Director of Technology

Company Description

KPFF has been an industry leader in civil and structural engineering for over 60 years. At KPFF, our purpose is to engineer opportunities. We focus on solving problems, delivering excellence, helping our communities, and enabling the growth and creativity of our people, clients, and profession. We realize sustainable success at KPFF by respecting and empowering personal potential.

Job Description

KPFF operates 20 unique business units under a decentralized model by which management of each office occurs locally.  As KPFF evolves, there is a clear need to align the core functions of technology, including security, shared applications, and company-wide strategies.

The Director of Technology will oversee the strategic and operational management of technology systems and services within KPFF.  This leadership role requires expertise in IT security, cloud applications, and technology strategy to ensure seamless operations, data integrity, and alignment with organizational goals. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader with strong experience in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry or a related field.

What You’ll Be Doing:

IT & Cybersecurity

• In coordination with our consultants, continue to develop, implement, and maintain IT security policies and procedures aligned with best practices (e.g., CIS Controls Framework / SOC / NIST).
• Oversee each office’s compliance efforts, including management of third-party audits.
• Conduct regular technology risk assessments and design business continuity and incident response strategies.
• Manage our SOC as a service provider relationship and strategy.

Shared IT Applications

• Manage organizational accounts and contracts for a variety of shared software applications such as Autodesk, CSI, Bentley BST10, Paycom etc.
• Oversee the account management of the Microsoft 365 E5 system.
• Manage and optimize our Microsoft Azure compute and storage platforms.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure applications meet business needs.
• Evaluate and recommend new tools or enhancements to existing systems to improve efficiency.

Technology Advisor

• Provide leadership on IT governance, strategic planning, and digital transformation initiatives including GenAI strategies.
• Ensure robust IT infrastructure and access management protocols are in place.
• Lead the procurement and deployment coordination of new applications, ensuring compatibility with business goals.
• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive data management strategy, including governance, retention, and classification.
• Advise on client contractual requirements around technology and data, ensuring the business technology strategy aligns with client expectations.

Personnel Leadership

• Oversee shared services IT personnel
• Collaborate on hiring IT personnel and evaluating their performance within business units.
• Provide input in performance review of IT service providers and consultants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in IT, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in IT security, infrastructure management, and application governance.
• Familiarity with IT tools and platforms relevant to the professional services industry.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks (e.g., CIS Controls / SOC / NIST) and compliance requirements.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and project management skills.
• Ability to align technology initiatives with organizational goals and objectives.
• Work effectively with employees and managers across all disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving and making strategic decisions.

Additional Information

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Duties are typically performed in a normal office environment while sitting at a desk or computer table
• Ability to actively engage with a computer for several hours per day and communicate over the telephone or virtual meeting platforms.
• May occasionally need to lift items up to 15 lbs.
• Work in the downtown Seattle office up to 5 days/week, with flexible work hours between 7 am and 5 pm

Culture and Benefits:

Join KPFF for a career adventure that celebrates your expertise and fuels your development. Here, autonomy and innovation converge, empowering you to tackle complex challenges. Our culture fosters teamwork, ownership, and shared values, ensuring your accomplishments are celebrated and your career trajectory is in