Director of IT

We are a leading ship agency serving customers in major ports across the United States. Our ability to deliver time-sensitive, compliant port services relies on robust technology. As we strengthen cybersecurity, data governance, and analytics, we are seeking an experienced IT Manager to lead IT operations, ensure compliance, and serve as the primary IT liaison with our parent company.

The IT Director will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, IT compliance, and analytics. This includes supporting the further development of internal systems, advancing the adoption of AI tools in the business, enabling Power BI reporting, and ensuring data integrity and secure, compliant user access/permissions across systems. You will coordinate with internal operations, external IT service providers, and corporate IT and Telecommunications teams, as well as the parent company’s audit/compliance teams, ensuring alignment with corporate standards and policies. As a key strategic partner, you will balance both hands-on technical expertise and leadership to align IT functions with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

IT Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee all technology operations, infrastructure, networks, cloud services, telecommunications, end-user computing, and enterprise applications delivered through third-party providers.
• Ensure technology platforms are reliable, scalable, secure, and aligned with business requirements.
• Monitor system availability, operational performance, and service delivery against established performance standards.
• Lead business continuity, disaster recovery, backup, and operational resilience programs.
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, eliminate inefficiencies, and modernize technology infrastructure.
• Drive IT cost optimization initiatives through vendor rationalization, license management, system consolidation, and continuous improvement of technology spend.

Cybersecurity & IT Governance

• Oversee managed service providers' cybersecurity activities, including threat monitoring, incident response, vulnerability management, penetration testing, and remediation efforts.
• Establish and maintain governance frameworks covering cybersecurity, information technology, data management, risk management, compliance, and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with applicable cybersecurity, privacy, maritime, and regulatory requirements, including NIST, ISO 27001, and other relevant industry frameworks.
• Establish and enforce policies governing system access, segregation of duties, change management, data protection, and technology risk management.
• Provide regular reporting to executive leadership regarding cybersecurity posture, key technology risks, compliance matters, and governance effectiveness.

Strategic Planning & Digital Transformation

• Support management to develop and maintain the Company's technology roadmap, ensuring technology investments support long-term business objectives, operational excellence, scalability, and growth.
• Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, digital enablement, and efficiency gains.
• Support management to develop an enterprise systems architecture and integration strategy, including the expansion and integration of the Company's proprietary platforms with customers, vendors, and other key external stakeholders.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend solutions that improve operational effectiveness, security, data accessibility, and customer experience.

Vendor & Service Provider Management

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for managed IT service providers, software vendors, telecommunications providers, and technology consultants.
• Establish, monitor, and enforce service level agreements (SLAs), key performance indicators (KPIs), and contractual obligations.
• Monitor helpdesk performance and end-user support services to ensure timely resolution of issues and a high level of user satisfaction.
• Lead vendor selection, contract negotiations, renewals, and performance reviews.
• Continuously assess vendor performance, service quality, and value for money to support cost optimization objectives.

IT Financial Management & Procurement

• Develop and manage the annual IT budget, forecasts, and long-term technology investment plans.
• Monitor technology expenditures and identify opportunities to reduce costs while maintaining service quality and security.
• Review software licensing, cloud consumption, support agreements, and vendor pricing structures to maximize value and eliminate unnecessary spending.
• Establish governance and approval processes for technology procurement and investment decisions.
• Measure and report on technology spending, return on investment, vendor performance, and realized cost savings.

Data, Analytics & Business Intelligence

• Lead the Company's data, analytics, and business intelligence function, including oversight, development, and performance management of the data analytics team.
• Support management in developing and maintaining an enterprise data governance framework, including data ownership, quality standards, controls, security, stewardship, and retention practices.
• Develop a trusted, standardized, and scalable data environment that enables accurate reporting, performance measurement, and decision-making across the organization.
• Help transform operational, financial, commercial, and customer data into actionable insights that improve business performance, identify opportunities, and support strategic decision-making.
• Promote a data-driven culture by improving accessibility, quality, and effective use of information throughout the organization.

Qualifications & Requirements

Working Conditions

• This position is based in a professional office environment and requires prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer.
• Work is typically performed in a climate-controlled setting with standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.
• Occasional lifting of office supplies or documents weighing up to 25 pounds may be required.
• Minimal exposure to physical risk; however, employees must follow all company safety protocols, including proper ergonomic practices and general workplace safety procedures.
• May be required to attend safety briefings or training relevant to the maritime industry to support understanding of company operations.
• Must adhere to all workplace policies and contribute to a safe, organized, and professional office environment.

EEO Statement

Norton Lilly International is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.