Tech Director - Chicago, United States - PXP

Description

Job Description

We are PXP—the future of creative production. We're the click-drivers and the antidote to "the skip", building stronger connections between brands and people. We are smart creatives, fearless explorers, and solution finders. Our ambition drives us to influence the world by helping brands become cultural icons.

The Director of Technology at PXP USA plays a crucial role in shaping and implementing the technology strategy across all PXP USA locations to drive innovation, efficiency, and excellence in omni-channel marketing content planning, creation, and optimization. You will lead a team of project managers with specialization in technology and collaborate with cross-functional teams within PXP USA as well as across other agencies and shared service organizations that are a part of the Publicis Groupe global network. This role requires a hands-on manager with a strong technical background, a broad range of studio / agency experience and excellent communication skills to ensure the seamless integration of technology into all PXP USA production products and services. This role requires a visionary leader who can navigate the intersection of technology and production to deliver cutting-edge solutions for our clients.

The Director of Technology at PXP USA is responsible for the following work streams in collaboration with leadership across all PXP USA functions and the Publicis Groupe shared service IT organization. The goal is excellence in execution today and continuous improvement for tomorrow.

• Technology User Help Desk
• Software Licensing, Training + Administration
• Font Management
• Management of PXP USA Edit Suites and Sound Studios
• Production Technical Support
• Digital Asset Management
• Information Security + Data Privacy
• Client Projects

Overarching Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor a team of project management staff focused on the aforementioned body of work
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture, encouraging continuous learning and skill development
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to all team members on a regular basis

Production Automation and Support

• Maintain an understanding of capabilities and technology platforms available internally within Publicis and how they could support our production operations
• Be the voice of PXP USA as a member of the global team charged with the evaluation, design, introduction, monitoring, and continuously improvement of an integrated end-to-end production business process and technology solution
• Identify automation opportunities and propose solutions

Technology Management

• Manage and oversee the studio's technology infrastructure, including servers, networks, and software systems working in partnership with Publicis Groupe local market, global shared services IT support teams and third-party vendors
• Ensure the smooth operation of technology platforms, troubleshoot issues, and provide timely resolutions
• Collaborate with Publicis Groupe local market and global shared services IT support to plan for PXP USA hardware and software needs today and in the future− Identify and engage with external vendors in the event that new technology solutions are required

Collaboration

• Establish relationships with key constituents in IT across the globe within PXP and with the Publicis Groupe shared service IT organization as well as with the functional leads across PXP USA
• Effectively team with those internal Publicis Groupe key constituents in IT as well as with external clients to gather and understand technology-related requirements for production support of omni-channel content marketing programs
• Present solutions in a clear and comprehensible manner
• Build and maintain internal / external client relationships through effective communication and problem-solving

Technology Project Execution

• Work closely with PXP functional leads and their counterparts at agencies within the Publicis Groupe network to understand studio project technology requirements
• Lead the execution of technology projects, ensuring they align with internal / external client expectations, timelines, and budgets
• Coordinate with staff within Publicis Groupe and third-party vendors to deliver high-quality solutions on time and on budget.
• Establish and maintain quality assurance processes to ensure the reliability and functionality of all technology solutions.
• Conduct testing and validation of developed solutions to meet high standards of performance.

Innovation and Best Practices

• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and improve technology processes within and across each PXP USA studio location (e.g., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Minneapolis.
• Implement and enforce best practices for technology sourcing, implementation, and project management.

Location & Commitments

• Full-time hybrid in-person / remote role, located in any one of the PXP USA locations (e.g., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Minneapolis)
• Travel could be as much as 20% of the time (average of one day per week) for in-person meetings with PXP locations and Publicis Groupe agencies
• Late nights and weekend work may be required; however, our goal is to make that the exception rather than the norm

• At least 10 years of experience in computer science, information technology or a related field preferably at a production studio, advertising agency and/or marketing company with focus on data-driven, omnichannel marketing
• Knowledge of / experience with the Adobe DX technologies and solutions
• Experience in omni-channel production infrastructure supporting video, digital and print including DAM (Digital Asset Management), production workflow management, rights management, and analytics
• Proven leadership through pro-activity, positivity, and professionalism with a heavy dose of empathy
• Experience managing small to large teams, providing inspiration, strategic leadership as well as executional oversight
• Experience managing a portfolio of work with an eye toward innovation, quality, timing, and budget
• Experience in defining new ways of working and change management
• Familiarity with cybersecurity practices and technology infrastructure management
• Familiarity with production automation and dynamic creative optimization tools / technology
• Effective communication skills, both with internal teams and external clients
• Ability to pivot and adjust quickly to take advantage of opportunity and to resolve issues
• Ability to see the forest as well as the trees, being able to easily move from 1,000 feet to 100,000 feet as necessary
• Effective and efficient as a highly collaborative team member and as an individual contributor when necessary
• Excellent organization and time management skills; able to prioritize large volume of work effectively and efficiently with tight deadlines
• Proficient with Microsoft 365 including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint, and MS Teams