Director of IT - Infrastructure & OperationsDirect Hire | North Iowa | Hybrid (onsite to start, then 3 days/week)
Relocation Assistance Provided
The RoleThe Director of IT - Infrastructure & Operations (I&O) provides strategic and operational leadership for the enterprise technology foundation. This role defines and executes the vision for infrastructure, platform services, and IT operations to ensure reliable, secure, and scalable business capabilities. The Director drives modernization, service excellence, and continuous improvement while aligning I&O capabilities with business strategy and future-state needs.
This is a newly created position resulting from company growth - with a clear path to CIO for the right long-term leader.
What You'll Be Responsible For- Define and execute the I&O strategy, ensuring alignment with enterprise IT and business objectives
- Lead modernization and innovation of infrastructure and operations, including an active Azure cloud migration across a Microsoft-first environment
- Oversee IT service management (ITSM), asset management, and approximately 1,000 endpoints across six sites
- Provide operational support for both IT and OT (operations technology), including robotics and plant floor systems in a manufacturing environment
- Lead IT infrastructure integration for mergers and acquisitions
- Ensure high availability, resilience, and disaster recovery readiness across all infrastructure and platforms
- Partner with security leadership to embed enterprise security practices into all infrastructure and operations activities
- Own I&O financial management, including budgeting, cost optimization, and vendor/contract governance
- Build strong stakeholder relationships to ensure services are aligned, cost-effective, and deliver measurable business value
- Develop and lead a high-performing team of 10, including one IT Manager direct report
- Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
Required Experience & Skills- Currently at the Director level (or equivalent) in IT infrastructure and operations
- 10+ years of progressive IT experience, including leadership roles; 3+ years leading strategy, budgeting, and technical teams
- Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments strongly preferred, including OT/plant floor support
- Hands-on familiarity with ITSM platforms (TeamDynamix or similar), ERP environments, and Microsoft/Azure ecosystems
- Proven ability to scale and optimize IT operations in complex, multi-site environments
- Experience leading or supporting M&A infrastructure integration
- Strong financial acumen: budgeting, vendor governance, and service delivery performance
- Excellent communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Nice-to-Haves- Experience with AI/ML, automation, or self-service technologies to improve operational efficiency
- Familiarity with TeamDynamix (ITSM) or Infor (ERP)
- Prior experience in a CIO succession or enterprise technology leadership pipeline role
Pay & Benefits- Base salary: $180,000 - $200,000
- Annual performance bonus: up to 30%
- ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan): 30% - build real ownership in the company you help grow
- Relocation/signing bonus available for candidates outside the area
- Company-sponsored continuing education
Apply Now!Director of IT, IT Infrastructure Director, VP of Technology, IT Operations, Infrastructure & Operations, I&O, OT Support, Manufacturing IT, Azure Cloud, Microsoft, ITSM, TeamDynamix, Infor ERP, ERP, Iowa, Mason City, Clear Lake, Direct Hire, ESOP, CIO succession, hybrid, plant floor technology, robotics support, M&A integration, IT leadership
