As an Excess and Surplus (E&S) carrier, we face unique and interesting challenges every day. To help lead, develop, and enhance our information technology strategy, we are searching for an experienced leader to join our organization as our Vice President, Corporate IT Services.

Upland Capital Group, Inc. is an AM Best rated “A-” VIII specialty property/casualty insurer headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Through its wholly owned insurance carrier, Upland Specialty Insurance Company, the company markets, underwrites and services specialty insurance products in select markets to include excess transportation, construction casualty, excess casualty, primary general liability, excess public entit, professional liability errors and omissions as well as excess cyber liability. 

We focus on “old school” underwriting as a craft, add “new school” analytics and technology, and encourage a gritty, growth mindset among people called “we entrepreneurs.” 

The role of the Vice President, Corporate IT Services has a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation and security of Upland's IT infrastructure. This position involves leading the Corporate IT Services team, providing essential coaching and guidance, and overseeing the implementation and maintenance of desktop hardware and enterprise-wide applications and software. Moreover, the role is pivotal in safeguarding the company's enterprise network, systems, and data by designing, developing, and implementing security protocols and compliance measures. This includes leading security training programs, managing enterprise IT operations, and handling vendor management to bolster Upland's overall IT resilience.

Key Areas of Responsibilities:

• Manage all corporate IT functions, including Cybersecurity, IT Support, IT Asset Management, and IT Operations, to ensure effective, secure, and efficient service delivery.

• Directly overseeing all aspects of information security, compliance, and risk management to protect the company’s data and technology assets.

• Direct data storage, backup, and recovery strategies to ensure data integrity, availability, and resilience against potential disruptions.

• Oversee cloud infrastructure management, optimizing resource utilization and costs while ensuring security and compliance.

• Provide support for corporate, enterprise-wide applications, network performance, and systems administration to maintain high availability and performance.

Design, develop, and deploy an enterprise-wide IT security program to ensure all company data and technology assets are protected

• Build and manage relationships with IT and security vendors, including contract negotiations, onboarding, performance reviews, and continuous communication to ensure effective service delivery and security compliance.

• Oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of network and security hardware, ensuring that systems meet organizational and regulatory requirements.

• Create, test, and maintain a robust security plan that aligns with Upland’s risk profile and industry standards.

• Assess the applicability of a security plan, specific to Upland Capital Group companies) with the following:

 GLBA (Gramm-Leach-Billey Act), CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act), NYDS Cyber Security Regulation

• Documents assessments of Systems (both strategic and tactical choices) and suggested implementation focus

• Develop, implement, and continuously refine the Business Continuity Policies and Disaster Recovery Plan, ensuring preparedness for security incidents and natural disasters.

• Oversee regular security testing and develop risk mitigation strategies to address any identified vulnerabilities.

• Reviews contracts for current and future technology and system vendors as it relates to technology and security

• Work closely with the Enterprise Architect and other leaders on system implementations, ensuring security and compliance considerations are integrated from the start.

• Assess future hiring needs, mentor team members, and foster a collaborative and high-performing IT culture focused on continuous improvement.

Skills and Abilities Required:

• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with the ability to assess security threats and operational risks proactively

• Proven ability to communicate complex security and IT issues to non-technical stakeholders

• Familiarity with security frameworks including NIST, ISO 27001, or COBIT

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Excellent collaborative skills

• Demonstrated success in organizational development and change

• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with business leaders and stakeholders

• Ability to be a mentor and teach security principles to members of staff

• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities and projects at a given time

• Wide breadth of business technology landscape knowledge within the insurance or finance industry is a plus

Education and Experience Required:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field and a minimum of 10 years of related experience in information security, risk management and information technology fields

• At least 3-5 years of experience in people management 

•CISSP, CISM/CRISC, or COMPTIA Security+ is required

• Proven experience in developing and managing Incident Response (IR) and Disaster Recovery (DR) plans, with skills in incident handling and continuity planning

• Experience demonstrating leadership, self-motivation, accountability, and being a standout colleague who brings both strategic and tactical capabilities and can earn the respect of the team based on execution, knowledge, hands-on style, and decision-making ability