Job Description
SUMMARY:
The Senior Director, End User Services is a senior IT leader responsible for three core IT functions critical to the success of Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI): the enterprise IT Service Desk, End User Computing (e.g. PCs, mobile devices, printers), and Software Asset Management. In conjunction with the VP of IT Operations, this role sets the vision and strategy for end-user support services across CDI’s more than 29 property footprint and leads a team of managers to deliver secure, seamless, and productive technology experiences for employees company-wide. The Senior Director drives operational excellence through effective leadership of service desk operations, endpoint management, and user support platforms. They champion continuous improvement, ensure alignment with ITIL best practices (Incident, Change, Problem), and foster a high-performing culture focused on efficient, consistent, reliable, and scalable IT service delivery and process.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
Provides leadership, guidance and mentorship to direct reports
Reinforce ITIL Service Management standards and practices across the IT organization and overall responsibility for defining, reviewing, documenting, communicating and monitoring adherence to standards, procedures and processes for areas of responsibility and overall for Incident, Problem, Service Request and Change Management
Maintain a strong relationship with IT leaders to align solution roadmaps, resources, etc. in the interest of the overarching IT strategy
Manage the design, maintenance and operation of the IT Service Catalog
Development, maintenance and ownership of the IT asset management and user endpoint software lifecycle
Ensure appropriate metrics are defined and reported regularly to key stakeholders for areas of responsibility
Vendor relationship management including ongoing management of 3rd party service providers, requests for information, proposals, selection and contract negotiations as they relate to end-user software, hardware procurement and/or support
Collaborates with the sourcing and procurement teams to negotiate vendor agreements for end-user technology and support services, ensuring optimal value, performance, and alignment with company needs (e.g. user hardware contracts with OEMs and third-party service desk MSPs)
Work with finance and IT leadership to help develop and manages the IT budget for areas of responsibility
Analyzes information to determine, recommend, and plan enterprise-wide end-user device and software deployments, or modifications to existing configurations for developing and maintaining an end-user device roadmap and lifecycle strategy
REGULATORY
Ability to obtain racing and/or gaming licenses as required in any jurisdiction where CDI operates. The Gaming industry is highly regulated and as such demands an extensive background check to obtain a license. Must be 21 years of age or older.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or similar field required
Minimum of 5 years experience leading teams and managers within a technology organization
Demonstrated history of leadership with experience leading managers required
Proven experience standing up or transforming IT Service Desk operations, ideally with experience in transitioning from decentralized to centralized and/or hybrid models
Expertise in evaluating, onboarding, and managing third-party MSPs, with a focus on ensuring performance, SLAs, and seamless user experiences
ITIL Foundation certification required with a strong background in ITIL service process management
SKILLS and ATTRIBUTES:
ITIL Practitioner v2 or higher certification preferred
Lean/Six Sigma certification strongly preferred
Project Management experience preferred
Strong written and verbal communication, organization, critical thinking and problem solving skills
Ability to design and execute a long-term roadmap for scalable, enterprise-wide end-user support services aligned with business objectives
Excellent time management skills with demonstrated experience in managing multiple priorities simultaneously
Ability to adapt to new and changing business environments
Ability to operate under the pressure of strict deadlines
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORKING CONDITIONS:
Extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Regular use of a keyboard and mouse for typing and navigating software
Viewing a computer screen for prolonged periods
Ability to manipulate paperwork, including filing, sorting, and organizing
Moving within the office environment to attend meetings, use office equipment, or interact with colleagues
Occasional lifting of office supplies or paperwork (up to 20 pounds)
Speaking and listening to colleagues and clients in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing
Working in a climate-controlled office environment with moderate noise levels
Performing repetitive tasks such as data entry or document preparation
Working under artificial lighting conditions typical of an office environment, which may include fluorescent or LED lighting
Full-time