SummaryWe are seeking a dynamic and experienced IT Director to serve as the second-in-command within our IT department. This pivotal leadership role will oversee the strategic implementation and management of advanced technologies, with a strong focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Analytics, and other cutting-edge solutions. The IT Director will collaborate closely with the CIO to align IT initiatives with business objectives, driving innovation and operational excellence across the organization.
The ideal candidate is a proactive, results-driven leader with a comprehensive understanding of the IT landscape including; applications, networking, security, and helpdesk operations, and a proven ability to bridge the gap between business needs and technological solutions. With a focus on Manufacturing, Sales, and Distribution environments, this role requires a go-getter who can command the full spectrum of IT responsibilities, leveraging hands-on AI expertise to build transformative solutions that enhance business performance.
Responsibilities- Strategic Leadership: Partner with the CIO to develop and execute the IT strategy, emphasizing the integration of AI, data analytics, and automation to drive business innovation and efficiency.
- Technology Oversight: Manage and optimize the organization's IT ecosystem, including applications, networking infrastructure, cybersecurity protocols, and helpdesk operations.
- AI Innovation: Identify, design, and implement AI-driven applications or features that enhance business processes, such as predictive analytics, process automation, or customer insights, tailored to Manufacturing, Sales, and Distribution needs.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with business leaders to understand their challenges and deliver AI-enhanced IT solutions that support operational excellence and revenue growth.
- Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of innovation and technical expertise in AI and advanced technologies.
- Security & Compliance: Oversee cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring robust protection of company data and systems while maintaining compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Budget & Resource Management: Manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and resource allocation to maximize efficiency and ROI on technology investments, including AI projects.
- Operational Excellence: Ensure the reliability, scalability, and performance of IT systems, including AI-driven tools and the helpdesk, to support day-to-day operations and long-term growth.
Knowledge and SkillsTechnical Knowledge:- Mastery of IT landscape (enterprise apps, networking, cybersecurity, helpdesk).
- Extensive ERP experience (SAP, Salesforce ) in manufacturing/distribution.
- Proficient in AI-enhanced Demand Planning, Supply Optimization tools.
- Knowledge of AI-optimized WMS and OTC processes.
- Expert in AI tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Azure AI, AWS SageMaker) and integration.
Business Acumen:- Aligns IT/AI with business goals (cost, revenue, efficiency) in manufacturing/sales.
- Translates business needs into AI-driven IT strategies.
- Financially literate to assess tech/AI ROI.
- Anticipates trends, proposes AI innovations for market leadership.
Communication:- Explains complex AI/tech to non-technical stakeholders.
- Builds IT-business collaboration for AI priorities.
- Presents strategic plans, secures buy-in with data-driven arguments.
- Manages conflict, vendors, and AI adoption.
Leadership:- Drives innovation in AI/tech, builds strong teams.
- Inspires IT teams to achieve strategic goals.
Attributes:- A proactive, go-getter mindset with a passion for leveraging AI to solve business challenges.
- Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Education and Experience- 5+ years as IT Director or senior IT leader.
- Bachelors Degree in related field
- Expertise in AI (ML, NLP, computer vision) with proven business deployments.
- Built AI applications for demand forecasting, supply chain, or customer experience.
- Deployed AI/ML in Sales and Manufacturing.
- Created strategic tech roadmaps with measurable results.
- Strong data engineering, analytics, automation skills for manufacturing.
- Comfortable building programs from scratch.
- Executive-level communication and stakeholder management.
