Senior IT Tech Specialist

The Sr IT Technical Specialist is accountable for aligning local infrastructure and devices with corporate standards and addressing exceptions using corporate processes and avenues.  The specialist evaluates existing systems/devices and determines ways to better align those systems to support business operations for increased efficiency. The specialist oversees the evaluation, installation, and integration of equipment, devices and programs and is accountable for enhancing, upgrading, replacing, and decommissioning the same with guidance from Global IT.  Works in partnership with Global IT to develop a local infrastructure/device plan that will accommodate the region’s future needs.

The Sr IT Technical Specialist provides thought leadership, direction, and consulting, standards, and technology guidance to both IT service providers and lines of business.  The specialist participates as requested in the development of the global IT technology strategy, global architecture strategies, frameworks, and architecture governance processes, implementing solutions locally as envisioned and as per specification, always aiming to reduce the local system footprint and expand the corporate system footprint.

It is important that the Sr IT Technical Specialist navigates at several organizational levels and has a thorough business and technical understanding. This position must be able to act as a proactive business partner to ensure investments in local infrastructure and end-user devices are able to transform business requirements and needs into achievable services and solutions.

The Sr IT Technical Specialist continually advocates for technology cost savings while regularly identifying and partnering with the Sr IT Coordinator to support process improvement and efficiency initiatives, thereby reducing cost, and maximizing the value delivered through supported technologies and the people who support and operate the technologies.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities

Strategy, Planning and Projects

• Works with Global IT to develop and coordinate strategic and tactical plans to guide the implementation and management of the North America infrastructure.
• Leads small NA-specific projects focused on facility/infrastructure additions, changes, or retirement (e.g., Cell phone upgrades, Equipment installs, vendor contract renewals, office moves, or RFPs, etc.)
• Scopes local IT involvement in large enterprise technology projects.
• Leads cross-functional and cross-regional groups, sharing common opportunities and problems to find common solutions.
• Promotes the value of IT across business functions locally thereby developing long-range technology roadmaps to support business strategies and the IT agenda.
• Stays abreast of technology innovations and advancements, applying the value of such innovations and advancements for the benefit of local business units, working collaboratively with Global IT to ensure alignment with the overall IT strategy.
• Works collaboratively with the IT Support and Operations Lead to source and make offers to new/backfill team resources (employee and contractor).
• Provides financial input to the Sr IT Manager, North America to allow for effective management of the local IT forecast and budget.

Vendor and Contract Management

• Manages strategic vendor relationships. Establishes governance forums and uses the forums to ensure optimal supplier delivery.  Builds strategic partnerships and leverages each partner’s offerings and capabilities to create maximum value for the organization.