Director, IT Strategy, PMO & Operations
Gulf States Financial Services, Inc., Houston, TX, United States
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, and the company will not assume sponsorship obligations for existing visa holders.
Career Growth: Advance your career with opportunities for leadership and personal development.
Culture of Excellence: Be part of a supportive team that values your input and encourages innovation.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that looks after both your professional and personal needs.
Total Rewards
Our Total Rewards package underscores our commitment to recognizing your contributions. We offer a competitive and fair compensation structure that includes base pay and performance-based rewards. Compensation is based on skill set, experience, qualifications, and job-related requirements. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, retirement plans, and generous paid leave.
A Day In The Life
The Director, IT Strategy, PMO, & Operations provides leadership across enterprise technology strategy, governance, and delivery. This is a highly visible role that operates in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment, partnering closely with the CIO, business leaders, and external partners to align technology with organizational priorities. The ideal candidate brings a strong balance of strategic leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to build effective partnerships to drive modernization, enable scalable and secure solutions, and deliver consistent business value.
Technology Strategy & Enterprise Alignment
Define and execute technology strategy aligned to business objectives and growth priorities
Establish and govern enterprise architecture standards (applications, data, integration, platforms)
Develop and maintain capability‑aligned technology roadmaps
Act as primary liaison with national partners and dealer network to ensure platform alignment
Enable data‑driven decision‑making through analytics and AI partnerships
CIO Advisory & Strategic Governance
Advise CIO on strategy, prioritization, and executive decision‑making
Lead enterprise portfolio governance to align investments with strategic priorities
Develop executive communications, including roadmaps and investment plans
Drive cross‑functional alignment across IT and business leadership
PMO & Delivery Governance
Oversee portfolio intake, prioritization, and capacity planning
Establish and enforce delivery frameworks, governance, and quality standards
Provide transparency into performance, risks, and outcomes
Drive continuous improvement in delivery predictability and value realization
Application & Integration Delivery
Lead development and delivery of enterprise applications and integrations
Ensure alignment with architecture, security, and business priorities
Manage team capacity, resource planning, and execution
Promote modern development practices and reusable design
Platform Engineering & Modernization
Define and execute DevOps and platform engineering strategy
Drive adoption of cloud‑native, CI/CD, and automation practices
Enable scalable platforms that accelerate delivery and efficiency
Lead modernization of legacy systems
IT Operations & Vendor Management
Oversee infrastructure and cloud services delivered via MSP
Manage SLAs, KPIs, and operational performance
Lead vendor governance, contracts, and continuous improvement
Ensure system reliability, scalability, and smooth transition to support
Provide leadership for incident escalation and recovery
Cybersecurity Coordination
Align with enterprise security policies and CISO leadership
Oversee embedded security support for regional needs
Coordinate response to security incidents
Ensure compliance with security architecture standards
Financial & Organizational Leadership
Manage budget, including forecasting and cost optimization
Lead and develop a multi‑functional technology organization
Oversee vendor strategy and partner performance
Drive accountability, alignment, and a culture of innovation and excellence
What We Need From You
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university Req
10+ years of experience in the field or in a related area Required
Director level experience Preferred
7-9 years experience in SAP implementation, support and management Preferred
5-7 years experience in project management, with at least 5 years managing large‑scale, enterprise‑level projects Preferred
Proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget Preferred
Experience with ERP systems preference given to SAP Experience
Extensive background in working within large, multi‑discipline organizations to create and deliver programs that result in improved operational excellence Preferred
Broad and deep understanding of modern computing technology, systems and network architecture, data management, information security, and cloud‑based services.
Knowledgeable in scalable, multi‑tenant SaaS application design principles and architecture, as well as utilization of major cloud services providers.
Experience with automation and continuous integration, cloud experience (configuration, troubleshooting, software installation), and working knowledge of Linux and Windows Server operating systems are preferred
Deep understanding of technology industry trends, emerging technologies, and software development best practices
Possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills and exhibit effective interpersonal skills
Possess strong organizational, time management and follow‑up skills with the ability to manage several simultaneous projects
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge of information technology methodologies
Knowledge of business analysis methodology and tools
SAP Certification Preferred
Physical and Environmental Requirements The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of the job, the associate is required on a daily basis to analyze and interpret data, communicate, and remain in a stationary position for a significant amount of the work day and frequently access, input, and retrieve information from the computer and other office productivity devices. The associate is regularly required to move about the office and around the corporate campus. The associate must frequently move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 25 pounds.
Travel Requirements 20% Minimal travel is required for this position (up to 20% of the time and on a domestic basis).
Join Us The Friedkin Group and its affiliates are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities, including providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please contact us at TalentAcquisition@friedkin.com. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. We are seeking candidates legally authorized to work in the United States, without sponsorship.
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Career Growth: Advance your career with opportunities for leadership and personal development.
Culture of Excellence: Be part of a supportive team that values your input and encourages innovation.
Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that looks after both your professional and personal needs.
Total Rewards
Our Total Rewards package underscores our commitment to recognizing your contributions. We offer a competitive and fair compensation structure that includes base pay and performance-based rewards. Compensation is based on skill set, experience, qualifications, and job-related requirements. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, wellness programs, retirement plans, and generous paid leave.
A Day In The Life
The Director, IT Strategy, PMO, & Operations provides leadership across enterprise technology strategy, governance, and delivery. This is a highly visible role that operates in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment, partnering closely with the CIO, business leaders, and external partners to align technology with organizational priorities. The ideal candidate brings a strong balance of strategic leadership, operational expertise, and the ability to build effective partnerships to drive modernization, enable scalable and secure solutions, and deliver consistent business value.
Technology Strategy & Enterprise Alignment
Define and execute technology strategy aligned to business objectives and growth priorities
Establish and govern enterprise architecture standards (applications, data, integration, platforms)
Develop and maintain capability‑aligned technology roadmaps
Act as primary liaison with national partners and dealer network to ensure platform alignment
Enable data‑driven decision‑making through analytics and AI partnerships
CIO Advisory & Strategic Governance
Advise CIO on strategy, prioritization, and executive decision‑making
Lead enterprise portfolio governance to align investments with strategic priorities
Develop executive communications, including roadmaps and investment plans
Drive cross‑functional alignment across IT and business leadership
PMO & Delivery Governance
Oversee portfolio intake, prioritization, and capacity planning
Establish and enforce delivery frameworks, governance, and quality standards
Provide transparency into performance, risks, and outcomes
Drive continuous improvement in delivery predictability and value realization
Application & Integration Delivery
Lead development and delivery of enterprise applications and integrations
Ensure alignment with architecture, security, and business priorities
Manage team capacity, resource planning, and execution
Promote modern development practices and reusable design
Platform Engineering & Modernization
Define and execute DevOps and platform engineering strategy
Drive adoption of cloud‑native, CI/CD, and automation practices
Enable scalable platforms that accelerate delivery and efficiency
Lead modernization of legacy systems
IT Operations & Vendor Management
Oversee infrastructure and cloud services delivered via MSP
Manage SLAs, KPIs, and operational performance
Lead vendor governance, contracts, and continuous improvement
Ensure system reliability, scalability, and smooth transition to support
Provide leadership for incident escalation and recovery
Cybersecurity Coordination
Align with enterprise security policies and CISO leadership
Oversee embedded security support for regional needs
Coordinate response to security incidents
Ensure compliance with security architecture standards
Financial & Organizational Leadership
Manage budget, including forecasting and cost optimization
Lead and develop a multi‑functional technology organization
Oversee vendor strategy and partner performance
Drive accountability, alignment, and a culture of innovation and excellence
What We Need From You
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four‑year college or university Req
10+ years of experience in the field or in a related area Required
Director level experience Preferred
7-9 years experience in SAP implementation, support and management Preferred
5-7 years experience in project management, with at least 5 years managing large‑scale, enterprise‑level projects Preferred
Proven track record of leading cross‑functional teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget Preferred
Experience with ERP systems preference given to SAP Experience
Extensive background in working within large, multi‑discipline organizations to create and deliver programs that result in improved operational excellence Preferred
Broad and deep understanding of modern computing technology, systems and network architecture, data management, information security, and cloud‑based services.
Knowledgeable in scalable, multi‑tenant SaaS application design principles and architecture, as well as utilization of major cloud services providers.
Experience with automation and continuous integration, cloud experience (configuration, troubleshooting, software installation), and working knowledge of Linux and Windows Server operating systems are preferred
Deep understanding of technology industry trends, emerging technologies, and software development best practices
Possess exceptional verbal and written communication skills and exhibit effective interpersonal skills
Possess strong organizational, time management and follow‑up skills with the ability to manage several simultaneous projects
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
Knowledge of information technology methodologies
Knowledge of business analysis methodology and tools
SAP Certification Preferred
Physical and Environmental Requirements The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of the job, the associate is required on a daily basis to analyze and interpret data, communicate, and remain in a stationary position for a significant amount of the work day and frequently access, input, and retrieve information from the computer and other office productivity devices. The associate is regularly required to move about the office and around the corporate campus. The associate must frequently move up to 10 pounds and occasionally move up to 25 pounds.
Travel Requirements 20% Minimal travel is required for this position (up to 20% of the time and on a domestic basis).
Join Us The Friedkin Group and its affiliates are committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities, including providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation, please contact us at TalentAcquisition@friedkin.com. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all associates. We are seeking candidates legally authorized to work in the United States, without sponsorship.
#J-18808-Ljbffr