Director of IT, Trade Applications

Key responsibilities:

• Serve as the strategic interface with business unit or GIS Sales, Operations, Engineering, Service and Finance domains for the purpose of Business Intelligence, big data and AI/ML technology strategy development, solution discovery, service management, and project portfolio management . Manage personnel serving as business unit or function sub-group interfaces.
• Develop and maintain relationships with strategic solution providers to keep abreast of industry technology trends and developments. Collaborate with strategic partners, to identify, evaluate and recommend new business process and business application solutions to address emerging business needs, and develop product and project road maps. Serves as subject matter eסpert and manages personnel performing the build, test and deployment of complex business application solutions. Ensures these solutions are technically sound, cost effective and adhere to accepted industry best practices.
• Directs personnel responsible for the development and execution of application service strategy and life cycle road map. Accountable for ensuring adherence to service management processes and procedures, and for meeting performance, availability, and customer service level agreement targets. Drives continuous improvements of services leveraging data, metrics and technology tools. Responsible for defining and managing the service cost structure and life cycle .
• Plans and manages personnel to deliver project and support service in area of responsibility within allocated budget. Develops project, service and cost center budgets. Drive development of service area cost model optimization and implementation of optimization initiatives. Ensure timely renewal of maintenance and subscription contracts.
• Contributes to the development and implementation of GIS project management, software application development, testing, service management, change management, RCA and other relevant process, standards, governance and control changes and improvements. May manage execution of sox controls and testing, and support internal and external audits.
• Plan and manage large, highly complex cross functional projects to ensure effective and efficient execution in line with guardrails of scope, timeline, budget and quality. Directs project managers managing medium to large scale projects.
• Manages business application contingent worker strategic vendor relationships and delivery performance. Ensures contingent workforce utilization is optimized. Directs activities with strategic providers and GIS Vendor and Resource Management to identify gaps and opportunities and to recommend strategies for improvement.

• Demonstrates broad and comprehensive understanding of different systems, theories and practices.

• Applies broad industry and commercial awareness to drive financial and operational performance across business unit, department or sub-functions.

• Leads through subordinate managers of managers; executes segment/functional business plans and contributes to the development of segment/functional strategy.

• Directs the resolution of highly complex or unusual business problems applying advanced analytical thought and judgment.

• Guided by segment/functional strategy, impacts results of a department, business unit or sub-function or facilitates the work done by other segments/functions by providing support to impact the business.

• Negotiates and influences the opinions of others at the senior executive level and in external organizations; exercises sensitivity to the audience.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in IT, with significant exposure to global trade and supply chain applications.
• At least 5 years in a leadership role, managing cross-functional IT projects and teams.
• Proven record as a Solution Architect and/or Project Manager within trade or supply chain environments.

• Expertise in global trade management software and systems.
• Knowledge of compliance, tariffs, and international trade regulations.

• In-depth knowledge of SAP modules related to trade, such as SAP GTS (Global Trade Services).
• Experience with integrating SAP with other enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, TMS, etc.).

• Proficiency with BI tools like Tableau, Power BI, or SAP Analytics Cloud for reporting and analytics.
• Understanding of data warehousing and big data technologies.

• Ability to design and implement scalable IT architectures for trade applications.
• Familiarity with architecture frameworks like TOGAF.

• Expertise in Agile, Waterfall, and hybrid project management methodologies.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as JIRA, Microsoft Project, etc.

• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and their SAAS-based trade solutions.
• Understanding of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and best practices.

• Ability to develop and implement IT strategies that align with global trade objectives.
• Experience in leading digital transformation initiatives within trade operations.

• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing IT teams.
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills.

• Excellent skills in managing relationships with senior executives, stakeholders, and vendors.
• Ability to communicate IT strategies and solutions effectively to non-technical audiences.

• Understanding of budgeting, cost management, and financial impacts of IT initiatives.
• Ability to assess the financial aspects of trade compliance and operations.

• Experience in driving organizational change and managing resistance to new systems and processes.

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze and optimize complex trade processes.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to articulate complex technical concepts to various audiences.

• Strong negotiation skills to manage vendor relationships and contracts.
• Ability to influence decision-making at all organizational levels.

• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments and manage multiple priorities effectively.