeles, and Scottsdale, with more destinations planned for the future.

The second concept in the Etta Collective portfolio is the Celestina Rooftop Bar. Celestina brings the electric energy of Los Angeles cuisine with the vibrant flavors of Mexico. The open-air bar welcomes you with a crystal fireplace accompanied with plush seating.

Lastly, Café Sophie is a delightful Parisian-style cafe located in Chicago, Illinois. The cafe offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches, salads, quiches, and freshly baked pastries. The cafe's charming and cozy atmosphere, with indoor and outdoor seating available, makes it a perfect spot to relax and savor a delicious meal or beverage.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director, Information Technology will be responsible for translating company defined priorities into a coherent technology strategy and roadmap through execution. The new Director, Information Technology will Partner with business leaders and provide innovative thinking in order to identify, plan, manage and implement business and system initiatives that align with this firms’ objectives and goals. They will have a responsibility to develop, integrate and maintain end-to-end systems to align with leading industry best practices and overall company standards.

The Director, Information Technology will be responsible for a $MM budget, accountable for leading the technology selection, systems, integration, cloud and data architecture required and ensuring a positive ROI on technology investments. This individual will work closely with executive management and key stakeholders and serve as a leader within the organization, as an innovator and ambassador of technology in the firm. The Director, Information Technology will be responsible for the management of existing corporate infrastructure through internal and external teams, and the transition required to deliver the company vision. They will be responsible for future implementations and iterations of deployed technology, upkeep and management of the website, engagement, Information Security, and the integrity of frameworks for multiple platforms.

The successful candidate must be up to date with top technology trends in the industry and how these can be leveraged and translated into business value. Agile, information security management, network, systems architecture design and delivery, big data, artificial intelligence/machine learning, and experience in building scalable products on multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Web) are critical competencies; as well as soft leadership skills such as building and managing diverse teams, the ability to communicate effectively across diverse stakeholders, teamwork, problem solving, and empowerment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES


  • Define and maintain the enterprise architecture roadmaps and associated architectural standards to ensure the creation and evolution of IS solutions that will meet business needs and exploit emerging technology trends and developments.
  • Collaboratively works with Owning Partners and key stakeholders to develop and implement an IT strategy that aligns and supports the long-term IT needs of the organization.
  • Oversees the technological infrastructure of the organization to ensure optimal performance.
  • Independently analyze current IT infrastructure and strategize and prioritize solutions.
  • Develops, monitors, and manages department budget to meet or exceed operational and long-term targets; initiates and manages adjustments to the budget to assure balanced operations.
  • Approves purchases of technological equipment and software and establishes partnerships with IT providers and related vendors.
  • Be a business partner, visionary, and change agent, and take ownership of IT as part of the delivery of IT across all entities, and responsive/flexible as organizational needs change and adapt to industry conditions.
  • Evaluate systems and business needs to recommend suitable technology to advance internal operations through improved efficiencies/effectiveness and better utilization of resources.
  • Manages vertically and cross functionally, leveraging leadership relationships to meet established deadlines, IT projects and initiatives.
  • Effectively and regularly communicates with all levels of the business and the IT staff.
  • Assists in the continued implementation and improvement of the technology portfolio.
  • Partners, collaborates, and engages with leadership/stakeholders on IT initiatives/projects.
  • Monitors changes/advancements in technology to discover ways the organization can continue to improve operations.
  • Analyzes the cost, value and risks of information technology and makes recommendations to senior leadership with suggested improvements.
  • Responsible for building and developing IT Department, reducing dependency on vendors.
  • Set expectations and manage, monitor, coach and develop team members to ensure that they maximize their performance, meet the required standards, and continuously develop their capabilities and experience whilst demonstrating the behaviors needed to embed a collaborative, high performing, consumer-oriented and commercially aware working environment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS


  • Bachelor’s Degree in IT, Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred
  • 7+ years of substantive experience in IT in a variety of key disciplines, including at least four years' senior leadership experience with strategic influence and managing multiple projects.
  • Deep knowledge and understanding of IT systems and infrastructure, broad-based business and technical acumen in all aspects of IT, exceptional project management skills, strong collaboration skills, proven consulting skills, strong leadership and communication skills and a solid understanding of data analysis and general business operations.
  • Background in designing/developing IT systems and planning IT implementation.
  • Ability to independently analyze current IT infrastructure and strategize and prioritize solutions. Ability to conceptualize, evaluate, promote and deliver IT projects on deadline and on budget.
  • Experience in effectively managing a staff team.
  • Vendor management and contract negotiations.
  • Additional technical certifications a strong plus.
  • Highly organized
  • Resilient, dynamic, ability to think on one’s feet and operate effectively under pressure
  • Creative problem solving

Desirable Technological/System Skills:

  • Google Drive
  • Restaurant 365 (scheduling and financial apparatus)
  • Discord (chat platform)
  • Seven Rooms (reservation platform)

CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS


Results-Oriented

The Director, Information Technology must be performance-driven and able to provide measurable results. The successful candidate will be resourceful, and action-oriented, as well as a flexible and decisive leader who establishes clarity in the midst of distractions to produce results in a timely fashion.

Communication

This individual should possess very strong communication, listening, and persuasion skills, in order to truly partner with the management team. They must be an adept writer as well as be comfortable, dynamic, and an effective presenter in front of both external and internal audiences including employees, senior management, and clients.

Critical Thinker

Combines analytical and creative horsepower to simplify and break down complex situations into the core of issues with easy to understand action items. This individual must be intellectually sharp and use critical thinking to make or influence decisions while demonstrating outstanding business judgement. The successful candidate will be comfortable creating the new and the different and have a ravenous appetite to learn more and experiment in a disciplined way.

Leadership Acumen and Team Orientation

Through the development of processes and training, this individual will work to foster a culture of accountability and results. Working at this organization requires a hands-on, team-oriented individual who has broad-based credibility and is capable of consistently motivating people to take action. An exceptional leader, who builds, inspires, and coaches teams with a passion for the business, while forging close working relationships with other senior leaders throughout the organization.

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:


Ghali Asad

Title: Director

Email: gasad@comharpartners.com

Direct: (212) 202-0251

Mobile: (718) 552-6780

Lizzy Pacillo

Title: Senior Associate

Email: lpacillo@comharpartners.com

Direct: (332) 223-6650

Mobile: (732) 216-3400

Bernard Layton

Title: Managing Director Email: blayton@comharpartners.com Direct: (239) 345-4050 Mobile: (847) 722-4180