ABOUT US
For over 85 years, Daramic, LLC has led the way in developing new and innovative technology for the lead acid battery market. With headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA— Daramic supplies high-performance polyethylene and phenolic resin battery separators to the lead acid and flow battery industries, as well as moisture management membranes for the building sector. Daramic has a manufacturing footprint globally with facilities in Europe, Asia, and India. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its three Center of Innovations, which serve as central hubs for product development, material analysis and testing. Daramic’s dedication to customer needs and technological advancement has positioned it as a global leader.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
Directly reports to the SVP of Finance and supervises a global IT team. This position is expected to have 2-3 direct reports and 8-10 indirect reports. This position will be managing a global team and supporting a global business.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Global Director of Information Technology (IT) has responsibility for the strategic and operational management of global IT infrastructure, applications, and services across manufacturing, R&D, sales and corporate locations. This role is critical in leading the carve-out transition to an independent IT environment, managing third-party managed service providers (MSPs) and other external vendors, and ensuring robust, secure, and scalable systems that align with business objectives. The incumbent will be responsible for hiring, developing and managing employees within the IT department, overseeing the day-to-day operations, implementing strategic plans and ensuring alignment with the company’s objectives. Ultimately, the role of the Global Director of IT is to ensure that the information technology in our company adds the maximum value to our company, in order to facilitate the success of our business.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Strong intellectual, strategic, and analytical ability
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to work cross-functionally in a matrixed organization spanning multiple countries
EXPECTATIONS
Strategic Leadership
o Develop and execute global IT strategies aligned with manufacturing and business goals.
o Lead digital transformation initiatives and technology modernization across facilities.
o Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and implement cost-effective IT solutions.
o Develop and implement a framework for IT policies, compliance, risk management and best practices tailored to a standalone entity.
o Monitor and analyze technology and trends that could improve the company’s processes and performance.
Infrastructure & Operations
o Oversee day-to-day operations of the IT department, ensuring that all technology systems and applications support the organization’s goals and objectives.
o Plan and implement additions and modifications to the existing IT infrastructure.
o Oversee global data centers, networks, cloud services, and hybrid infrastructure.
o Own and maintain effective cybersecurity of the company systems, including monitoring, incident response, access management and disaster recovery planning.
o Ensure 24/7 operational support for manufacturing and supply chain systems.
o Manage system availability, performance, and disaster recovery planning.
o Oversee IT projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within scope.
Application Development & Support
o Supervise maintenance and modification of enterprise applications, including ERP (current MS AX12 standard) and in-house systems: Manufacturing Execution System (MES), Polypore Framework (PPF) and AppSquare, as well as data analytics platforms.
o Lead software development and integration projects to enhance operational efficiency.
o Ensure compliance with data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory standards; establish and enforce security protocols to protect data and prevent and prevent cyber threats.
Vendor & Budget Management
o Manage IT-related aspects of the TSA (Transitional Service Agreement).
o Develop and maintain relationships with global IT vendors and service providers, negotiating contracts for services.
o Manage the IT department's budget, ensuring cost-effective operations and maximum return on technology investments
o Oversee forecasting and capital project analysis.
o Monitor financial performance and ensure alignment with corporate policies.
Team Leadership
o Build and mentor a high-performing global IT team; identify opportunities for team training and skills advancement.
o Responsible for hiring, training, performance evaluation, and succession planning.
o Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
o Communicating with the technology team and other departments as collaboration requires.
o Work closely with other departments to identify their technical needs and provide appropriate solutions.
Travel
Global travel may be required to support manufacturing sites in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Hybrid work flexibility depending on location and operational needs.
CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS
Education: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, or related field. ITIL, PMP, CISSP or related certifications strongly preferred.
Professional experience:
• Must have a minimum 10 years of IT experience with at least 5 years in a leadership role; managing multiple direct reports, remote and international team management is a plus.
• Proven success in managing global IT operations and infrastructure in a manufacturing environment is required, including management of outsourced third-party global service providers.
• Expertise in ERP systems, cybersecurity, infrastructure, software applications, and third-party vendor management is required.
• Must have experience in application development and support.
• Must have experience with budgeting, financial reporting, and audit compliance.
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with stakeholders and present IT strategies effectively is required.
• Must possess strong strategic planning and problem-solving skills to address technical issues and improve IT processes.
