Technical lead manager, corporate IT

📐 About the Role

We're seeking an IT Director/TLM Lead to architect and scale our technology infrastructure for a rapidly growing AI company. You'll build world-class IT operations that support our unique needs, from managing high-performance computing hardware to implementing AI-powered IT automation. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise to create seamless technology experiences while optimizing costs and driving operational excellence.

🦸🏻‍♀️ Your Responsibilities

Hardware & Software Procurement Strategy

• Lead global procurement strategy for endpoints, servers, and specialized AI hardware (GPUs, TPUs)

• Negotiate enterprise agreements saving 30%+ on hardware and software spend

• Establish vendor relationships with key OEMs and software providers

• Create standardized hardware configurations for different role types

• Manage refresh cycles optimizing performance vs. cost

• Build procurement workflows with automated approval chains

• Coordinate logistics for global equipment distribution and returns

License Management & Optimization

• Centralize license management across 200+ software applications

• Implement software asset management (SAM) platform for real-time visibility

• Create automated true-up processes for enterprise agreements

• Build license harvesting programs reclaiming unused seats

• Establish showback/chargeback models for departmental spending

• Develop compliance dashboard preventing audit risks

• Negotiate and manage contracts for AI development tools and platforms

AI-Powered IT Automation

• Implement AI chatbots for Level 1 support handling 70% of requests

• Deploy intelligent ticket routing and categorization using NLP

• Create predictive analytics for incident prevention

• Build automated fulfillment for common requests (access, software, hardware)

• Develop virtual IT assistant for employee self-service

• Implement sentiment analysis for service quality monitoring

• Create automation playbooks for repetitive IT tasks

IT Engineering & Infrastructure

• Design scalable IT architecture supporting 10x growth

• Implement configuration management and monitoring systems

• Build disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities

• Create network infrastructure supporting hybrid work

• Establish VPN and remote access solutions

• Deploy collaboration tools and video conferencing infrastructure

• Manage certificates, domains, and DNS infrastructure

Identity & Access Management

• Architect enterprise IAM strategy with SSO/MFA everywhere

• Implement automated provisioning/deprovisioning workflows

• Design role-based access control (RBAC) frameworks

• Build identity lifecycle management from hire to retire

• Create privileged access management for sensitive systems

• Establish access review and certification processes

• Integrate IAM with HR systems for real-time updates

Device & Endpoint Management

• Deploy unified endpoint management (UEM) platform

• Implement zero-touch deployment for global workforce

• Create device compliance policies and enforcement

• Build remote support capabilities for distributed teams

• Establish mobile device management for BYOD

• Manage firmware updates and security patching

• Create asset tracking from procurement to disposal

Service Excellence & Customer Experience

• Transform IT from support function to business enabler

• Implement ITSM platform with integrated knowledge base

• Create service catalog with automated fulfillment

• Build employee experience scoring and feedback loops

• Establish SLAs aligned with business priorities

• Develop proactive support using predictive analytics

• Create IT concierge service for executive support

Cost Optimization & Financial Management

• Implement FinOps practices for IT spend visibility

• Create cost allocation models by department/project

• Build automated budget tracking and alerting

• Develop benchmarks for IT spend per employee

• Establish vendor scorecards and performance metrics

• Optimize licensing through usage analytics

• Create TCO models for build vs. buy decisions

⭐️ What We're Looking For

Required Experience

• 10+ years in IT leadership with 5+ years in director-level roles

• Proven experience scaling IT operations in high-growth companies

• Deep expertise in enterprise IT architecture and service delivery

• Track record managing $10M+ IT budgets and vendor relationships

• Experience supporting AI/ML companies or research organizations

• Strong background in IT automation and process optimization

Technical Expertise

• Expert knowledge of ITSM platforms (ServiceNow, Remedy, Jira)

• Proficiency with endpoint management tools (Jamf, Intune, Workspace ONE)

• Experience with software asset management and license optimization

• Understanding of AI/ML tools for IT automation

• Knowledge of identity providers and access management

• Familiarity with procurement and vendor management best practices

Execution & Impact

• Demonstrated ability to reduce IT costs by 30%+ through optimization

• Track record of achieving 95%+ employee satisfaction scores

• Experience implementing IT automation reducing tickets by 60%+

• History of successful large-scale technology deployments

• Strong vendor negotiation skills with proven savings

• Excellence in stakeholder management and communication

Preferred Qualifications

• ITIL v4 Foundation or higher certification

• Experience with AI-powered ITSM tools

• Background in hardware lifecycle management

• Knowledge of compliance frameworks (SOC2, ISO 27001)

• Experience at AI/ML or deep tech companies

• MBA or advanced degree in technology management

🍩 Benefits & perks (US Full-time employees)

• Generous PTO, plus company holidays

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family

• Paid parental leave for all parents (12 weeks)

• Fertility and family planning support

• Early-detection cancer testing through Galleri

• Flexible spending account and dependent FSA options

• Health savings account for eligible plans with company contribution

• Annual work-life stipends for:

  • Home office setup, cell phone, internet

  • Wellness stipend for gym, massage/chiropractor, personal training, etc.

  • Learning and development stipend

• Company-wide off-sites and team off-sites

• Competitive compensation, company stock options and 401k

WRITER is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to diversity. We don't make hiring or employment decisions based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sex, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, citizenship, or any other basis protected by applicable local, state or federal law. Under the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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