The Applications and Modern Work Director is responsible for the effective operations, reliability, high performance, resiliency, and high availability of all enterprise applications for the firm. This role also oversees the continual improvement of the foundational technology portfolio and digital workplace initiatives. The Director will lead multiple projects and operational initiatives, mentor and develop team members, and ensure the delivery of quality applications and support.

Leadership and Management:

• Provide leadership for Commercial-off-the-Shelf (COTS) and Cloud platforms supporting core foundational technology, including Messaging (Microsoft Exchange Online/Outlook), Remote access (Citrix and VPN), Desktop implementations, Document management system (NetDocuments), and Desktop/Web Applications and their Integrations.
• Manage administration, maintenance, upgrade, and support activities for applications in collaboration with the Senior Portfolio Manager, IT Leadership team, and the PMO.

Operational Excellence:

• Drive satisfaction by delivering quality applications and support with controlled and planned change management.
• Define and promote processes and procedures to improve the quality and stability of supported applications and user support.
• Oversee projects and requests led by team members, ensuring high quality and timely deliverables.

Strategic Planning and Collaboration:

• Develop and maintain relationships with key administrative leaders and lawyers to confirm that the Operations & Support team is fulfilling their needs.
• Promote and prioritize user adoption and user experience of applications.
• Work with other IT leaders to prepare functional specifications, design documents, product evaluation and selection, and deployment plans collaboratively.
• Effectively leverage vendors of hardware, software, and related services critical to the efficient operation of the team.

Digital Workplace Leadership:

• Create a culture of enablement to drive adoption and improve workforce digital dexterity.
• Develop a digital workplace strategy that reduces digital friction and improves the Digital Employee Experience (DEX).
• Deliver business-enabling technology by harmonizing devices, applications, and services.

Compliance and Governance:

• Ensure digital workplace services are compliant with company policies and relevant regulations and laws, including privacy, security, ethics, accessibility, and sustainability.
• Establish disaster recovery and business continuity plans for digital workplace technologies.
• Maintain currency on emerging technologies and platforms, guiding their assimilation, integration, and introduction to respond to business demands.

Salaries vary by location and are based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, the relevant market, skills, experience, and education of the selected candidate. If an estimated salary range for this role is available, it will be provided in our Target Salary Range section. Our compensation package also includes bonus eligibility and a comprehensive benefits program. Benefits information can be found at Sidley.com/Benefits.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the Duties and Responsibilities (Duties) above satisfactorily and meet the requirements below. The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. If you need such an accommodation, please email staffrecruiting@sidley.com (current employees should contact Human Resources). 

Education and/or Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of direct supervisory experience mentoring and developing IT staff.
• A minimum of 10 years managing IT systems, processes, and vendors.
• A minimum of 10 years in innovation, technology, and organizational change management experience.
• A minimum of 10 years in business stakeholder management experience working with and in cross-functional teams.
• Experience with vendor governance, including conducting RFPs and vendor service transitions.
• Proven ability to create business cases and ensure support from C-level executives and business partners.
• Proven financial management skills with operational budget tasks.
• Awareness of ways to measure DEX.
• Experience in strategic technology planning and policy development.
• Strong skills in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Exchange Online.
• Knowledge of Desktop as a Service and Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.

Preferred:

• Master's Degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• Experience in Mobile Device Management (MDM) and Endpoint Management Solutions.
• Experience in leading mid to large scale M/O365 implementations.
• Experience with collaboration tools such as MS Teams.
• Team leadership skills in delivery of cloud computing solutions.
• Experience in assisting senior leadership to design technology and develop solution strategy.
• Knowledge of incident and change management tools.
• Knowledge of industry-leading practices for designing, implementing, and maintaining infrastructure and service availability.

Other Skills and Abilities:

The following will also be required of the successful candidate:

• Strong organizational skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good judgment
• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Able to work harmoniously and effectively with others
• Able to preserve confidentiality and exercise discretion
• Able to work under pressure
• Able to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and priorities

Sidley Austin LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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