Kenneth Hartz
Shalersville,OH
Summary
Tech-savvy professional with proven track record of success in directing global vendors and implementing cutting-edge technology solutions to propel organizational progress. Demonstrated expertise in overseeing complex IT environments, enacting key performance indicators, building and supervising multidisciplinary teams, and optimizing operational efficiency. Accomplished in developing and executing IT strategies that enhance productivity, reduce costs, and mitigate risks.
Strong foundation in IT program management. Proven track record in strategic planning, project execution, and stakeholder communication. Known for fostering team collaboration and adapting to evolving project needs while focusing on results. Expertise includes resource allocation, and process optimization. Recognized for analytical thinking and solutions-oriented approach.
Proven track record in managing large-scale technology projects. Known for fostering team collaboration, adaptability, and consistently driving results.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
I.T. Program Manager
MBCC Group (Master Builders)
United States
01.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: Master Builders Solutions is the global brand of advanced chemical solutions for construction. Our comprehensive construction portfolio includes concrete admixtures, waterproofing solutions, fiber-reinforced concrete solutions & underground construction. $1B in sales.
- Direct entire lifecycle of vendor contracts to ensure alignment with organizational needs, compliance, and industry standards. Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with IT suppliers to secure seamless communication and collaboration.
- Lead the Vendor Management, Program/Project Management and Global Licensing divisions for Master Builders.
- Established and implemented KPIs to assess and monitor vendor competence, leading to increased effectiveness and accountability.
- Managed the separation of $6B business into three entities, involving division of $27M worth of IT contracts and renegotiation of all agreements retained by Master Builders.
- Project Manager for a 14 month, $5M technology rebuild involving 4 global data centers.
- Program Manager for an outsourced IT Management engagement with a yearly spend of $2M
Director, Technology & Support Services
The Flynn Group
Independence, OH
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Company Overview: Flynn is the largest US franchisor of Applebee’s, Taco Bell, Panera, Pizza Hut, Arby’s, Wendy’s and Planet Fitness. With 75,000 employees and $5B in sales, they are the premier leader in restaurant ownership.
- Drove notable improvements in service desk efficiencies by orchestrating launch of ServiceNow improvements. Streamlined vendor service model, optimizing break-fix duties through coordination with three national suppliers. Elevated overall proficiency by redirecting company technicians toward growth-oriented construction and remodeling projects.
- Acquired impressive 11% reduction in retailer expenditure within $17M budget through rigorous competitive bidding process.
- Engineered technology projects that assisted in the company growing from $2.6M to remarkable $4.6B in revenue through M&A.
- Achieved substantial rise in SLA performance for company brands, enhancing from 64% to exceptional 94% within nine-month period.
- Spearheaded 120-member team overseeing service desk operations, managing technology depots in two facilities with combined $3M inventory, coordinating national field service for 4K U.S. locations and 75K employees, and supervising technology program administration.
- Managed a $7M technology restack project for their largest franchise. Project completed in 8 months.
- Designed and implemented a Vendor Management process leading to advanced stewardship meetings with strategic vendors.
Chief Technology Officer (Contract)
Centerlink Technologies
Akron, OH
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Company Overview: Founded in Akron, Ohio in 2013 with a mission to be a premier Information Technology resource provider Centerlink specializes in solutions designed for business connectivity, network optimization, cyber security, hardware, and software resales and managed services. They provide a unique approach that is customer-driven and centered around innovative technology solutions to solve problems and promote savings.
- Collaborated with company clients to assess their current technology profiles, recognize future state needs, and craft technology roadmaps. Ensured targeted staff training and fostered fast-paced work environment by pioneering talent evaluation initiative. Enhanced customer satisfaction levels by establishing a new service desk with a focus on key performance indicators.
- Optimized resource utilization for increased organizational outcomes by initiating and leading vendor governance programs.
- Spearheaded company revenue and portfolio development by installing 20 new retailers, aligning technology with company priorities, and heading IT functions.
- Oversaw implementation of cutting-edge technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
- Directed cross-functional teams in the execution of complex IT projects on time and within budget.
- Fostered a culture of innovation through mentorship and professional development initiatives for technology staff.
- Analyzed performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in technology services and support processes.
- Evaluated emerging technologies to ensure alignment with strategic objectives and competitive advantage.
- Optimized IT infrastructure by streamlining processes and implementing cutting-edge technologies.
- Created scalable architectures that supported long-term growth strategies while providing flexibility to adapt as needed.
- Provided project leadership in dynamic technology-driven environment with multiple priorities.
- Aligned IT strategy with organizational goals, fostering collaboration between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
VP Director of Services
SSI, Inc.
Akron, OH
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Company Overview: A global leader in providing third party maintenance and services for infrastructure and IT systems, including storage, servers, and networking.
- Boosted effectiveness by directing all aspects of IT, such as vendor management, sales support, purchasing, and technician functions. Enhanced overall workflow efficacy and collaboration by restructuring IT operations, deploying new systems (ticketing and inventory), and assisting smooth integration of global sellers.
- Nurtured stronger partnerships and guaranteed cost savings by constructing service contracts, purchasing agreements, and streamlining onboarding procedures for over 300 international suppliers.
- Leader in global OEM replacement parts for data centers.
VP Operations & Service Delivery
SSI, Inc
Akron, OH
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Secured timely access to essential resources for patron IT projects by establishing robust network of providers. Ensured flawless delivery of products and services, resulting in heightened client satisfaction and positive business reputation. Diversified printer services by acquiring competitors and expanding market share.
- Elevated operational proficiency and amplified client satisfaction by pioneering outsourced service desk implementations for Fortune 500 customers.
- Contributed to significant rise in productivity and service quality by supervising development of four outsourced service desks, scaling each from 55 to 175 employees.
- Created customer service desks from scratch and delivered ongoing leadership in areas, encompassing hiring, schedule administration, financial oversight, and SLA accomplishment.
EDGE Business Manager & IT Recruiter
Murtech Consulting
Independence, OH
01.2010 - 01.2011
- Obtained significant State of Ohio funding for Murtech-backed women and minority-owned businesses through application of EDGE program. Transformed EDGE program into one of company's leading revenue streams through systematic expansion. Attained and upheld leadership status within market while steering high-performing recruiting team.
- Cultivated culture of continuous progress and expansion by executing tactical ventures resulting in consistent month-over-month growth across all operational facets.
- Initiated and supervised creation of EDGE program, transforming initiative into 100% standalone business under national staffing services company.
- Coordinated nationwide resource contracting for project completion while engineering and overseeing 5000-store POS rollout.
Skills
- IT Infrastructure Management
- Strategic Technology Planning
- Vendor Management
- Client Relationship Governance
- Team Development & Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Contract Negotiation
- Project Management
- Revenue Growth Generation
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Budget Oversight
- Field Services Management
- Requirements gathering
- Business analysis
- Stakeholder management
- Cross-functional team leadership
- IT strategy development
- Innovation management
- Teamwork
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- 1996-2010
- Vice President & Manager of Deployment/Configuration
- KeyBank, Cleveland, OH
- Vice President & Data Center Manager / National Field Services Manager
- Vice President and Manager of Voice and Data Services
- KeyBank, Cleveland OH
Timeline
I.T. Program Manager
MBCC Group (Master Builders)
01.2023 - Current
Director, Technology & Support Services
The Flynn Group
01.2022 - 01.2023
Chief Technology Officer (Contract)
Centerlink Technologies
01.2020 - 01.2022
VP Director of Services
SSI, Inc.
01.2014 - 01.2020
VP Operations & Service Delivery
SSI, Inc
01.2011 - 01.2014
EDGE Business Manager & IT Recruiter
Murtech Consulting
01.2010 - 01.2011