Director, IT
Join Our Journey at Engine
At Engine, we’re revolutionizing work travel. Our modern travel platform isn’t just about booking trips; it’s about transforming how businesses and their teams experience travel. From seamless booking options with top airlines, hotels, and car rental providers to single-invoice billing and flexible trip modifications, we make travel not only easier to manage but also enjoyable. Backed by powerhouse investors like Telescope Partners, Blackstone, Elefund, and Permira, we’re growing fast—and we want you to be part of it.
Your Mission:
Engine is seeking an experienced and visionary Director of IT to lead and scale our IT operations during a period of rapid growth. Reporting to senior leadership, this role is responsible for driving strategic initiatives that ensure our technology infrastructure aligns with business goals, enhances operational efficiency, and supports innovation across the organization. The ideal candidate will combine technical expertise with strong leadership skills, fostering a collaborative and performance-driven culture within the IT team.
- IT Strategy & Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy that supports Engine’s growth and aligns with organizational objectives. Lead strategic IT planning sessions and collaborate with senior leadership to ensure IT initiatives support overall business goals.
- IT Operations & Infrastructure Management: Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of scalable IT systems, including hardware, software, networks, and cloud-based services. Manage IT incidents, problem resolution, and service desk operations using Jira Service Management and Confluence. Supervise onsite IT support of our offices located in San Francisco, Denver, Tempe and Austin
- Project & Change Management: Approve and oversee major IT projects and technology implementations. Ensure smooth execution of technology rollouts with minimal business disruption, focusing on risk management and resource utilization.
- Financial & Vendor Management: Develop and oversee the IT financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, and expenditure approval. Manage vendor relationships, including procurement of IT assets and services, ensuring cost-effective contracts and partnerships. Implement robust tracking systems for software licenses and cloud-based solutions, ensuring efficient cost management.
- Technology & Innovation Management: Define the vision for technology adoption and oversee major innovation projects, securing funding and resources. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency through technology, automation, and process improvements.
- Cybersecurity & Compliance: Establish and maintain robust security protocols to protect company data, systems, and infrastructure from internal and external threats. Ensure IT operations comply with regulatory standards and best practices, including audits and security assessments. Experience maintaining compliance standards and external audits such as SOC 2, SOX, GDPR, CCPA, or equivalent.
- Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity: Define recovery and continuity goals, ensuring strategic alignment with business resilience plans. Develop and maintain disaster recovery protocols to mitigate disruptions.
- Staff & Talent Development: Build and lead a high-performing, distributed IT team, while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Set strategic HR goals for the IT department, including high-level planning and organizational structure decisions.
- Performance & Quality Management: Establish IT performance metrics and expectations, ensuring continuous improvement and operational excellence. Monitor and review IT service quality, implementing necessary improvements.
- Communications & Documentation: Develop communication and documentation strategies, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and legal requirements. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration to align IT initiatives with business needs and enhance employee productivity.
What You’ll Bring to Engine:
- Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). 10+ years of progressive IT experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership capacity.
- Technical Expertise: Proven experience managing enterprise IT systems, including cloud infrastructure, network management, and cybersecurity frameworks. Familiarity with modern technology stacks including Google, Slack, Jamf, Zoom, Okta, AWS, and more
- Leadership Skills: Strong track record of building and leading high-performing teams. Excellent project management skills with the ability to prioritize and execute complex initiatives.
- Key Traits: Strategic thinker with a results-driven mindset. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Adaptability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Technical Certifications: Such as ITIL, PMP, CISSP, Network+, Security+, CCNA, Jamf 100+, Okta Certified Professional, or equivalent.
- Start Up Experience: Experience in a high growth startup, pre- and post-IPO.
Cash compensation: The base salary range for this role is $175,000 to $240,000. Final compensation packages are determined by various factors, including prior experience and expertise. This role is also eligible to receive equity compensation.
The Engine Edge: Perks & Compensation
We believe in rewarding great work with great benefits:
- Compensation: Competitive base pay tied to role and experience, with opportunities for bonuses, commissions, and equity.
- Benefits: Check out our full list at engine.com/culture.
- Environments for Success: Different roles have different needs in terms of the environments that drive success which is why we have a hybrid-hub model. Whether you are in one of our amazing offices or fully remote, we’ll make sure you have what you need to succeed.
Ready to Build the Future of Work Travel?
Join us on our mission to transform how work travel works—for businesses, for travelers, and for the industry. Apply now and let’s make travel simpler, smarter, and more enjoyable—together.
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