VP of Enterprise Technology Greater Pensacola, FL Area

About Gulf Winds

Service Beyond Banking - At Gulf Winds, we are forward-thinking and team-oriented. We recognize and reward service that exceeds our members’ expectations and, most importantly, have fun while working hard and impacting our community. We’re looking for driven professionals who are passionate about service, fueled by purpose, and guided by core values of Integrity, Care, Growth, and Innovation

Our Values

Integrity

We own our decisions and actions by doing the right thing, learning from our mistakes, and taking responsibility.

Care

We help members meet their goals by listening to understand and offering the best solutions, placing kindness above all else.

Growth

We set ambitious goals, provide personal development opportunities, and encourage results.

Innovation

We challenge the status quo to enhance the member’s experience and solve tomorrow’s challenges today.

We Invest in Our People

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Benefits include 11.5 paid federal holidays, PTO starting at 18 days for new hires, 16 hours of paid volunteer time, competitively priced medical insurance, and dental and vision coverage with 100% of individual premiums paid by Gulf Winds. Team members also receive employer-paid life insurance, short-term disability coverage, a 401(k) with company match, an employer-funded pension plan, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, and wellness programs.

Working at Gulf Winds

Working at Gulf Winds is not just a job, it’s a career. We’re hiring collaborative, motivated people who want to love what they do. We recognize and reward excellent member service and have fun while working hard. When you join the team, you can expect:

• Open and transparent communication with your leaders
• Consistent coaching and opportunities to improve performance.
• Collaborative and team-focused environments
• Short and long-term professional development
• Opportunity to participate in cross-functional projects.

With you on our team we can achieve our vision of becoming the leading and most trusted credit union on the Gulf Coast.

Role:

The VP of Enterprise Technology leads the tactical operation of the Credit Union's enterprise technology services, systems, and solutioning. This position is responsible for ensuring the maximum availability, performance, and integrity of data, applications, user devices, core processing, network connectivity, and data center infrastructure. Responsible for the delivery of highly reliable, efficient, scalable, and secure technology solutions. Oversees the Incident Response and Change Control enterprise functions as well as the sustainment of all established Service Level Agreements (SLAs), whether internal or external. Proactively stays current on evolving/emerging technologies and skills development relevant to the position. The VP drives process improvement, workflow optimization, process automation, contract enforcement, spend reconciliation, asset management, and solution alignment through appropriate oversight and execution. This role works closely with the SVP/Chief Technology Officer and business to design and execute the Credit Union's strategic technology roadmap.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

E 30% Leads and manages the Enterprise Technology Division, responsible for all production-supporting technical services within the Credit Union. This includes monitoring, planning, prioritizing, developing, supporting, maintaining, reporting, and securing operational readiness-related activities. Organizes effective maintenance and support of the core processing system through nightly, monthly, quarterly, and annual activities. Align the appropriate technical opportunities with strategic business objectives and ensure the efficient implementation of technology solutions. Hires, develops, establishes goals, and sets expectations for the team.

E 20% Create Service Level Agreements (SLAs) for technology services and ensure effective implementation and alignment. Monitor established SLAs to ensure they support business objectives and address client needs. Oversees and reports on technology-related audits/assessments, Disaster Recovery preparedness, Incident Management, asset utilization, and vendor performance. Manages technology vendor relationships, including contract negotiation, renewals, enforcement, and spend reconciliation.

E 15% Coaches assigned leaders to improve the performance and effectiveness of their teams. Facilitates continuous process improvement and delivers recommendations for improving technology and efficiencies. Responsible for overseeing proper testing, training, processes, procedures, and communication when implementing new products, features, enhancements, or upgrades.

E 15% Participates in planning for the Division, Group, and Credit Union to select and implement the appropriate methods, technologies, and partners to meet the evolving needs of the Credit Union and its members. Responsible for ensuring compliance with approved policies and procedures within assigned areas. Develops procedures, process improvements, and quality controls; reviews laws and regulations that impact compliance concerning division functions; and submits recommendations for change where applicable. Partners with Information Security to ensure technology systems meet cybersecurity, data protection, and regulatory requirements.

E 10% Participates as a member of the Credit Union's Senior Leadership Team in strategic/tactical planning, budgeting, resource allocation, SLA negotiation, technology selection, and overall execution.

E 5% Directs technology initiatives as needed.

N 5% Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Performance Measurements:

1. Performs senior leadership duties, including interviewing applicants, planning, assigning, directing, and evaluating subordinates' work, measuring performance against goals, reviewing efficiency and completeness of tasks, conducting performance reviews within the prescribed timeframe, recommending salary increases, and developing higher levels of expertise in team members through training and coaching.

1. Follows a well-developed process that produces reliable and efficient technology services to optimize user experience. Matches user needs and desires to system capabilities.

1. Ensures that technology and critical core systems are being used effectively and securely; monitors systems performance and recommends system upgrades and enhancements.

1. Ensures all team members are cross trained to maintain established service levels in accordance with business objectives and system updates/patches are applied in a secure and timely manner.

1. Oversees Change Advisory Board (CAB) and the communication of operations impacting changes to the rest of the enterprise and appropriate leadership, ensuring all modifications have been tested before being put into production.

1. Effective management of operational expenses and achievement of budget goals while realizing efficiencies and enhancements to products, processes, and services by monitoring trends in technology and innovation. Leads the Enterprise Technology division to define services and/or product roadmaps. Makes recommendations for cost efficiencies and enhancements by monitoring the use of Credit Union technologies.

1. Accomplishes all assigned initiatives according to policy and procedures, informing management of critical issues. Complies with all applicable rules, regulations, and policies, including but not limited to NCUA, BSA, OFAC.

1. Meets or exceeds established SLA targets for system availability/uptime, incident response, and resolution times; ensures audit and examination findings are remediated within agreed timelines; and ensures Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity plans are tested at least annually with results reported to leadership.

Knowledge and Skills:

Experience Five to eight years of experience in a similar role, including progressive leadership/management experience, preferably within a credit union or financial institution. Substantial working knowledge of Symitar core processing, SQL databases, scripting, Active Directory (AD), VMware virtualization, server administration, networking, cybersecurity, cloud services, and telecommunications.

Education (1) A bachelor's degree, or (2) achievement of formal certifications recognized in the industry as equivalent to a bachelor's degree (e.g., information technology certifications in lieu of a degree), (3) or an additional 5 years of proven experience in a similar role. A master's degree is a plus.

Interpersonal Skills In addition to normal courtesy and tact, a significant level of trust and diplomacy is required. Work involves extensive personal contact with others and is usually of a personal or sensitive nature. Work may involve motivating, influencing, or training others. Outside contacts become important, and fostering sound relationships with other entities (companies and/or individuals) becomes necessary and often requires the ability to influence and/or sell ideas or services to others.

Other Skills Ability to lead, at a program level, Change Management, Incident Management, Patch Management, Asset Management, Vendor Management, Disaster Recovery/Business Continuity, and User Support. Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to identify system bottlenecks and assess risks. Must have excellent resource management and communication skills. Ability to discuss technical issues effectively with other technical professionals and non-technical leaders. Strong knowledge of IT service management principles, frameworks, and best practices. Ability to read, write, comprehend, and speak English clearly.

Physical Requirements This role requires sitting at a computer for most of the day. This role would also require the ability to file documents, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand as necessary. May occasionally require lifting and moving technology equipment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment The position is based in-office in our Pensacola, Florida market, operates primarily in an office setting, and routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, printers, and phones.

This position requires consistent presence in the office to collaborate with team members and fulfill job responsibilities effectively. It requires the ability to actively participate in conference calls and meetings with other Credit Union team members and vendors.

The normal expected work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. After-hours work or travel may be required to meet project deadlines or attend conferences, seminars, or meetings.

Must be available for on-call support and to respond to after-hours system incidents, disaster recovery events, and emergency situations, including hurricane preparedness and recovery efforts.

Must adhere to safety rules and regulations.

This Job Description is not a complete statement of all duties and responsibilities comprising the position.

Gulf Winds is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Drug Free Workplace.