Director of Technology

Title: Director of Technology
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer Classification: Exempt
Department: Technology Position Type: Full-Time
At SmartChoice, we’re reshaping the way businesses communicate, connecting them with innovative solutions through our SMART Network. As a trusted Voice Carrier, Internet Service Provider, Microsoft Teams Partner, and Service Expert, we help companies nationwide achieve new levels of performance with our tailored and cutting-edge technology. We're passionate about delivering exceptional white-glove service, and our team is key to keeping businesses moving forward.

Why Join Us?
At SmartChoice, we believe that greatness is achieved through collaboration, creativity, and a relentless commitment to white glove service and customer success. We don’t just sell products—we build partnerships and create lasting impacts for businesses across the country. As a leading provider of advanced voice, internet, and communications solutions, we empower our clients with the tools they need to thrive in today’s fast-paced, tech-driven world.
At SmartChoice, we believe our people are the heart of what we do, and we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where everyone’s voice is heard. Our culture thrives on creativity, collaboration, and celebrating successes—big and small.
As part of our team, you'll be joining a company that values innovation, teamwork, community engagement, and professional growth. Whether it's through professional development, team-building events, or mentorship opportunities, we ensure that our employees feel supported and empowered to achieve their goals. If you're driven, passionate, and ready to make an impact, we want you to be part of our journey.

Position Overview:
The Director of Technology will lead the technology strategy and operations for a dynamic telecommunications company. This role will oversee the development, network operations and maintenance of cutting-edge telecom technologies, ensuring seamless and scalable connectivity solutions. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of telecommunications infrastructure, including wireless networks, fiber optics, VoIP, 5G technology, and cloud-based services, while driving innovation, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership:
  
  • Develop and implement the company’s technology vision and roadmap, aligned with overall business objectives.
  • Lead and manage cross-functional teams, including software, hardware, network engineers, and IT operations.
  • Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and prioritize new telecom technologies and services.
• Infrastructure & Operations:
  
  • Oversee the planning, design, and deployment of telecom networks, including 5G, MSP, and satellite.
  • Ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of telecommunications infrastructure.
  • Lead efforts in optimizing network performance, minimizing downtime, and addressing operational inefficiencies.
• Innovation & Emerging Technologies:
  
  • Identify and evaluate emerging technologies such as IoT, AI, edge computing, and blockchain relevant to telecom.
  • Lead R&D efforts to develop new services and products, and drive adoption of advanced technology within the company.
  • Experience managing Software as a Service (SaaS) products on AWS and Azure
  • Familiarity with Digital Ocean
  • Knowledge of Linux
  • Expertise with open-source telephony distributions such as Asterisk and Kamailio
  • Knowledge of PHP, React, and Node.js
  • Experience with Open Source Linux distributions like CentOS
  • Experience with designing failover solutions for products between datacenters or regions
  • Understanding of databases- AWS RDS(relationship database service)
  • Understanding of NAS/SAN deployments(failover/backups/restore)
  • Knowledge of SIP endpoints including Cisco Session Border Elements (SIP CUBES), Polycom, Yealink, and Grandstream- Phones/Analog Telephone adapters and SBC’s
  • Experience with Microsoft Teams Voice integration
  • Experience with carriers like Lumen, Bandwidth.com, and Twilio
  • Understanding of SMS/MMS
  • Experience Maintaining uptime for PBXs and other real-time protocol systems that require 24/7/365 uptime
  • Understandings of basic app development steps- Apple & Android stores, including implementation and quality assurance
  • Knowledge of VoIP protocols and technologies (SIP,TLS, SRTP,)
  • Experience with call analytics and monitoring tools (Packet capture) (SNORT)
  • Familiarity with security practices for voice networks (e.g., encryption, e911, stir/shaken)
  • Deep experience with Cisco, Meraki, and Fortinet products- both enterprise and datacenter from Enterprise Cisco 1010 firewalls up to AS1001X Datacenter Routers
  • Advanced knowledge of routers, switches, firewalls, and DNS management
  • Comprehensive understanding of wireless networking technologies and deployment- Meraki/Aruba/Ubiquiti
  • Heatmaps- predictive and live
  • Proficiency with deploying and maintaining monitoring tools such as Nagios and PRTG
  • Experience deploying SNMP and ICMP sensors
  • Understanding of packet captures and
  • Understanding of protocols like BGP, OSPF, HSRP, VPNs, and SD-WAN
  • Experience with ISP deployments
  • Experience working with ARIN for IP address
  • Deep knowledge of Microsoft standards for enterprise deployments
  • Proficiency in Active Directory management
  • Expertise in Windows Server editions
  • Knowledge of Windows 10/11
  • Management of file shares and related services
  • Proficiency in SharePoint and Microsoft Teams
  • Experience with Microsoft Teams Voice, including Session Border Controllers integrations
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft 365 applications and services
  • Experience with Atera or another endpoint manager
  • Experience with migrations to Microsoft 365
  • Knowledge of End Point protection systems like SentinelOne
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management:
  
  • Build and maintain relationships with key technology vendors and service providers.
  • Manage procurement processes and negotiate contracts to ensure cost-effective and high-quality solutions.
• Regulatory Compliance:
  
  • Ensure that all technology operations adhere to industry standards and comply with local, national, and international telecom regulations.
  • Work with legal and compliance teams to ensure data privacy, security, and other regulatory requirements.
• Budget & Resource Management:
  
  • Develop and manage the technology budget, ensuring cost-efficiency and alignment with business priorities.
  • Allocate resources to various projects based on strategic importance and technical requirements.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  
  • Lead, mentor, and grow the technical teams, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and innovation.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and establish training programs to enhance team expertise.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Telecommunications, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in telecom technology leadership roles.
• Proven track record of managing large-scale telecom projects, particularly in network design, deployment, and operations.
• Strong understanding of telecommunications regulations and standards.
• Experience with emerging technologies such as SaaS products on AWS and Azure.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, innovative environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience with telecom software solutions, such as OSS/BSS systems.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and data protection strategies in telecom environments.
• Understanding of AI, machine learning, and automation technologies within telecom networks

Perks:

• Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)
• Generous paid time off
• Employer-matched 401(k)
• Monthly cell phone stipend
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid time off

What We Offer:

• Culture of Innovation: You’ll be part of a forward-thinking team that’s driving the future of business communications.
• Growth Opportunities: As SmartChoice continues to expand, so do the opportunities for our team members to take on new challenges.
• Fun & Collaborative Environment: We’re serious about our work, but we also know how to have a good time. From team-building events to spontaneous brainstorming sessions, SmartChoice is a place where your voice will be heard, and your efforts will be recognized.

At SmartChoice, we embrace a work culture that champions teamwork, creativity, and fun while striving for excellence in everything we do. We believe that when passionate individuals come together, great things happen. If you’re looking to contribute to a growing company that is shaping the future of business communication, we want you on our team. Apply now and start making your mark at SmartChoice!
SmartChoice provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Discrimination of any type is not tolerated.