Director of Technology

Job description

**Celebrating 85 Years of Building With Purpose** At Absher Construction, we’re proud to celebrate over 85 years as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most respected general contractors. As a 100% employee-owned company, we believe our people are our greatest asset and we invest in them like it! From fully paid medical premiums for employees, to a generous PTO policy, 401(k) and ESOP retirement benefits, we offer a total rewards package that reflects the pride and ownership we bring to every project. Absher Construction is seeking a forward-thinking **Director of Technology** to lead our technology strategy, drive innovation, and position our organization for an AI-driven future. This is an opportunity for an experienced technology leader who understands how to connect emerging technologies with real business needs. You'll shape how we invest in technology, modernize business systems, strengthen cybersecurity, and identify opportunities to use artificial intelligence and automation to improve the way we work. As Director of Technology, you'll oversee our IT and Business Systems Analysis departments, develop the leaders responsible for day-to-day operations, and collaborate with teams across the organization to implement solutions that make a measurable difference. We're looking for someone who can think strategically, execute effectively through others, and bring people along through change. **What You'll Do** - **Technology Strategy & Innovation** - Develop and execute a multi-year technology roadmap aligned with Absher's business priorities and long-term objectives. - Lead the organization's enterprise AI strategy, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making. - Evaluate emerging technologies and advise executive leadership on strategic investments. - Establish governance for AI adoption, data management, systems integration, and responsible technology use. - Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve margins, and deliver measurable returns on technology investments. - **Business Systems & Process Improvement** - Partner with operations, estimating, preconstruction, accounting, HR, and other departments to understand business challenges and develop practical technology solutions. - Evaluate existing software platforms and identify opportunities to eliminate redundancy, improve integration, and modernize workflows. - Lead technology initiatives that streamline processes, reduce manual work, and improve operational efficiency. - Champion organizational change through collaboration, communication, training, and measurable adoption strategies. - Ensure technology solutions support the needs of both field and office teams. - **Cybersecurity & Technology Operations** - Provide strategic oversight of IT infrastructure, cloud environments, networking, and enterprise business systems. - Lead Absher's cybersecurity strategy, including risk management, data protection, access controls, and incident response planning. - Establish standards and accountability for technology performance, service delivery, and system reliability. - Oversee business continuity, disaster recovery, and technology risk management programs. - Ensure technology systems and security practices support applicable contractual, regulatory, and business requirements. - **Leadership & Team Development** - Lead and mentor the IT Manager and Business Systems Analysis Manager, providing strategic direction and accountability. - Develop existing managers into stronger leaders through coaching, professional development, and opportunities for increased responsibility. - Establish clear expectations, performance metrics, and departmental priorities. - Build organizational capabilities in emerging technologies, AI, cybersecurity, and data management. - Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented environment that reflects Absher's commitment to servant leadership and employee ownership. - **Financial & Vendor Management** - Develop and manage technology budgets, capital planning, licensing, and long-term investment priorities. - Evaluate technology investments through business cases, cost-benefit analysis, and measurable ROI. - Oversee vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and technology procurement. - Establish project prioritization and governance practices to ensure resources are aligned with organizational needs. - Communicate technology performance, investment recommendations, and strategic progress to executive leadership. - **What You Bring** - 10+ years of progressive IT experience, including at least 5 years in technology leadership and experience leading other managers. - Demonstrated experience developing and executing enterprise technology strategies and long-term roadmaps. - Recent, hands-on experience implementing AI or automation solutions in an enterprise environment, including driving adoption and measuring results. - Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, cloud environments, networking, and enterprise business systems. Experience with Microsoft 365 and Azure preferred. - Experience developing or improving cybersecurity programs using recognized frameworks such as NIST CSF or CIS Controls. - Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop managers into effective organizational leaders. - Experience managing technology budgets, evaluating investments, and negotiating vendor agreements. - Demonstrated success leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders at multiple organizational levels. - Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical business recommendations. - Experience guiding organizational change, improving business processes, and implementing scalable technology solutions. - Bachelor's degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience - **Preferred Qualifications** - Experience in construction, engineering, manufacturing, or another operationally complex industry. - Familiarity with construction technology platforms, including project management, ERP, estimating, and document management systems. - Cybersecurity certifications such as CISSP or CISM. - Master's degree or MBA. - **What Success Looks Like** - Within your first 12 to 18 months, you'll have made meaningful progress in shaping Absher's technology future through: - An executive-approved technology and AI roadmap with clearly defined priorities and investments. - At least two AI or automation initiatives successfully implemented with measurable business results. - An established cybersecurity baseline, remediation of critical vulnerabilities, and tested incident response procedures. - Documented development plans for both technology managers, with each leading a strategic initiative. - A comprehensive evaluation of our technology portfolio, including opportunities to consolidate systems and improve efficiency. **Work Environment** This position is primarily office-based in Puyallup, Washington, with regular visits to active construction jobsites. The role includes working in an office environment, navigating active construction areas, and following applicable safety requirements. Occasional lifting of materials up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. *Salary offers are typically made between the entry and midpoint of the range and are based on factors such as experience, education, and internal equity.* Pay Transparency $165,000—$200,000 USD **Background Check & Pre-Employment Screening** All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment background check and drug screening. Background checks may include verification of employment history, education, criminal records, and references. For positions with access to company financial accounts or credit card programs, a credit history check may also be conducted. All screening is conducted in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state and local laws. Candidates will be asked to provide written consent prior to any screening. If results include information that may affect a hiring decision, candidates will have the opportunity to review and respond to the findings before a final decision is made. Absher Construction is an equal opportunity employer. Background check results are evaluated in context and do not automatically disqualify applicants. **Absher’s Commitment: Our Pledge to EEOC** At Absher, we are committed to building a culture where everyone can thrive. We welcome diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences and we believe our work is stronger because of them. No employee or applicant will face discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class. **Notice to Staffing Agencies** Please note: We are not accepting unsolicited resumes or inquiries from staffing agencies at this time. Absher employees are not authorized to bind the company to any third-party recruitment agreements.