Information Technology Lead

About Grimshaw

Grimshaw is an international architecture and design practice focused on ideas, invention, and creating built environments that connect people with one another and with the world around them. The studio responds to the urgent challenges facing the planet by aiming to deliver thoughtful architecture and design that supports a better future. Its teams work through analysis and exploration, combining creativity, collaboration, and innovation to produce meaningful work that adds value for clients and end users.

Role Overview

Grimshaw is looking for an Information Technology Lead to join the New York studio. This is a senior technical leadership role reporting to the Global Head of IT. The position is responsible for leading the regional IT team, setting high standards for reliability, professionalism, and accountability, and staying actively involved in daily infrastructure, support, systems, and service delivery work.

The role covers the full regional IT environment, including infrastructure, hardware, software, networking, backup and recovery, audio-visual systems, and security. The aim is to continuously improve IT operations so staff have secure, modern, dependable tools that support productivity and collaboration, while protecting company intellectual property and aligning with recognized frameworks such as Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO, and NIST.

Key Responsibilities

• Align regional IT infrastructure with present and future business needs and strategic goals.
• Lead IT initiatives and projects that improve productivity and operational effectiveness.
• Keep technical knowledge current and support the growth and development of the regional infrastructure team.
• Manage daily IT operations to ensure systems, data, backups, and communications remain functional, available, and secure.
• Direct incident investigation and resolution for outages, disruptions, and service issues.
• Oversee the full lifecycle of AV technology, including meeting room systems, conferencing tools, and hybrid collaboration platforms.
• Standardize, monitor, maintain, upgrade, and coordinate vendors for AV solutions across the region with minimal business interruption.
• Plan and deliver network improvements involving switches, wireless access points, firewalls, and related infrastructure.
• Support secure, resilient, and scalable connectivity across the region.
• Deploy and maintain current application systems that improve productivity, collaboration, and operational efficiency.
• Monitor server and storage usage and recommend improvements where capacity can be optimized.
• Manage the lifecycle of Windows desktop and server operating systems, including planning, testing, deployment, and updates.
• Identify and control operational, technical, compliance, and security risks through appropriate safeguards.
• Maintain strong security practices across systems with regular auditing, compliance work, and proactive monitoring.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, including firewall and endpoint protection solutions.
• Create, maintain, and test disaster recovery and business continuity plans with defined RTO and RPO targets.
• Ensure backup and recovery procedures are reliable, validated, and regularly tested for successful restoration.
• Manage vendors, contracts, leases, and service level agreements, including risk reviews for new technologies.
• Oversee software purchasing, licensing, renewals, and compliance in line with global standards and cost expectations.
• Handle regional IT budgeting, including planning, forecasting, cost control, and reporting.
• Provide oversight for network operations and support 24/7 availability of systems.
• Improve service delivery by refining processes, policies, and working practices as business needs change.
• Deliver and coordinate 2nd and 3rd line helpdesk support across studios, including desktop support when needed.
• Support unified communications platforms across office-based and mobile environments.
• Provide technical assistance for meetings, events, and client-facing activities as required.

Technical Environment

• WatchGuard firewalls and EPDR endpoint protection
• Intune and PDQ device management
• Nasuni cloud file storage
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Dell and HP end-user computing and server hardware
• Windows-based environments, including Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11
• Support for Apple devices
• Cisco Meraki wireless access points and Aruba switching infrastructure
• VMware and Proxmox virtualization platforms
• Mimecast email security and management

Experience and Qualifications

• At least 5 years of management experience in a similar position, ideally leading IT in a complex and growing organization.
• Strong understanding of server hardware and Microsoft operating systems, especially Exchange and the wider Microsoft ecosystem.
• A tertiary qualification in Computer Science or a related discipline is required; Microsoft certification is preferred.
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with hands-on operational work.
• Strong organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Clear and effective communication skills for working across all levels, including senior leadership.
• Willingness to travel periodically, around 10%.
• Experience in a design, engineering, or other creative professional services setting is an advantage.

Application Details

Applicants should submit both a resume and a cover letter explaining their fit for the position. Because the organization receives a high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for this position is $130,000 to $160,000, depending on qualifications and experience, and does not include profit share or other benefits. This estimate has been provided in good faith based on the expectations described in the job information.

Benefits include fully employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for individual plans, with dependent coverage available at competitive group rates. Additional offerings include life insurance, a Safe Harbor 401(k), more than 15 days of paid time off, support for ARE, and annual performance reviews.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Grimshaw is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, alienage or citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, gender identity, marital status, familial status, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The company is committed to building an inclusive workplace for all colleagues.