Information Technology Lead

Grimshaw is a global architecture and design studio of ideas and invention, driven by a desire to connect people to each other and the world around us. We recognize the urgency of the challenges that face our planet, and our duty to deliver architecture and design best suited for a flourishing future. Our studios are founded on analysis and exploration. We relish the challenges inherent across a wide range of work, engaging our expertise and agility to deliver lasting, meaningful design that brings value and joy to clients and users. At Grimshaw, we encourage creativity, collaboration and innovation. We want our staff to be fulfilled by their time with us as we know the key to our continuing success is working with and engaging the most talented people we can find.

We are seeking an Information Technology Lead to join our New York studio. This individual is a technical, senior management position reporting to the Global Head of IT. This position leads the regional team, owns the reliability and performance of all IT services and sets the standards for accountability and professionalism. The role requires a technical hands-on, well-rounded leader who can operate strategically while remaining close to day-to-day infrastructure, support, systems, and service delivery.

This individual will be accountable for all regional IT systems including infrastructure, hardware, software, networking, backup and recovery, AV, and security. This person continuously improves Grimshaw’s IT operations so that systems and services drive staff productivity and collaboration, equipping the team with secure, modern and reliable tools. Responsive support delivery is key, while maintaining a resilient environment, and safeguarding Grimshaw's intellectual property, all in adherence to recognized industry standards and frameworks (e.g. Cyber Essentials Plus, ISO, NIST).

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy

• Align IT infrastructure with current and future business requirements and strategic objectives.
• Lead IT projects and initiatives, leveraging technology to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
• Maintain and develop professional and technical knowledge through continuous learning, while mentoring and developing the regional infrastructure team.

Operations

• Oversee day-to-day IT operations, ensuring the functionality, availability, and security of systems, data, backups and communications; lead the effective investigation and resolution of incidents and service disruptions.
• Own the full lifecycle of AV systems including meeting room technology, conferencing platforms, and hybrid collaboration tools - from deployment and standardization across the region through to monitoring, maintenance, upgrades, and vendor coordination, ensuring consistency, reliability, and minimal disruption to business and client-facing activities.
• Plan and implement network infrastructure improvements, including switches, wireless access points, firewalls, and associated network devices, ensuring secure, resilient, and scalable connectivity across the region.
• Deploy and maintain the latest application stack to ensure staff have access to secure, supported, high-performing tools that improve productivity, collaboration, and operational efficiency.
• Optimize storage capacity through proactive monitoring of server and data usage, recommending efficiencies where required.
• Operating system lifecycle management, including planning, testing, deployment, and ongoing updates for Windows desktop and server environments.

Security & Risk

• Identify, assess, and manage operational, technical, compliance, and security risks, implementing effective controls to mitigate risk and protect the business. Ensure a consistently high level of security across all systems, aligned with recognized industry frameworks, supported by regular auditing, compliance activities, and proactive security management.
• Evaluate, test, and implement emerging technologies to strengthen Grimshaw’s IT environment, including security controls such as firewalls and endpoint protection.
• Define, maintain, and regularly test disaster recovery and business continuity plans, ensuring the organization can recover critical systems and services within agreed recovery time and recovery point objectives (RTO/RPO).
• Ensure robust backup and restoration strategies, including routine validation, testing of backup integrity, and successful recovery of data and systems.

Finance

• Manage IT vendors, contracts, leases, and service level agreements, including vendor risk assessments for new technologies.
• Oversee software procurement, licensing, renewals, and compliance, ensuring solutions are fit-for-purpose, cost-effective, and aligned with global IT standards.
• Manage regional IT budgets, including financial planning, forecasting, cost control, and reporting.

Communication & Support

• Provide oversight and support for network operations, ensuring the stability and availability of systems on a 24/7 basis.
• Drive continual service improvement, adapting processes, policies, and ways of working to meet evolving business needs.
• Deliver and support 2nd/3rd line IT helpdesk services across Grimshaw studios. Provide desktop support where necessary, ensuring user issues are resolved within agreed service levels.
• Manage unified communications platforms, ensuring reliable connectivity across office-based and mobile environments.
• Provide technical support for meetings, events, and client engagements as required.

TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

• WatchGuard firewalls and EPDR (Endpoint Protection, Detection & Response)
• Intune and PDQ for Device Management
• Nasuni cloud file storage solution
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• End User Compute and Server Hardware: Dell and HP
• Windows-based infrastructure (including Windows Server 2025 and Windows 11)
• Experience supporting Apple devices
• Cisco Meraki WAPs. Networking: Aruba switch infrastructure
• Virtualization platforms: VMware and Proxmox
• Email security and management: Mimecast

SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Minimum of 5 years’ management experience in a comparable role; leadership of an IT team in a complex, growth-oriented environment.
• Strong knowledge of server hardware and Microsoft operating systems, specifically Exchange and Microsoft Ecosystem.
• Relevant tertiary education in Computer Science or a related field; Microsoft certification preferred.
• Strong prioritization and time management required. Able to balance strategic and operational demands. Lead by example and willing to be hands-on as needed.
• Able to communicate clearly, transparently and effectively at all levels, including senior management.
• Able to travel periodically (10%).
• Prior experience in a design, engineering, or creative professional services environment is preferred.

Application Details

To apply, include a cover letter and resume clearly outlining your suitability for the role. Please note that due to a large volume of applications we receive, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Salary ranges from $130,000 to $160,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience, excluding profit share and other benefits. This is a good faith estimate based on the expectations as laid out in the job description. Grimshaw provides a comprehensive benefits package, including fully employer-paid medical, dental, and vision for individual coverage, with dependent coverage available at competitive group rates. Additional benefits include life insurance, Safe Harbor 401(k), 15+ days paid time off, ARE support and annual performance reviews.

Grimshaw is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived 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 characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all our colleagues.