Manager, IT & Business SystemsThe Manager, IT & Business Systems is responsible for leading AIL's technology, business systems, cybersecurity governance, data/reporting, and digital transformation priorities. This role serves as the primary technology leader for the organization and is accountable for ensuring technology capabilities support AIL's strategic growth, operational excellence, cybersecurity readiness, and acquisition integration objectives.
This position leads the internal IT function, including IT Support, Systems Administration, ERP/business systems support, and external technology partners. The role will keep the IT team focused, organized, and accountable for service delivery, projects, system reliability, business process improvement, and continuous improvement.
The Manager, IT & Business Systems will participate in EOS L10 meetings as the technology and business systems representative, bringing forward IT priorities, risks, scorecard metrics, project updates, and recommendations that support AIL's strategic plan.
This is a hands-on leadership role that balances strategic planning with practical execution, ensuring technology initiatives are prioritized, implemented, adopted, and delivering measurable value.
Key ResponsibilitiesTechnology Leadership & IT Operations- Lead, coach, and prioritize the work of IT Support, Systems Administration, ERP/business systems resources, and external technology partners.
- Oversee IT service delivery, help desk performance, ticket management, onboarding/offboarding, access management, documentation, and user satisfaction.
- Establish and monitor key technology performance indicators, including cybersecurity, service delivery, project execution, ERP performance, user adoption, and business value realization.
- Develop internal technology talent, succession plans, and organizational capabilities to support future business growth.
- Act as the primary point of contact for senior leadership, department heads, vendors, and escalated technology matters.
ERP & Business Systems- Own the governance, roadmap, prioritization, and business value realization of ERP, reporting, and business systems investments
- Ensure ERP and related systems support manufacturing, inventory, supply chain, purchasing, finance, customer service, project management, scalability, and data integrity.
- Partner with business leaders to improve workflows, reporting, system usage, process standardization, and operational efficiency.
- Lead organizational change management activities related to technology initiatives, including communication, training, user adoption, and business readiness.
AI, Automation & Digital Transformation- Identify, evaluate, and implement AI, automation, and digital transformation initiatives that improve productivity, decision-making, and customer experience.
- Lead the adoption and governance of AI tools and automation initiatives across departments.
- Partner with teams to identify opportunities for efficiency improvement, workflow automation, and better use of technology.
Cybersecurity, Risk & Business Continuity- Own cybersecurity governance, risk management, business continuity planning, disaster recovery readiness, and compliance activities.
- Coordinate external cybersecurity partners, including Attache Group, to ensure risks, recommendations, remediation activities, and action items are tracked and completed.
- Ensure cybersecurity priorities are integrated into IT operations, business systems, vendor management, training, and the technology roadmap.
- Provide leadership visibility into cybersecurity posture, key risks, mitigation plans, and required investments.
Data, Reporting & Business Intelligence- Lead AIL's data strategy, reporting infrastructure, and business intelligence initiatives.
- Ensure leaders have timely, accurate, and actionable information to support decision-making.
- Oversee reporting platforms, dashboards, Power BI, SSRS migration, EOS scorecards, operational KPIs, and related reporting tools.
- Improve data integrity, reporting accuracy, system integration, and access to business information.
Manufacturing Technology & Operational Systems- Partner with operations teams to support manufacturing systems, plant connectivity, production technologies, and operational technology environments across all facilities.
- Support technology needs related to roll-forming plants, HDPE extrusion, production equipment, and multi-site operations.
- Identify opportunities to improve production visibility, equipment connectivity, data collection, automation, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure operational technology (OT) environments are secure, reliable, and appropriately integrated with corporate IT systems
Technology Roadmap, Governance & Project Execution- Develop and maintain a multi-year technology roadmap aligned with AIL's strategic plan, growth objectives, acquisitions, and operational requirements.
- Establish and maintain an IT governance framework, including project prioritization, technology standards, architecture principles, risk management, and business stakeholder engagement.
- Manage the IT project portfolio, including priorities, timelines, ownership, budgets, dependencies, communication, and follow-through.
- Prepare business cases and recommendations for technology investments that improve scalability, reliability, security, efficiency, and business performance.
M&A Integration & Business Expansion- Lead technology due diligence, integration planning, and systems harmonization activities related to acquisitions and business expansions.
- Assess acquired or new business technology environments, including infrastructure, cybersecurity, ERP, data, licensing, vendors, and business systems.
- Develop integration plans covering systems, users, data, security, reporting, processes, and support models.
Vendor, Partner & Budget Management- Establish and manage vendor performance metrics, service level agreements, and strategic technology partnerships.
- Manage relationships with IT service providers, cybersecurity partners, ERP vendors, software providers, consultants, and infrastructure partners.
- Support IT budgeting, purchasing, contract review, renewals, licensing, and cost control.
- Ensure vendors deliver value, reliability, accountability, and timely support.
QualificationsEducation- Post-secondary education in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Systems, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
- Equivalent combinations of education, certifications, and relevant experience will be considered.
- Certifications in project management, cybersecurity, ERP, IT service management, Microsoft technologies, data analytics, or business intelligence are considered assets.
Experience- 8-12 years of progressive IT, business systems, or technology leadership experience.
- 3-5 years of experience leading IT teams, business systems teams, vendors, or cross-functional technology initiatives.
- Experience supporting multi-site manufacturing, industrial operations, infrastructure, distribution, or similar operational environments.
- Experience with ERP implementations, upgrades, integrations, optimization initiatives, or business systems governance.
- Experience managing external IT service providers, cybersecurity partners, ERP vendors, and technology consultants.
- Experience leading technology projects with budgets exceeding $250,000.
- Strong understanding of cybersecurity frameworks, disaster recovery, business continuity planning, and risk management.
- Experience with data/reporting platforms, business intelligence tools, Power BI, SSRS, dashboards, KPIs, or executive reporting.
- Experience supporting acquisitions, integrations, system harmonization, or large organizational change initiatives is considered an asset.
- Experience with AI adoption, automation, digital transformation, or workflow improvement initiatives is considered an asset.
Skills & Competencies- Strong leadership, coaching, prioritization, project management, and change management skills.
- Ability to connect technology strategy to business performance, operational efficiency, and growth.
- Strong understanding of ERP systems, business processes, data integrity, reporting, and systems integration.
- Ability to work effectively with operations, finance, supply chain, manufacturing, customer service, project management, and executive leadership.
- Strong vendor management, service level management, communication, and budget oversight skills.
- Ability to explain technology risks, priorities, and recommendations to non-technical leaders.
- Business-focused mindset with a strong commitment to accountability, security, service, and continuous improvement.
