📐 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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