SENIOR IT MANAGER
Role Summary
The Senior IT Manager will lead the complete IT function for a large-scale manufacturing operation. This role is responsible for ensuring reliable, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure, business systems support, end-user support, cybersecurity controls, IT project execution, and plant technology readiness.
This is a hands-on leadership role within a complex manufacturing environment. The Senior IT Manager will lead a small technical team while partnering closely with operations, engineering, maintenance, quality, finance, HR, supply chain, logistics, corporate IT, vendors, and external service providers.
This position is critical as the organization continues expanding its U.S. manufacturing footprint across multiple production, coating, logistics, workshop, and yard operations.
Position Scope
Own site IT infrastructure, end-user support, ERP/business application support coordination, cybersecurity coordination, IT assets, vendors, documentation, and technology readiness for plant operations.
Provide hands-on leadership and escalation support for plant-floor and office IT issues.
Ensure the site operates with reliable IT systems, disciplined service levels, strong documentation, and alignment with corporate IT standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Site IT Leadership
• Lead the overall IT function including infrastructure, help desk, ERP/business systems support, cybersecurity coordination, IT assets, vendors, documentation, and IT project execution
• Assign priorities across infrastructure, applications, and help desk support resources based on plant needs, service levels, and project commitments
• Ensure IT support is aligned with production continuity, safety, operational excellence, and corporate IT standards - IT Infrastructure Management
• Own the performance, reliability, and security of LAN, WAN, Wi-Fi, VPN, switches, routers, firewalls, servers, storage, backups, virtualization, and cloud/hybrid systems
• Oversee Microsoft 365, Active Directory, email, Teams, SharePoint, endpoint management, printers, scanners, conference room technology, and end-user devices
• Ensure server rooms, racks, cabling, UPS systems, and shop-floor connectivity are maintained to support 24/7 manufacturing operations - Help Desk and End-User Support
• Manage the site help desk function and ensure timely, professional support for office, plant, yard, and logistics users
• Set service-level expectations, monitor ticket performance, ensure appropriate escalation, and develop SOPs for recurring issues
• Oversee employee onboarding/offboarding, laptops, desktops, printers, phones, access requirements, and IT asset assignment/recovery - ERP and Business Applications Support
• Oversee first-level site support for ERP and other business applications, coordinating with corporate IT teams or external consultants as required
• Support user access requests, role coordination, reporting, troubleshooting, and process issue escalation
• Ensure application availability for finance, procurement, inventory, production planning, quality, maintenance, HR, logistics, and management reporting users - Manufacturing and Plant IT Support
• Ensure IT systems support production office and shop-floor connectivity, quality systems, maintenance and engineering systems, yard/logistics connectivity, warehouse/inventory systems, and site security systems where applicable
• Partner with operations, engineering, automation, and OT teams to support plant systems and minimize disruption to production
• Ensure IT requirements are included early in new line, expansion, commissioning, and facility projects - Cybersecurity and Risk Management
• Support site-level cybersecurity controls including endpoint protection, patch compliance, firewall/VPN access, MFA, user access reviews, backups, and vendor access control
• Coordinate cyber incident escalation and response with corporate IT and external support partners
• Promote cybersecurity awareness, user discipline, and practical risk management across the site - IT Projects and Expansion Support
• Lead or coordinate IT projects such as network upgrades, Wi-Fi expansion, server and backup improvements, cybersecurity initiatives, ERP/application rollouts, office technology upgrades, cabling/fiber projects, hardware refresh programs, and new facility IT readiness
• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and with proper documentation and handover - Vendor and Contract Management
• Manage local IT vendors and service providers including telecom providers, hardware/software suppliers, managed service providers, cybersecurity vendors, cabling contractors, and cloud/data center partners
• Ensure vendors provide reliable service, competitive pricing, timely response, and proper documentation - IT Governance, Compliance, and Documentation
• Maintain disciplined IT governance including asset inventory, software licenses, network diagrams, server/system documentation, backup procedures, user access records, IT policies, SOPs, change records, audit support, and budget tracking
• Ensure IT controls are practical, auditable, and aligned with corporate requirements - Team Leadership and Development
• Lead, coach, and develop the local IT team, building technical capability, cross-training, backup coverage, and a disciplined escalation structure
• Create a service-oriented IT culture focused on responsiveness, quality, documentation, follow-through, and accountability
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
• 8–12 years of progressive IT experience with at least 4–5 years in an IT leadership or supervisory role
• Experience managing IT infrastructure, help desk, networking, servers, cybersecurity, and business applications
• Experience within manufacturing, industrial, heavy equipment, automotive, energy, or similar plant environments
• Experience supporting ERP systems and manufacturing operations
• Strong knowledge of networking, firewalls, VPNs, servers, backup systems, endpoint management, and Microsoft environments
• Experience managing technical teams and vendor relationships
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting 24/7 manufacturing operations
• Exposure to IT/OT environments and plant-floor connectivity
• Experience supporting plant expansions, startups, or major infrastructure upgrades
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST or CIS Controls
• Certifications such as ITIL, CCNA, Microsoft, CompTIA Security+, CISSP, CISM, or PMP preferred
Leadership Expectations
The Senior IT Manager must be visible, responsive, and hands-on. This role requires a leader who can work with executives in the morning, troubleshoot plant-floor connectivity issues in the afternoon, and coordinate cybersecurity or ERP escalations the same day.
The ideal candidate will bring structure, urgency, technical depth, and strong customer-service discipline while helping prepare the organization for continued operational growth, digitalization, cybersecurity maturity, and manufacturing expansion.