Principal, IT Operations 1

The Principal, IT Operations 1 is a senior technical authority responsible for shaping enterprise-wide IT operational strategy and driving large-scale infrastructure initiatives across DIRECTV's technology organization. This role serves as a recognized subject matter expert, providing strategic direction on complex, high-impact operational programs while acting as a key advisor to senior leadership and cross-organizational stakeholders. The Principal, IT Operations 1 operates with a high degree of autonomy, exercising sound judgment on ambiguous and precedent-setting issues, and plays a pivotal role in setting technical direction, governance standards, and long‑term operational roadmaps that support DIRECTV's broader business and technology strategy.

This position owns strategic operational programs, setting organizational standards, and influencing decisions at a departmental or enterprise level.

• Provide overall management, strategic direction, administrative support, and communication for long-term disaster recovery implementation projects.
• Conduct Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and risk assessments to identify recovery gaps and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Partner with application owners and technical teams to develop, document, and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Serve as the primary liaison between business stakeholders, infrastructure teams, and application teams to support disaster recovery readiness.
• Defines and drives enterprise-level operational strategy, translating business goals into multi-year technology roadmaps and infrastructure investment plans.
• Leads large-scale, cross-functional programs and initiatives with significant organizational visibility, often spanning multiple teams, departments, or business units.
• Serves as principal technical advisor to senior management and executive stakeholders, providing recommendations on infrastructure architecture, operational risk, and technology investment decisions.
• Establishes and governs operational standards, policies, and best practices that guide IT operations across the organization.
• Evaluates emerging technologies and industry trends, assessing their applicability and potential impact on DIRECTV's infrastructure strategy.
• Oversees vendor and partner strategy at a program level, negotiating terms, setting performance expectations, and ensuring alignment with long‑term operational goals.
• Leads root‑cause analysis and resolution for high‑severity, high‑visibility operational issues that carry significant business risk.
• Champions continuous improvement initiatives, identifying systemic inefficiencies and architecting scalable solutions that improve reliability, performance, and cost‑effectiveness.
• Mentors and develops senior and mid‑level engineers and IT operations staff, fostering technical growth and succession planning across the team.
• Collaborates extensively with architecture, engineering, security, and business teams to ensure operational readiness for new initiatives and product launches.
• Represents IT Operations in governance forums, steering committees, and strategic planning sessions.
• Anticipates future operational needs and proactively identifies risks, gaps, or opportunities before they impact the business.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field; advanced degree or relevant industry certifications preferred.
• Recognized subject matter expert with deep, authoritative knowledge of DIRECTV technologies, systems, and IT infrastructure.
• Proven track record of leading large-scale, complex technology programs from strategy through execution.
• 3 – 5 years of progressive experience in IT operations, infrastructure, or a related technical discipline, with demonstrated growth into strategic leadership.
• Exceptional communication and executive presence, with the ability to influence and align senior leadership, technical teams, and external partners.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, capable of navigating ambiguous, high‑stakes situations with minimal guidance.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring and developing…