Chief Information Officer (Project Management)
At SOM, we are a collective committed to shaping a better future for our clients, communities and planet. We aspire to create the most sustainable, impactful work through creative, interdisciplinary teams with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. We value those who are passionate about excellence, innovation, integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Together we can achieve great things.
Success at SOM Means
Ideas: We believe in a meritocracy of ideas. We look to everyone to actively contribute to the discourse in the firm.
Knowledge: We believe that expertise is the result of lifelong learning. We are not expected to know everything, but rather to passionately pursue answers, develop new skills and deepen our knowledge.
Product: We strive for excellence in the concept, quality, and delivery of our work.
Individual: We value individuals who bring the highest standards of professionalism and personal integrity in the way they work. Each person can develop and contribute their wealth of attributes, skills and knowledge to support the overall health of the firm.
Team: We value the power of interdisciplinary integration. A positive team culture in which everyone collaborates openly towards common goals is essential.
Firm: We have a history of making transformative contributions to the profession and our communities. We are constantly innovating and attempting to bring new approaches, solutions and processes to our work.
Office of Technology Vision: Elevating SOM with cutting-edge technology that empowers our people and advances the industry.
Office of Technology Mission: Enhance design and innovation with powerful, user-first technology for frictionless creativity and industry-leading global impact.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead our global Information Technology (IT) team and drive a number of critical success factors in the delivery of technology solutions for our business. As a professional services firm, the work our end users do every day drives the revenue and profitability of our firm, and the technical tools they use to do their work have a huge impact on their productivity. The top priority of our CIO is to ensure that the engine of our business can continue to run at optimal performance by creating a frictionless experience for our users with the tools they need to deliver work for our clients. Key areas of focus are security, reliability, performance, cost management, and world class service & support.
The CIO will work closely with our Technology Committee of business leaders to define and manage our technology strategy, objectives, and performance measures. A transparent leadership style is essential in this role for successful collaboration with the Technology Committee, Partners and Officers.
Our Office of Technology (OT) is organized into IT, led by our CIO, and Design Technology (DT), led by our Chief Design Technology Officer (CDTO). Our IT team focuses on traditional areas of infrastructure, operations, business applications, security, and support, while our DT team is focused on implementing and deploying solutions and standards specific to the Architecture and Engineering industry that give us a strategic business advantage through the application of technology to our work. The CIO will partner closely with our CDTO in a peer-based relationship to deliver a comprehensive set of technology services to the firm that will enable our business to thrive.
Key Objectives
Strategy & Planning: Align IT objectives and programs to our key business objectives and strategies to ensure that the investments we are making in technology are in line with our business needs. Work in partnership with the CDTO and the business leaders on the Technology Committee to define and revise our IT Strategy as necessary to ensure this outcome. Stay updated with emerging trends & align these to the firm's objectives. Coordinate IT initiatives and operations across the business in alignment with our OT Vision and Mission.
Technical Leadership: Provide leadership to IT teams, offering guidance on complex tech issues and making key decisions regarding systems and platforms used in the delivery of IT services. Collaborate with the CDTO and Design Technology Leaders to align data strategies in design workflows and solutions to respond to AI opportunities and the emergence of new tools.
Global IT Management: Oversee global IT operations, ensuring seamless integration and functionality across all offices and projects worldwide. Work closely with our IT Directors to coordinate IT operations and support. Lead our IT project management function, managing quality, deadline, and budgetary expectations with a focus on ROI metrics. Manage the ongoing growth and development of our IT staff.
Security & Compliance: Establish and maintain robust IT security protocols and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements. Provide the necessary protections to ensure that our intellectual property is protected. Ensure that the firm continues to meet/exceed the high security standards that enable us to work with the federal government and in other regulated sectors.
Business Continuity: Develop, implement, and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans to safeguard the firm's operations and data integrity. Provide systems and solutions to ensure that the firm can continue to operate and generate revenue in the event of a broad range of potential disruptions.
Enterprise Architecture: Develop and maintain a comprehensive enterprise architecture framework that supports the company's strategic objectives and facilitates efficient and effective IT service delivery. Develop long-term IT roadmaps and frameworks to guide technology decisions. Establish and maintain technology standards across the organization.
Position Responsibilities
Lead the development and execution of IT strategies and initiatives.
Identify and assess emerging technologies to drive innovation and competitive advantage.
Ensures strong commitment to strategy by effectively communicating, to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, the relevant tactics and priorities to all levels of the Office of Technology, leadership and departments as applicable.
Oversee talent management of SOM's Information Technology organization through direct supervision, talent development and recruitment, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Promote cross-functional collaboration and ensure effective communication between IT and the Design Technology team.
Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company's IT infrastructure.
Ensure the reliability, scalability, and performance of IT systems and services.
Implement and manage comprehensive cybersecurity strategies to protect the firm's data and systems.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits, and respond to security incidents promptly.
Lead and manage IT projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget, utilizing industry standard project management methodologies to track progress and mitigate risks.
Establish and manage relationships with external IT vendors and service providers, including negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, and ensuring the most cost-effective solutions are in place for our business needs..
Develop and manage the IT budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources; monitor and report regularly to the Technology Committee on IT spending, identifying opportunities for cost savings.
Ensure IT policies and procedures comply with legal, regulatory, and industry standards, and promote a culture of compliance and ethical behavior within the IT department.
Leadership Responsibilities
Acts as a co-leader of the Office of Technology with Technology Officer(s) to provide user-first domain solutions that are aligned to enterprise level solutions.
Actively leads multiple projects, initiatives and teams within the Information Technology Group.
Engages in talent strategy to find specialists, leaders, and future professionals for the firm through resume review, interviews, and leveraging personal network. Directly supervises, trains, and mentors team members.
Creates and drives new ways of working through contributing to the development of services, standards, procedures based in an understanding of the business principles that protect SOM from financial and legal risk.
Minimum Qualifications
At least 10 years of progressive IT experience, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field
Experience in the Architecture & Engineering industry and/or other Professional Services is highly desirable.
Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital transformation technologies.
Proficiency in project management and IT service management (ITSM) frameworks (e.g., PMP, ITIL).
Proven ability to lead and manage a diverse IT team in a global organization.
Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proven ability to develop financial models of ROI for proposed technology to guide decision making.
Demonstrated ability to modernize technology, establish successful integration patterns and use emerging technologies to address opportunities to grow the business.
Demonstrated experience and leadership in managing a team of professionals to meet end user support services for geographically dispersed organizations.
Excellent interpersonal, technology management, problem-solving, customer service, and oral and written communications skills.
Exceptional knowledge of enterprise technology systems.
Demonstrated experience operating within a complex and fast paced environment.
Are you ready to join a team of creative professionals working on transformational projects around the world? Take advantage of this exciting opportunity to build a better future with SOM.
Our Benefits:
Health and Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life & accident insurance
Savings: 401K matching, pre-tax spending accounts, and employee discount programs
Work/Life Balance: Inquire about our hybrid/flexible schedules, paid family leave, paid vacation, backup child and elder care, and an employee assistance program
Professional Development: Reimbursement for professional licenses, associated renewals, and exam fees as well as specialized in-house career development
Compensation for this role is based upon experience, qualifications, location, and education and typically ranges from $190,000 to $240,000.
Our Culture:
Our creative, interdisciplinary teams work like small, dynamic studios, with all the resources and diversity of a global firm. Here, you'll collaborate with industry experts on some of the most exciting and transformative architecture, engineering, and planning projects in the world.
We believe an inclusive environment improves our teams, our firm, and our communities and are passionate about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Our DEI Action Plan was created to bring meaningful change to our profession, starting with our own culture and practices.
We are proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Visit this page to learn more about SOM's employment policy as well as additional information such as a privacy notice for California residents and how to apply offline.
For more about SOM: www.som.com
