Director - Digital Infrastructure & Operations

We’re committed to being the clean energy leader in Louisiana. By investing in renewables like solar and utilizing carbon capture and sequestration technology to make our air cleaner, we’re in this for the long haul, because our state and future generations depend on it. Come be a part of our journey at Cleco where we're Energizing Your Tomorrow.

The Director - Infrastructure and Operations is a strong, highly visible leader who works closely with the Chief Information Officer (CIO) and is responsible for leading all IT strategy, project management, enterprise application support, end-user support, network/telecom support, and infrastructure operations for Cleco. A strategic and entrepreneurial thinker who takes initiative, has determination, a positive attitude, able to set expectations, delivers against those expectations, and provides innovative and creative leadership to deliver Cleco’s IT services. This role is operationally responsible for; (1) leading all IT activities in alignment with Cleco’s strategy and business objectives, (2) ensuring the availability, integrity, and security for all IT infrastructure on-prem/in the cloud, (3) day-to-day management of IT operations and support.

Key Responsibilities

• Champions a corporate culture that emphasizes transparency, integrity, safety, environmental responsibility, employee development, diversity and inclusion, customer service, and operational excellence
• Advises, develops, and implements an IT strategic plan in alignment with the Company’s vision, strategy, and overall business objectives, while incorporating new technologies such as AI and Data & Analytics
• Develops and implements Departmental goals necessary for continuous improvement and innovations of IT infrastructure and operations, focusing on digital transformation
• Directs, oversees, and coordinates IT infrastructure and operations day-to-day activities, projects, procedures, and resourcing
• Directs, oversees, and coordinates financial performance, vendor management, and risk management for all IT infrastructure, operations, and projects
• Proactively partners, engages, and develops constructive relationships with EMT, senior leaders, external partners, and other key stakeholders to agree on service levels, strategic initiatives, budgets, timelines, and deliverables in support of business objectives
• Directs a team of IT professionals, including managers, supervisors, network analysts, telecom technicians, IT infrastructure analysts, field service technicians, deskside support analysts, IT solutions architect, IT application analyst, IT service coordinators, IT project managers, and IT business partners, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
• Develops and coaches subordinate leadership and high-level subject-matter experts, enabling them to deliver excellent operational performance with a customer-centric approach
• Identifies, plans, and tracks Departmental training needs in alignment with the IT strategic plan
• Leads project teams to achieve IT targets through highly complex objectives, milestones, obstacles, and priorities
• Proactively manages hardware and software lifecycles to minimize technical debt and security compliance issues
• Oversees the design, deployment, and maintenance of all IT infrastructure, including data center, cloud, network, telecom, server platforms, virtualization platforms, storage platforms, backup technology, PC platforms, mobile platforms, enterprise applications, and other infrastructure systems as assigned
• Proactively tracks and manages IT operations demand to ensure capacity and service delivery meet established targets
• Develops and maintains robust IT Disaster Recovery Plans to ensure uninterrupted service delivery during outages or emergencies
  
  

Qualifications

• Master's / Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Business Management, or related field.
• 10 years' experience managing IT professionals in a complex, swiftly changing environment preferred.
• 5 years of staff management, development, and mentoring.
• 5 years of project management experience.
• Exceptional leadership skills to build a positive employee culture focused on operational excellence and driving results.
• Strong understanding of strategic planning, alignment, tracking, and execution.
• Strong understanding of using metrics, KPIs, and dashboards to monitor IT operational effectiveness and identify areas for further improvement.
• Strong understanding of current and emerging technology trends, such as AI, data & analytics, and the impact of cloud and automation on IT Operations, Dev/Ops, and Service Delivery.
• Proven experience in training, coaching, and providing a constructive feedback to employees with a focus on fostering team cohesion and driving results.
• Proven ability to influence technology leadership, product teams, and supplier personnel to deliver operational excellence.
• Proficient in demand management and capacity forecasting to develop cost-effective plans to meet changing business needs and identify savings opportunities.
• Ability to implement cost-effective solutions to meet changing business needs and realize savings.
• Strong communication and relationship skills with the ability to interact effectively with senior leadership.
• Strong negotiating and influencing skills, while presenting ideas and opinions in a respective and collegial manner.
• Strong understanding and appreciation of diversity in the workplace.
• Strong interpersonal, communications, writing, speaking, and listening skills.
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment while knowing when to escalate issues to the next level.
  
  

Licenses And Certifications

At least one of the following active certifications preferred: ITIL, PMP, or other equivalent IT-related certification preferred.

May perform other duties as assigned.