Director of Information Technology

We are seeking a Director of Information Technology for a leading hospitality & lifestyle destination. Reporting directly to the executive team, this role will lead a 6-person IT department and oversee all core IT functions — from infrastructure resilience to cyber security, system governance, integration architecture, and guest-centric technology enablement.

Role Purpose:

As the Director of Information Technology, you will drive the digital backbone of one of Istanbul’s most ambitious lifestyle destinations. From ensuring operational continuity across 24/7 services to supporting premium guest experiences through secure, scalable, and intelligent technology platforms — this role is both strategic and hands-on. You will be responsible for defining and implementing IT strategy, managing mission-critical infrastructure, leading digital innovation projects, and ensuring full compliance with data governance and security standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the end-to-end management of IT operations, including infrastructure, network, systems, and application ecosystems across the entire facility.
• Design, implement, and optimize secure, scalable infrastructure strategies aligned with operational and guest experience objectives.
• Oversee server, storage, and network architecture (Windows Server 2012+, SQL Server 2012+, Windows 10+, Firewall, Router, Switch, Wi-Fi Controller/AP).
• Manage operational continuity of hospitality technologies: PMS (Fidelio Suite8, Opera), POS (Micros 9700, Symphony), financial platforms (Logo, SAP), and building systems (IP/CCTV, IPTV, door lock systems).
• Lead information security strategy, ensuring governance, risk mitigation, and compliance with internal and external standards.
• Establish robust backup, recovery, and business continuity protocols; manage preventive maintenance and critical incident response.
• Drive interface and API integrations with internal departments and third-party vendors to ensure seamless digital interoperability.
• Supervise procurement, inventory, and vendor management processes; ensure service level compliance and cost efficiency.
• Build and maintain detailed IT documentation, asset tracking, and access management in line with audit and confidentiality protocols.
• Oversee monitoring of critical environmental systems (UPS, generator, HVAC) affecting IT continuity.
• Develop and manage the annual IT budget; optimize investments across hardware, software, and support services.
• Support training, orientation, and onboarding of staff on systems and digital policies, fostering a culture of tech awareness and compliance.

Must-Have Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience managing IT operations in hospitality, real estate, or other complex 24/7 service environments.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft technologies (Windows Server 2012+, Windows 10+, SQL Server 2012+).
• Strong operational grasp of hardware infrastructure, network systems, and IT security frameworks.
• Hands-on experience with hotel technologies (PMS, POS, IPTV, door lock systems) and finance/ERP tools.
• Deep understanding of integration architectures, API governance, and vendor coordination.
• Exceptional communication and decision-making capabilities in high-stakes, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Strong process orientation, documentation discipline, and confidentiality awareness.

Nice-to-Have Qualifications:

• Background in luxury hospitality, mixed-use lifestyle developments, or large-scale real estate projects.
• Experience managing digital innovation projects and infrastructure for guest-facing technologies.
• Familiarity with Turkish legal and regulatory requirements related to IT systems and data security.

Rainmaker Note: This is a pivotal opportunity to lead the digital engine of one of Istanbul’s most iconic urban transformation projects.