**Experienced Full Stack Chief of Staff to Chief Information and Customer Officer – Strategic Planning, Vendor Management, and Leadership Support**

Are you a seasoned leader with a passion for driving business growth and innovation? Do you have a strong background in strategic planning, vendor management, and leadership support? If so, we invite you to join blithequark, a global networking leader, as our Sr Director, Chief of Staff to Chief Information and Customer Officer. At blithequark, we're committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates our differences and creates an atmosphere where all employees thrive. Our core values of inclusion, diversity, and innovation drive everything we do, and we're looking for like-minded individuals to join our team. **About blithequark** blithequark is a global networking leader that enables all of us to advance. We push the boundaries of technology, leveraging the powers of machine learning, artificial intelligence, analytics, and automation. With over 50,000 customers globally, we're trusted for our end-to-end, cloud-driven networking solutions and top-rated services and support. Our customers rely on us to accelerate their digital transformation efforts and deliver unprecedented progress. **The Role** As our Sr Director, Chief of Staff to Chief Information and Customer Officer, you'll play a critical role in spearheading the Office of the CICO. Your key responsibilities will include: **Strategic Planning & Execution** * Work closely with the CICO and their leadership team to implement strategic initiatives and long-term goals * Own IT Portfolio management and collaborate with IT leadership to align projects and initiatives with the organization's overall business objectives * Refine intake strategy and prioritization framework to ensure we're solving the right problems, in the right order, to drive the highest value and impact to business * Mature reporting/dashboards to report on technology portfolio health, projects, vendors, and financials * Manage and mentor the PMO team, ensuring optimal performance and professional development, and a focus on achieving business outcomes * Oversee and manage complex projects, ensuring they're delivered on time, within scope, and within budget * Define and deploy PMO process standards and improvements that enhance and streamline planning and management of programs and projects against objectives, maintain stakeholder alignment and communications, and proactively manage risk to quality and schedule performance * Drive the organization's adoption of Agile methodology, to accelerate value delivery and focus on continuous collaboration, execution, and iterative delivery * Work in close partnership with IT leadership team, drive the adoption of the Product Operating Model within IT: Drive the definition and implementation of the products with IT, and adoption of associated metrics (OKR metrics, DORA metrics etc.) to gauge adoption, maturity **Vendor and Budget Management** * Develop framework and processes for comprehensive Vendor Management practices (selection, and ongoing SaaS/SW Spend Management, ongoing performance assessment) * Foster strong relationships with vendors to ensure effective service delivery and value for the organization * Partner closely with Finance team to manage the budget for the entire CICO organization * Monitor expenses, track cost savings, and optimize spending to achieve financial goals **Leadership Support** * Provide direct support to the CICO, assisting with decision-making, priority setting, and daily operations * Act as a trusted advisor to the CICO, offering insights and recommendations on key organization matters * Partner with the CICO and SVP of Service Delivery to define approach, metrics, and cadence for building a customer success motion within the company * Work with the CICO to run QBR's and cross-functional reporting for stakeholders * Take lead on ad-hoc initiatives such as MA Due diligence/Integration planning * Help build and manage the operating system for the organization: Portfolio reviews, Operational reviews, Quarterly All-hands meetings, Team outings/events etc. * Help prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and updates to communicate Global Business Technology strategies, initiatives, and progress to stakeholders and executive leadership **Qualifications** * 12+ years' experience in technology strategic planning and budgeting spanning the entire organization, portfolio management using various methodologies * Experience driving Agile/Scrum transformation and adoption of Product Operating Model within IT * Strong strategic thinking and financial acumen with a track record of successfully executing IT initiatives aligned with business and financial objectives * Strong understanding of IT systems, infrastructure, and software development processes * Track record of establishing credibility with senior executives and technical and non-technical team members * Unrelenting focus on results and problem-solving; you see a problem and provide thoughtful solutions * Adaptive in the face of change, iterative in your designing process, and consider feedback or failure as motivation to learn and grow * Results-oriented with a demonstrated sense of urgency to drive multiple projects to successful completion * Influencing skills - ability to communicate effectively and work with staff at all levels and across departments * Experience recruiting, mentoring, and managing a team of skilled program/project management professionals, while creating a collaborative and innovative work environment * Broader Operations experience outside of IT: In Services, Support, Customer success would be a huge plus **What We Offer** * Competitive salary and benefits package * Opportunity to work with a global networking leader and contribute to the company's growth and innovation * Collaborative and inclusive work environment * Professional development and growth opportunities * Recognition and rewards for outstanding performance * Flexible work arrangements and work-life balance **How to Apply** If you're a motivated and experienced leader looking for a new challenge, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience. We can't wait to hear from you! **Equal Employment Opportunity** blithequark is an equal employment opportunity employer and welcomes applications from diverse candidates. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that celebrates our differences and creates an atmosphere where all employees thrive. We prohibit discrimination and harassment based on race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status.