The Director of IT will lead all technology initiatives across a multi-site food manufacturing organization, ensuring secure, reliable, and efficient systems that support production, quality, supply chain, and corporate operations. This role will oversee IT strategy, infrastructure, applications, and team leadership while driving digital transformation and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, SQF, etc.).

Strategic Leadership

Develop and execute the company’s IT strategy aligned with business and manufacturing goals.
Lead digital transformation initiatives aimed at improving plant performance, automation, and operational efficiency.
Partner with executive leadership, production, quality, supply chain, and finance teams to enable technology-driven improvements.

Infrastructure, Systems & Operations

Oversee all IT infrastructure including servers, networks, firewalls, cloud systems, and disaster recovery plans.
Ensure high availability and uptime for manufacturing systems, MES, ERP, SCADA, OEE tools, and plant-floor applications.
Manage cybersecurity strategy and compliance with food industry standards and regulatory requirements.
Drive continuous improvement in system performance, reliability, and automation workflows.

Applications & Data

Own the ERP platform (e.g., SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite, Infor) and related integrations.
Oversee data management, reporting, and analytics initiatives to support real-time decision-making.
Ensure proper controls, documentation, and governance across IT systems and processes.

Team Leadership

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team, including infrastructure, applications, support, and plant-floor technology specialists.
Manage vendor relationships, MSPs, and technology partners to ensure optimal service delivery.
Oversee IT budgeting, forecasting, and long-term technology planning.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
8–12+ years of progressive IT experience, including leadership roles.
Experience working within food manufacturing or process manufacturing environments required.
Strong knowledge of FDA/USDA regulatory environments, traceability systems, QA systems, and production technologies.
Hands-on experience with ERP, MES, SCADA, PLC integrations, and plant-floor technologies.
Expertise in networking, cloud platforms (Azure/AWS), cybersecurity, and disaster recovery.
Excellent communication skills with the ability to partner with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Proven experience leading teams through modernization or digital transformation projects.

Preferred Skills:

Experience implementing automation, IoT, sensors, and smart manufacturing solutions.
Background in Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
Familiarity with food safety audits and compliance frameworks (SQF, BRC, FSMA).

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