Highlights
Own key enterprise and maritime technology platforms, including ABS NSE, NAVTOR, Docmap, Satcom solutions, Workday-related initiatives, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, data and analytics solutions, and future enterprise applications. Success in this role will be measured by project delivery, technology adoption, IT service performance, vendor accountability, business-process improvement, data quality, technology investment value and progress against the digital technology roadmap.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Houston, TX |
| Industry | Staffing/Employment Agencies |
| Company Size | 50 to 99 employees |
| Year Founded | 2000 |
| Website | http://www.searchsvc.com/ |
Description
MANAGER, DIGITAL SYSTEMS & IT OPERATIONS
ABOUT OUR CLIENT
Our Client operates in the maritime industry, supporting vessel and shoreside operations through technology-enabled business processes and services. With a focus on operational excellence, digital innovation and continuous improvement, Our Client is committed to using technology to strengthen efficiency, reliability and business performance.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Are you a technology leader who thrives at the intersection of business operations, digital transformation and IT service delivery?
Our Client is seeking a Manager, Digital Systems & IT Operations to lead technology strategy, enterprise systems, digital initiatives and IT service performance across its fleet and shoreside operations.
This is a highly visible, business-facing leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys turning complex operational challenges into practical technology solutions. You will shape digital roadmaps, oversee critical enterprise and maritime technology platforms, manage strategic vendor relationships and lead initiatives that improve how people, processes and systems work together.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Information Technology, you will work closely with operational leaders, technical teams and external technology partners while directly managing the IT Operations Coordinator.
The role emphasizes strategic direction, program ownership, prioritization, service governance, vendor accountability and measurable business outcomes rather than day-to-day administrative execution.
RESPONSIBILITIES
DIGITAL SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY
Develop and maintain technology roadmaps supporting fleet and shoreside operations.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, compliance, service quality, decision-making and user experience through technology, automation and data.
Evaluate emerging technologies, enterprise platforms and digital services for alignment with operational objectives and the broader technology environment.
Prioritize competing technology initiatives to maximize business value and resource effectiveness.
Establish technology standards, service expectations and governance practices.
PROGRAM & PRODUCT OWNERSHIP
Lead major digital transformation initiatives from business requirements through implementation, adoption and ongoing optimization.
Own key enterprise and maritime technology platforms, including ABS NSE, NAVTOR, Docmap, Satcom solutions, Workday-related initiatives, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, data and analytics solutions, and future enterprise applications.
Define project outcomes, functional requirements, implementation priorities and measures of success.
Align stakeholders across departments and resolve competing business and technology requirements.
Oversee user acceptance testing, implementation readiness, operational transitions and post-deployment improvements.
Evaluate delivered solutions to ensure they meet operational requirements and intended business outcomes.
IT SERVICE MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONAL GOVERNANCE
Lead the IT service-management framework supporting fleet and shoreside operations.
Establish service standards, escalation protocols and operational expectations for internal teams, managed service providers and specialist vendors.
Monitor service performance, support ticket trends, recurring incidents and unresolved technical issues.
Identify root causes of systemic service issues and drive corrective actions that improve reliability and user experience.
Serve as the escalation and decision-making authority for significant IT operational incidents.
Clarify responsibilities across internal resources, managed service providers and external technology partners.
Use service metrics and operational data to drive continuous improvement.
VENDOR & STRATEGIC PARTNER MANAGEMENT
Manage strategic relationships with managed service providers, enterprise software vendors, maritime technology partners, consultants and development providers.
Establish clear vendor performance expectations for service quality, timelines, deliverables and contractual obligations.
Lead vendor evaluations and recommend technology solutions and service providers.
Review and negotiate statements of work, proposed service changes and commercial agreements in collaboration with appropriate leadership.
Address recurring vendor performance challenges and recommend adjustments to provider relationships, service delivery models or contractual scope.
Ensure external technology partners remain aligned with Our Client's operational requirements and business priorities.
PROJECT & PORTFOLIO LEADERSHIP
Lead significant fleet and shoreside technology projects and improvement programs.
Define project scope, milestones, priorities, success criteria and key decision points.
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives involving Operations, Fleet Management, Technical, HSSQE, Crewing/Human Resources, Finance and other business functions.
Manage project risks, dependencies, competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
Communicate project status, critical decisions and recommendations to senior leadership.
Ensure successful transitions from implementation to sustainable business operations.
Direct the IT Operations Coordinator in maintaining project schedules, action registers, deployment plans and stakeholder follow-up activities.
FINANCIAL & COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT
Partner with the Senior Vice President, Information Technology, on technology budgets, forecasts and investment planning.
Develop technology business cases and investment recommendations as directed by senior IT leadership.
Evaluate vendor proposals, quotations and statements of work for business value, cost effectiveness and operational impact.
Monitor technology expenditures, vendor costs and contract performance.
Identify opportunities to improve technology investment value and commercial efficiency.
Approve or recommend technology purchases within established authorization limits.
Collaborate with Finance and executive stakeholders on significant technology investments.
BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT & AUTOMATION
Identify opportunities to streamline business processes through digital solutions, workflow improvements, automation and better use of data.
Provide solution direction for Microsoft Power Platform and other low-code automation initiatives.
Evaluate and prioritize automation opportunities based on measurable business benefits and long-term sustainability.
Ensure technology improvements address underlying process inefficiencies rather than simply automating existing practices.
Guide the IT Operations Coordinator in developing and maintaining approved routine automation solutions.
DATA, REPORTING & ANALYTICS
Define technology and operational reporting requirements that support business performance and informed decision-making.
Analyze service metrics, system data and business-process information to identify performance trends, operational risks and improvement opportunities.
Establish priorities for dashboards, business intelligence and reporting capabilities.
Translate operational data into actionable recommendations for management.
Support broader data initiatives that improve fleet performance, operational visibility and business decision-making.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Serve as a primary technology partner to Fleet Management, Operations, Technical, HSSQE, Crewing/Human Resources, Finance and executive leadership.
Translate business challenges and operational requirements into clear technology priorities and actionable solutions.
Build consensus around technology decisions affecting multiple departments and vessel operations.
Communicate technical concepts, solution options and investment recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Develop strong working relationships with vessel personnel and shoreside teams to understand business needs, operational challenges and improvement opportunities.
TEAM LEADERSHIP
Directly manage, coach and develop the IT Operations Coordinator.
Establish clear performance expectations, responsibilities and operational priorities.
Delegate routine coordination and operational activities while maintaining accountability for overall service and project outcomes.
Support the Coordinator's professional development and progressively expand responsibilities as appropriate.
Maintain clear accountability across internal staff, the IT Operations Coordinator, managed service providers and external vendors.
DECISION-MAKING & ACCOUNTABILITY
Set digital technology priorities, system roadmaps and operational standards.
Own major system requirements and guide enterprise solution decisions.
Lead significant digital initiatives, technology programs and IT service-management practices.
Serve as the escalation authority for critical IT operational matters.
Lead vendor strategy and provide contractual and commercial recommendations.
Develop technology investment business cases and recommendations under the direction of the Senior Vice President, Information Technology.
Establish documentation requirements, technology standards and service-governance expectations.
Direct automation initiatives and continuous digital improvement efforts.
Manage and develop the IT Operations Coordinator.
Success in this role will be measured by project delivery, technology adoption, IT service performance, vendor accountability, business-process improvement, data quality, technology investment value and progress against the digital technology roadmap.
QUALIFICATIONS
Significant progressive experience in information technology, digital systems, enterprise applications or a related technology discipline.
Demonstrated success leading complex technology projects involving multiple departments, vendors and business stakeholders.
Experience managing enterprise applications, IT services or managed service providers.
Strong knowledge of IT service management, service delivery governance and operational support models.
Proven ability to translate business requirements and operational challenges into effective technology solutions.
Experience evaluating technology investments, vendor proposals, commercial agreements and statements of work.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technology concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities, manage concurrent initiatives and respond to operational demands.
Experience supervising, coaching or developing team members.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience supporting maritime, transportation, industrial, remote or other around-the-clock operational environments.
Familiarity with enterprise applications, maritime digital systems or fleet-management technology platforms.
Experience with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Microsoft Power Platform and business intelligence solutions.
Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), human resources information systems (HRIS) or comparable operational technology platforms.
Experience with data analytics, workflow optimization and business-process automation.
Formal training or certification in project management or IT service management.
Our Client operates in the maritime industry, supporting vessel and shoreside operations through technology-enabled business processes and services. With a focus on operational excellence, digital innovation and continuous improvement, Our Client is committed to using technology to strengthen efficiency, reliability and business performance.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Are you a technology leader who thrives at the intersection of business operations, digital transformation and IT service delivery?
Our Client is seeking a Manager, Digital Systems & IT Operations to lead technology strategy, enterprise systems, digital initiatives and IT service performance across its fleet and shoreside operations.
This is a highly visible, business-facing leadership opportunity for someone who enjoys turning complex operational challenges into practical technology solutions. You will shape digital roadmaps, oversee critical enterprise and maritime technology platforms, manage strategic vendor relationships and lead initiatives that improve how people, processes and systems work together.
Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Information Technology, you will work closely with operational leaders, technical teams and external technology partners while directly managing the IT Operations Coordinator.
The role emphasizes strategic direction, program ownership, prioritization, service governance, vendor accountability and measurable business outcomes rather than day-to-day administrative execution.
RESPONSIBILITIES
DIGITAL SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY
Develop and maintain technology roadmaps supporting fleet and shoreside operations.
Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, compliance, service quality, decision-making and user experience through technology, automation and data.
Evaluate emerging technologies, enterprise platforms and digital services for alignment with operational objectives and the broader technology environment.
Prioritize competing technology initiatives to maximize business value and resource effectiveness.
Establish technology standards, service expectations and governance practices.
PROGRAM & PRODUCT OWNERSHIP
Lead major digital transformation initiatives from business requirements through implementation, adoption and ongoing optimization.
Own key enterprise and maritime technology platforms, including ABS NSE, NAVTOR, Docmap, Satcom solutions, Workday-related initiatives, Microsoft 365, Power Platform, data and analytics solutions, and future enterprise applications.
Define project outcomes, functional requirements, implementation priorities and measures of success.
Align stakeholders across departments and resolve competing business and technology requirements.
Oversee user acceptance testing, implementation readiness, operational transitions and post-deployment improvements.
Evaluate delivered solutions to ensure they meet operational requirements and intended business outcomes.
IT SERVICE MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONAL GOVERNANCE
Lead the IT service-management framework supporting fleet and shoreside operations.
Establish service standards, escalation protocols and operational expectations for internal teams, managed service providers and specialist vendors.
Monitor service performance, support ticket trends, recurring incidents and unresolved technical issues.
Identify root causes of systemic service issues and drive corrective actions that improve reliability and user experience.
Serve as the escalation and decision-making authority for significant IT operational incidents.
Clarify responsibilities across internal resources, managed service providers and external technology partners.
Use service metrics and operational data to drive continuous improvement.
VENDOR & STRATEGIC PARTNER MANAGEMENT
Manage strategic relationships with managed service providers, enterprise software vendors, maritime technology partners, consultants and development providers.
Establish clear vendor performance expectations for service quality, timelines, deliverables and contractual obligations.
Lead vendor evaluations and recommend technology solutions and service providers.
Review and negotiate statements of work, proposed service changes and commercial agreements in collaboration with appropriate leadership.
Address recurring vendor performance challenges and recommend adjustments to provider relationships, service delivery models or contractual scope.
Ensure external technology partners remain aligned with Our Client's operational requirements and business priorities.
PROJECT & PORTFOLIO LEADERSHIP
Lead significant fleet and shoreside technology projects and improvement programs.
Define project scope, milestones, priorities, success criteria and key decision points.
Coordinate cross-functional initiatives involving Operations, Fleet Management, Technical, HSSQE, Crewing/Human Resources, Finance and other business functions.
Manage project risks, dependencies, competing priorities and stakeholder expectations.
Communicate project status, critical decisions and recommendations to senior leadership.
Ensure successful transitions from implementation to sustainable business operations.
Direct the IT Operations Coordinator in maintaining project schedules, action registers, deployment plans and stakeholder follow-up activities.
FINANCIAL & COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT
Partner with the Senior Vice President, Information Technology, on technology budgets, forecasts and investment planning.
Develop technology business cases and investment recommendations as directed by senior IT leadership.
Evaluate vendor proposals, quotations and statements of work for business value, cost effectiveness and operational impact.
Monitor technology expenditures, vendor costs and contract performance.
Identify opportunities to improve technology investment value and commercial efficiency.
Approve or recommend technology purchases within established authorization limits.
Collaborate with Finance and executive stakeholders on significant technology investments.
BUSINESS PROCESS IMPROVEMENT & AUTOMATION
Identify opportunities to streamline business processes through digital solutions, workflow improvements, automation and better use of data.
Provide solution direction for Microsoft Power Platform and other low-code automation initiatives.
Evaluate and prioritize automation opportunities based on measurable business benefits and long-term sustainability.
Ensure technology improvements address underlying process inefficiencies rather than simply automating existing practices.
Guide the IT Operations Coordinator in developing and maintaining approved routine automation solutions.
DATA, REPORTING & ANALYTICS
Define technology and operational reporting requirements that support business performance and informed decision-making.
Analyze service metrics, system data and business-process information to identify performance trends, operational risks and improvement opportunities.
Establish priorities for dashboards, business intelligence and reporting capabilities.
Translate operational data into actionable recommendations for management.
Support broader data initiatives that improve fleet performance, operational visibility and business decision-making.
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Serve as a primary technology partner to Fleet Management, Operations, Technical, HSSQE, Crewing/Human Resources, Finance and executive leadership.
Translate business challenges and operational requirements into clear technology priorities and actionable solutions.
Build consensus around technology decisions affecting multiple departments and vessel operations.
Communicate technical concepts, solution options and investment recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Develop strong working relationships with vessel personnel and shoreside teams to understand business needs, operational challenges and improvement opportunities.
TEAM LEADERSHIP
Directly manage, coach and develop the IT Operations Coordinator.
Establish clear performance expectations, responsibilities and operational priorities.
Delegate routine coordination and operational activities while maintaining accountability for overall service and project outcomes.
Support the Coordinator's professional development and progressively expand responsibilities as appropriate.
Maintain clear accountability across internal staff, the IT Operations Coordinator, managed service providers and external vendors.
DECISION-MAKING & ACCOUNTABILITY
Set digital technology priorities, system roadmaps and operational standards.
Own major system requirements and guide enterprise solution decisions.
Lead significant digital initiatives, technology programs and IT service-management practices.
Serve as the escalation authority for critical IT operational matters.
Lead vendor strategy and provide contractual and commercial recommendations.
Develop technology investment business cases and recommendations under the direction of the Senior Vice President, Information Technology.
Establish documentation requirements, technology standards and service-governance expectations.
Direct automation initiatives and continuous digital improvement efforts.
Manage and develop the IT Operations Coordinator.
Success in this role will be measured by project delivery, technology adoption, IT service performance, vendor accountability, business-process improvement, data quality, technology investment value and progress against the digital technology roadmap.
QUALIFICATIONS
Significant progressive experience in information technology, digital systems, enterprise applications or a related technology discipline.
Demonstrated success leading complex technology projects involving multiple departments, vendors and business stakeholders.
Experience managing enterprise applications, IT services or managed service providers.
Strong knowledge of IT service management, service delivery governance and operational support models.
Proven ability to translate business requirements and operational challenges into effective technology solutions.
Experience evaluating technology investments, vendor proposals, commercial agreements and statements of work.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technology concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities, manage concurrent initiatives and respond to operational demands.
Experience supervising, coaching or developing team members.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience supporting maritime, transportation, industrial, remote or other around-the-clock operational environments.
Familiarity with enterprise applications, maritime digital systems or fleet-management technology platforms.
Experience with Microsoft 365, SharePoint, Microsoft Power Platform and business intelligence solutions.
Knowledge of enterprise resource planning (ERP), computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), human resources information systems (HRIS) or comparable operational technology platforms.
Experience with data analytics, workflow optimization and business-process automation.
Formal training or certification in project management or IT service management.
About Company
With well over 100 combined years of recruiting experience, Search Services remains Houston's premier search firm focusing on Accounting & Finance, IT, and office administrative positions. Whether you're actively engaged in a job search or are passively looking for the next step in your career progression, let us be your eyes and ears in the Houston marketplace. Our services cost you nothing and we like to approach your job search in a consultative and highly discreet manner.