Senior Director, Information Technology

This role is the senior-most technology leader for the Gaylord brand and, through leadership and collaboration with on-property technology staff, manages programs, delivers initiatives, defines day-to-day support processes, and serves as escalation across the Gaylord portfolio. Develops technology strategy for the brand that is aligned with broader US-Canada tech strategy and ensures alignment with VP and Managing Partner of Gaylord hotels and leaders within Ryman Hospitality. Drives innovative business process and vendor management to increase overall IT effectiveness and productivity that contribute to improved revenue for the brand cost savings in negotiated contracts and to assist with revenue generating possibilities. Participates and provides technology thought leadership to the Gaylord Brand Team on technology opportunities to expand revenue opportunities and continuous improvement on guest “intent to recommend” scores. Works closely with operational teams to clearly identify business cases and ensure that technology is adopted to its most effective level.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education and Experience

Required:
•    10 years’ progressive technology leadership experience including direct management of teams and budget ($1M+).
•    2+ years’ project management experience 
•    2+ years’ experience in defining and documenting requirements (system, project, etc.)
•    2+ years’ experience in IT strategic planning 
•    Ability to travel up to 40%.
•    Experience within Lodging or Hospitality industries
•    Related undergraduate degree (computer sciences, MIS or business administration) or the equivalent training, experience, certifications    

Preferred Skills and Attributes
•    Graduate level training/degree
•    Project Management certification.
•    Ability to influence others and build sponsorship for key initiatives/programs.
•    Ability to implement change and effect accountability.
•    Ability to quickly gain a clear and comprehensive understanding of Lodging and Brand strategies, priorities and initiatives and represent them to various constituencies across the organization
•    Strong analytical skills for planning, estimating, budgeting and monitoring program/project work
•    Strategic thinker, strong negotiator, collaborative and creative abilities. Ability to influence without authority.
•    Strong executive presence – able to sell ideas and influence persuasively, settling differences and winning concessions without damaging relationships; can be both direct and forceful while remaining diplomatic. 
•    Builds relationships across a matrix and diverse work environment to include a broad group of stakeholders. 
•    Understands and effectively manages in a virtual work environment.
•    Demonstrate a Strategic and Global mindset 
•    Ability to form, foster, lead, and inspire high performing teams 
•    Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills

CORE WORK ACTIVITIES

•    Provides accurate, relevant, and timely information for the assigned business stakeholders
•    Consults with Gaylord, Continent, and Global Tech leadership on needs in support of their business processes and direction and implements solutions to meet the business needs
•    Collaborates with Global Technology to provide an informed technical perspective to information needs along with cost/benefits understanding in an influencing and negotiating role. 
•    Confirms property systems staff workload and priorities and ensures coverage from shared services or property systems staff.
•    Ensures compliance with all related technology, brand IT, and security related standards and policies  
•    Functions in a technical mentor (indirect reports and hourly tech), educating customers in information technology and its costs/benefit to their organization. Resolves conflicts of interest between IT and the client.
•    Provides brand-wide project leadership by developing specific assignments with completion deadlines and setting standards for measuring performance.  Resolves conflicts within the team and within IT organizations.  Advises project leader as to the project team expertise required.  Participates in projects led by other IT team members, assigning resources as appropriate.
•    Leads region-wide task force efforts, contributing to the definition of IT services and/or service enhancements
•    Ensures comprehensive capital budget planning and reporting that aligns with the investment strategy of the hotels supported
•    Provides oversight and recommendations to property IT budgets

IT Security 
•    Validates compliance with all data and physical security policies