Associate Director, Workplace Technology and Business Engagement

Job Description The Associate Director, Workplace Technology and Business Engagement serves as the senior technology leader and primary IT partner for Vertex's Real Estate, Facilities, Physical Security, and Workplace Operations organizations. This role is responsible for defining technology strategy, managing a portfolio of enterprise applications, and delivering digital solutions that enable business capabilities across the global workplace environment. The role owns the technology roadmap, governance, and lifecycle management of platforms supporting workplace operations while driving innovation through AI, automation, analytics, and modern enterprise technologies. In addition, the Associate Director leads the technology workstream for office expansions, relocations, new site openings, workplace modernization initiatives, and M&A integration activities, ensuring the successful delivery of workplace technology, infrastructure, physical security, collaboration, and operational systems. As a senior member of DTE, the Associate Director partners closely with business leaders to understand strategic priorities, translate business needs into technology roadmaps, and ensure the successful delivery and operation of applications and platforms that support workplace operations, facilities management, physical security, and employee experience. This role combines business engagement, product ownership, portfolio management, and technology leadership. The successful candidate will drive innovation through AI, automation, analytics, and modern enterprise technologies while ensuring operational excellence, security, scalability, and business value. The Associate Director leads a team responsible for application strategy, project delivery, vendor management, and operational support while collaborating across DTE, Corporate Real Estate, Facilities, Engineering, Security, EH&S, Procurement, and external partners to deliver impactful business outcomes. Key Duties & Responsibilities Business Engagement & Strategy Serve as the primary DTE relationship manager and trusted advisor for Real Estate, Facilities, and Workplace Operations leadership. Develop and maintain multi-year technology roadmaps aligned to business priorities and strategic objectives. Partner with stakeholders to identify opportunities for digital transformation, automation, data-driven decision making, and AI-enabled solutions. Facilitate demand management, portfolio prioritization, and investment planning across the Real Estate and Facilities technology portfolio. Present strategy, recommendations, business cases, and technology roadmaps to senior leadership. Application & Product Leadership Own the lifecycle strategy, governance, support, and continuous improvement of enterprise platforms supporting Real Estate, Facilities, Physical Security, and Workplace Operations. Lead evaluation, selection, implementation, and optimization of business applications and technology solutions. Ensure platforms remain secure, scalable, compliant, and aligned with enterprise architecture standards. Partner with Architecture, Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Data, and Enterprise Application teams to deliver integrated solutions. Champion the adoption of AI, automation, analytics, and emerging technologies to improve business outcomes and user experiences. Program & Portfolio Delivery Lead a portfolio of technology projects, enhancements, and strategic initiatives supporting Real Estate, Facilities, and Workplace Operations. Oversee technology delivery associated with office expansions, relocations, new site openings, workplace modernization initiatives, and M&A integration activities. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business expectations. Manage resource planning, budgeting, demand forecasting, and project governance activities. Identify risks, dependencies, and opportunities across the portfolio. Operational Excellence & Vendor Management Accountable for operational support, platform health, service levels, and customer satisfaction across systems within scope. Establish and monitor KPIs, service metrics, adoption metrics, and value realization measures. Manage strategic vendor relationships, contracts, and service providers. Drive continuous improvement across support processes, governance, platform operations, and service delivery. People Leadership Lead and develop a team of project managers and technology professionals. Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, and customer focus. Provide coaching, mentorship, and career development opportunities for team members. Lead geographically dispersed vendors and managed service partners. Knowledge & Skills Strong experience partnering with business leaders to develop technology strategy and deliver business outcomes. Experience managing enterprise applications, digital platforms, or technology product portfolios. Demonstrated success leading cross-functional technology initiatives in complex global environments. Experience with AI, automation, analytics, workflow platforms, or digital transformation programs. Strong understanding of application lifecycle management, vendor management, and IT service delivery. Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills. Proven ability to establish trusted relationships with senior business stakeholders and influence strategic decisions through technology leadership and business partnership. Ability to translate business requirements into technology solutions and measurable value. Experience leading technology teams, vendors, and managed service providers. Experience leading the technology workstream for office buildouts, workplace expansions, relocations, new site openings, or M&A integration activities. Knowledge of workplace, facilities, physical security, or real estate systems is preferred. Experience with p