Chief Information Officer

General Summary:

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) will develop, plan and implement an information technology (IT) strategy that meets the needs of Carload Express and takes a proactive approach to the use of technology that supports the transportation, customer service, communications, finance, maintenance, engineering, administration, marketing and logistics functions of the company. The CIO also leads all data security, disaster recovery planning and business continuity needs necessary to ensure the continued viability of the organization. The CIO provides leadership and direction to the Customer Service team, which is responsible for management of all railcar inventory, customer work order management, and associated costs.

General Duties:

• Collaborate with members of the executive team, business partners and customers to define the strategic direction of the application of technology for the company
• Maintain and manage strong technical relationships with end users
• Investigate, evaluate, analyze and benchmark railroad industry information technology for application at Carload Express
• Manage technology vendor relationships, including the Managed Service Provider (MSP), and ensure that vendors deliver value, with timely and quality results; periodically review options for MSP providers
• Oversee completion of feasibility studies, time and cost estimates, and the establishment and implementation of new or revised applications, programs, upgrades, and business processes
• Evaluate modern technologies and applications both within an office environment and at remote field locations
• Technically assist with the installation, testing, and maintenance of voice and data network infrastructure, Positive Train Control, software applications, servers, wayside technology, dispatch/radio, etc. located in various offices and remote field locations along the railroad system
• Assist in setup, operation, support, and maintenance of computers, smartphones/tablets and other office equipment with support from contract providers
• Oversee modernization of real time shipment information seamless with connecting carriers’ information systems
• Respond to trouble calls regarding system failures during and outside of normal work hours (including nights, weekends, and holidays)
• Oversee contract negotiations with IT vendors, contractors and service providers
• Manage a strategic, comprehensive enterprise information security and IT risk management program
• Lead projects of multiple business functions and applications: develop project requirements in collaboration with various departments, develop project schedules and budgets based on well-defined requirements, manage projects, produce technical and project documentation as needed
• Manage the development, and maintenance of public internet presence, including the Carload Express website, member-specific pages, search engine optimization tools and the use of Google analytics, and other systems related to online presence
• Oversee Customer Service department, which is responsible for management of all railcar inventory, customer work order management, and associated revenue.
• Provide support and leadership to the Customer Service Manager to ensure our customers receive excellent rail service by coordinating with connecting carriers, transportation, commercial, finance, and other departments
• Provide Customer Service department related insight, data and input to marketing, accounting and operations departments to support customer relationships and development of new customers
• Generate reports and proposals as needed to support operations, finance, strategic initiatives, grant applications, etc.
• Manage departmental personnel, budget, and resources including financial responsibility for projects within span of control
• Responsible for departmental compliance with federal, state, and local safety regulations and Company policy
• Assist with other projects and perform other duties as requested or assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Management Information Systems or a related field is required; Master’s preferred
• At least 5 years of experience in administration of information systems and technology, with increasing levels of responsibility; proven experience in an executive or senior leadership role
• Direct experience in database and/or related application management and content management systems
• Knowledge and experience with network technologies including ground-up network installation and setup including server, routers, switches, and access point configuration
• Knowledge and experience with Cradlepoint technology
• Prior railroad, motor carrier, or logistics experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to solve technical/business problems and guide others in delivery of business solutions
• Must become familiar with state and federal regulations as it relates to the railroad industry
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
• Ability to interpret and delegate a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
• Ability to influence at various levels
• Ability to quickly learn new programs and software and educate others on them; experience with Microsoft Office, Outlook, Excel, general office products

Behavioral Expectations:

• Ability to work collaboratively with executive team
• Ability to be integrative across multiple organizational departments
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends
• Successfully manage multiple projects
• Travel to customer sites several times per year

Physical Requirements:

• The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds at times
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer