Information Technology Director of Applications and Innovation

Job Description

Information Technology Director of Applications and Innovation

The Opportunity

General Dynamics Land Systems is seeking an Information Technology Director of Applications and Innovation who will be responsible for driving business innovation through the use of digital technology, overseeing Information Technology applications operations , IT Information Program Office (PMO) and Information Service Management. This role will be located at either our Sterling Heights MI headquarters or London, Ontario facility and will report to the Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Who We Are

Our primary focus at General Dynamics Land Systems is partnering with those who protect our freedom and ensuring their readiness for today's requirements and tomorrow's challenges.

Known for leading-edge innovation, we are developing next-generation capabilities across our portfolio and integrating discriminating technologies to win the future fight . We are a global leader in designing, engineering, producing, supporting and sustaining tracked and wheeled military equipment. General Dynamics Land Systems is h eadquartered in Sterling Heights, MI and employs approximately 7, 3 00 employees worldwide.

Land Systems is part of General Dynamics, a global aerospace and defense compan y that offers a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 110,000 people worldwide .

The Role

The Information Technology Director of Applications and Innovation is responsible for driving innovation through the strategic implementation of cutting-edge technologies. This Senior role will identify opportunities for technological advancements, along with fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of industry trends.

This role will drive synergies across the organization by standardizing the application portfolio and ensuring optimal resource utilization by preventing duplication of effort. Additionally, this position will involve strategically deploying the most skilled employees for global activities to maximize efficiency and productivity.

In addition, the Information Director of Applications and Innovation will lead a team of approximately 80 employees and be responsible for leading major I nformation Technology projects that drive business innovation along with ensur ing the successful delivery of I nformation Technology services and projects that align with the organization's strategic goals.

Key Job Elements and Responsibilities

Leadership and Management:

• Lead s , mentor s , and manage s a team of approximately 80 I nformation T echnology professionals, including application support specialists, project managers, and IT service management staff, that are geographically dispersed.
• Mentor direct staff, providing a path for succession.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the team, promoting professional development and growth opportunities.

Strategy and Innovation :

• Develop and implement strategic plans for IT applications, IT PMO, and IT service management in alignment with the company's overall IT strategy.
• Proactively identify industry trends and emerging technologies that drive innovation and create a competitive edge.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and automation to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of IT operations and project delivery.

IT Applications Operations:

• Oversee the daily operations and maintenance of the company's IT applications to ensure optimal performance and availability.
• Drive standardization across all locations to a common application footprint to minimize cost and optimize process efficiencies.
• Ensure robust monitoring, incident management, and problem resolution processes are in place to minimize downtime and service disruptions.
• Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and standards for application management, security, and compliance.

IT Program Management Office (PMO):

• O verse e the IT PMO, ensuring effective project governance, prioritization, and resource allocation.
• Lead the planning, execution, and successful delivery of major IT projects that transform the business across the global enterprise.
• C ollaborate with other IT and business leaders to prioritize and deliver projects on time and within budget.

IT Service Management:

• Oversee IT service management processes, including incident, problem, change, and release management, to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Implement and maintain IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL) to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
• Monitor IT service performance, identifying opportunities for improvement and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Stakeholder Management:

• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, including executive leadership, to provide updates on IT applications operations, projects, and service management.
• Manage relationships with key vendors and service providers to ensure high-quality service delivery and support.

Budgeting and Resource Management :

• Develop and manage IT applications, IT PMO, and IT service management budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources across all global locations.
• Allocate and optimize resources across all locations to meet operational and project demands.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in I nformation T echnology , Computer Science, Business Administration, or relevant experience. ( MBA/MS a plus )
• Minimum of 1 5 years of experience in I nformation T echnology M anagement, with at least 10 years in a leadership role leading information technology applications operations, program management, and service management.
• Must have proven experience managing global teams and large-scale IT projects.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to align information technology initiatives with business goals and objectives.
• Strong knowledge of IT applications, project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, PMP), and IT service management frameworks (e.g., ITIL).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and experience

• Demonstrated high level of autonomous decision-making ability, with excellent organizational, written and interpersonal skills
• Ability to build relationships with internal stakeholders and external customers
• Has the a bility to travel up to 20% when required
• Familiarity and experience working within sensitive and or classified program environments desired

Additional Information

• This position may require occasional travel to various global locations.
• Availability to work outside regular business hours as needed , to address critical issues or coordinate with global teams.
• Available 24 x 7 to manage severity of incidents as it relates to application environment.

GDLS offers comprehensive and competitive health, wellness and retirement plan s . Our medical plans are designed with you in mind to support your physical, financial and emotional well-being. In addition, we offer paid vacation, company-paid holidays, a market competitive, robust cash compensation program that includes both base pay and incentive program participation called, It Pays to Perform .

GDLS considers factors such as, scope/responsibilities of the position, candidate experience and education/training background, in addition to local market comparable s and business considerations when extending an offer.

Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company offering a broad portfolio of products and services in business aviation; ship construction and repair; land combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; and technology products and services. General Dynamics employs more than 100,000 people across 65 countries worldwide and in all 50 U.S. states, more information is available at General Dynamics Land Systems, is a business unit of General Dynamics, and is an innovative leader of ground combat systems' equipment and software for our clients. Our performance-driven team partners with the U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corp and other militaries across the Globe to ensure that next generation ground combat vehicles are ready to protect our fighting men and women in uniform. General Dynamics Lands Systems provides a competitive compensation package, site specific flexible work schedules, 401(k) with Company Match; Bonus Eligibility, Employee Development Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, On-site Amenities, and comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, General Dynamics Land Systems ("GDLS") provides all persons with equal opportunity and access to all aspects of employment process, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or membership in any group protected by federal, state, or local anti-discrimination laws. GDLS also is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans.. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation to search or apply for an opportunity with GDLS, please call or send an e-mail to [email protected] for assistance and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.