Director of Information Technology

Our client, a century-old fashion company, seeks a Director of Information Technology to join their Bergen County, NJ office.

Function

The Director of Information Technology serves as the strategic and visionary leader for our client's global IT function. This role is responsible for developing and executing enterprise-wide technology strategies that enable innovation, scalability, security, and efficiency across all business units. The Director of IT will own both hardware and software and will work with senior executives to lead digital transformation, implement AI and automation, strengthen cybersecurity, and align technology solutions with business goals in the fast-changing fashion and consumer products sector.

Relationships

This position works closely with the Executive Committee, divisional leadership, and cross-functional partners across Sales, Finance, Operations, Distribution, Design, E-Commerce, and Customer Service. The Director of IT is responsible for overseeing vendor and partner relationships, including managed service providers, contracts, and service level agreements, to ensure strong governance and alignment with the organization's technology goals. The role has direct oversight of IT infrastructure, applications, systems architecture, and the global IT team.

Responsibilities

Enterprise Technology Strategy & Innovation

• Define and execute the organization’s long-term IT strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives, growth goals, and global expansion plans
• Spearhead digital transformation initiatives, including AI, machine learning, automation, and data analytics, to enhance decision-making, efficiency, and customer experience
• Forecast future technological developments and position the organization to leverage emerging tools in areas such as cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, ERP, and e-commerce platforms
• Collaborate with executives to integrate technology into all aspects of the business, from product design and supply chain to distribution and customer engagement

Infrastructure, Security & Compliance

• Manage global IT infrastructure, networks, enterprise systems, and data platforms, ensuring stability, scalability, and security
• Design and maintain a robust cybersecurity framework, including data privacy, risk management, compliance, and incident response protocols
• Validate that all systems and processes adhere to international regulatory standards, including GDPR, CCPA, and industry-specific requirements
• Orchestrate disaster recovery and business continuity planning across all global operations

Governance, Budgeting & Vendor Management

• Collaborate with the CFO/President to develop and manage the IT budget, balancing innovation with cost efficiency
• Architect comprehensive 3–5 year enterprise IT roadmaps, encompassing capital planning, system enhancements, and infrastructure investment strategies
• Administer vendor selection, procurement, and management to maximize value, ensure accountability, and build scalable technology ecosystems
• Authorize major hardware, software, and cloud service investments, ensuring ROI and strategic alignment

Leadership & Team Development

• Deliver visionary leadership to the IT department, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability
• Recruit and mentor a diverse, high-performing IT team with expertise in AI, data science, cloud engineering, cybersecurity, and enterprise applications
• Advance workforce development, including training in emerging technologies and developing future IT leaders
• Act as a bridge between technical and non-technical teams, ensuring technology strategy is clearly communicated and understood at all levels

Data & Business Enablement

• Implement enterprise-wide data governance and analytics to provide real-time business intelligence and support decision-making
• Partner with business leaders to improve operational efficiency through automation, integrated systems, and AI-driven solutions
• Own enterprise ERP, CRM, PLM, and e-commerce system strategy, ensuring platforms evolve with business needs
• Coordinate the integration of systems across wholesale, retail, e-commerce, and external partners
• Advocate for technology initiatives that enhance employee productivity, customer satisfaction, and shareholder value

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field required; Master’s degree or MBA preferred
• 12–15+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, including senior management roles in a global or multinational organization
• Proven success leading enterprise technology transformations, including cloud migration, AI/automation, and cybersecurity initiatives
• Strong track record in IT governance, compliance, vendor management, and financial planning
• Exceptional leadership skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with executive leadership
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing multi-million-dollar budgets and technology investments
• Innovative, forward-thinking, and adaptable, with a passion for leveraging technology to drive competitive advantage
• Expertise in enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, BI tools, e-commerce platforms) and advanced knowledge of cloud technologies (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud)

JobID: 47838