The Director of Technology & Innovation is a dual-focus role designed to bridge the gap between traditional IT infrastructure and market-leading service delivery. Beyond maintaining the internal stability of our network and software systems, this individual will act as a strategic partner in defining our Unique Selling Proposition (USP).
This role ensures that:
- ERP (accounting, dispatch, work order lifecycle, AR/AP, reporting) operates securely and accurately.
- System access aligns with Human Resources onboarding and clearance controls.
- Recruitment, screening, and employment governance systems remain protected.
- Departmental systems across Operations, Finance, Sales, and Human Resources function within documented authority boundaries.
- Financial measurement and internal control integrity are preserved.
- Our field technicians, estimators, and project managers have the most advanced tools available, while simultaneously vetting and implementing client-facing technologies—such as advanced building automation, IoT monitoring, and integrated service platforms—that set us apart from the competition.
The Director of Technology and Innovation governs infrastructure, cybersecurity, ERP configuration controls, data integrity, vendor management, and disaster recovery planning.
Primary Outcomes
- Cyber-Resilience: Zero unauthorized system breaches or unmitigated data exfiltration events.
- System Availability: 99.9% availability of core ERP and field communication platforms.
- Innovation Integration: Successful deployment of at least two profitable revenue-enhancing technological differentiators per fiscal year.
- Compliance: 100% adherence to SOP-FIN-400 series and related financial data controls.
- Audit Readiness: Maintenance of an audit-defensible log of all security patches, vulnerability scans, and vendor risk assessments. Enforced IT governance policies aligned with internal control requirements.
- Other IT and software duties as required.
Core Responsibilities
. Cybersecurity & Risk Mitigation
Description
Responsible for the proactive defense of the enterprise’s digital perimeter and internal data assets. Implement and enforce cybersecurity controls to protect ERP, financial data, payroll data, customer records, and operational systems.This includes accountability for:
- Management of firewall configurations and endpoint protection software.
- Execution of recurring vulnerability scanning and immediate patch deployment.
- Implementation of multi-layered email security and anti-phishing protocols.
- Enterprise-wide data encryption standards and their enforcement for stationary and mobile devices.
- Conduct of formal risk assessments for all third-party technology vendors.
- Incident response documentation
- Internal security audit scores.
- Mean time to detect (MTTD) and mean time to remediate (MTTR) vulnerabilities.
- Incident response documentation
- External security assessment results
- Researching and vetting industry-specific technologies that provide competitive advantages.
- Integrating advanced client-facing tools (e.g., IoT monitoring, automated reporting) into the service delivery model.
- Collaborating with Sales and Operations to ensure technical tools are utilized as a value-add for clients.
- Monitoring market trends to prevent technological obsolescence in service offerings.
- Revenue growth attributed to tech-enhanced service contracts.
- Client adoption rates of digital platforms.
- Net promoter score related to technology-driven revenue streams.
- Network performance management
- Server hosting environment
- Cloud backup systems
- Endpoint device security
- Field technician mobile device management
- Hardware lifecycle replacement planning
- Infrastructure uptime
- Backup validation logs
- Recovery time during outage events
- Role-based access provisioning after documented authorization
- Immediate deactivation upon HR clearance
- Multi-factor authentication enforcement
- Quarterly access audits
- Removal of dormant accounts
- Documentation of access approvals
- Zero unauthorized active accounts
- Deactivation within 24 hours of separation
- Audit completion documentation
- IT security policy maintenance
- Acceptable use policy enforcement
- Disaster recovery plan documentation
- Data retention controls
- IT asset inventory tracking
- Audit readiness documentation
- Policy acknowledgment completion
- Audit findings
- Disaster recovery test validation
Measured By:
2. Strategic Innovation & Revenue Enhancement
Description
Responsible for leveraging technology to enhance the company’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP) in the marketplace.This includes accountability for:
Measured By:
3. IT Infrastructure Governance
Description
Maintain all network, server, cloud, workstation, mobile device, and communication systems supporting ERP software, CRM software, and related platforms.This includes accountability for:
Measured By:
4. Access Control & Authorization
Description
Govern user provisioning and deactivation aligned with HR onboarding and separation controls.This includes accountability for:
Measured By:
5. IT Policy & Compliance Documentation
Description
Develop and maintain enforceable IT governance documentation supporting operational and financial internal controls.This includes accountability for:
Measured By:
Qualifications
- Industry Context: 5+ years of experience in IT or Systems Management, specifically within the Mechanical, Plumbing, Refrigeration trades.
- Technical Versatility: Proven ability to manage both high-level software ecosystems (ERP/CRM) and physical hardware/networking infrastructure.
- Strategic Capability: A track record of implementing technology that directly resulted in increased sales, improved customer retention, or measurable operational savings.
- Communication: Must be able to translate complex technical jargon into clear business value for ownership and simple "how-to" guidance for field personnel.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in IT or Systems Management within Mechanical, Plumbing, Refrigeration trades.
- Proven ability to manage ERP and CRM systems alongside physical networking and hardware infrastructure.
- Track record of implementing technology that increased sales, improved customer retention, or delivered measurable operational savings.
- Strong communication skills to translate technical concepts for business leaders and provide practical guidance to field personnel.
- Experience governing cybersecurity controls, vulnerability management, patching, and incident response.
- Experience with vendor risk assessments, IT governance, disaster recovery planning, and audit readiness.
What We Do
Cogent Analytics is a business management consulting firm committed to serving privately held businesses in the US. Founded in 2014, we've grown from a small team of six to a thriving organization of over 220 dedicated professionals serving Main Street businesses across 36 U.S. states. Our mission is to improve the lives of business owners by providing honest and effective business consulting services. We believe that small to mid-sized businesses are the backbone of our economy and the lifeblood of their communities. Our people-centric approach focuses on the individuals behind the businesses and the communities they serve. At Cogent Analytics, we're more than just a business - we're a family that acts like a business from time to time. We invest heavily in our team, fostering a culture of support, growth, and recognition. We're proud of our A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau, client testimonials, and lifecycle relationships that are testaments to our ethical business practices. Join us as we continue to champion the cause of the entrepreneur, helping businesses overcome challenges, achieve their full potential, and contribute to the strength and vibrancy of our communities. At Cogent, your business is our business — let's build something together. Website: www.cogentanalytics.com Email: [email protected] Phone: (336) 665-8154
