Information Technology Manager

Our client is seeking a hands-on Our client is seeking a hands-on IT Director to take ownership of the company’s technology environment, with a strong emphasis on SAP ByDesign and ERP strategy. This is a unique opportunity for an IT leader who can operate as a one-person IT organization—someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves and solving problems directly while also providing strategic direction for the company’s future technology needs.The company is a growing manufacturing organization that has experienced significant expansion and is currently undergoing a transition in ownership. With continued growth ahead, this person will play a critical role in evaluating the existing technology infrastructure, determining where the organization has outgrown its current ERP capabilities, and developing a roadmap for the next stage of IT maturity.The ideal candidate does not need to be a SAP guru. However, they must have strong working knowledge of SAP, particularly SAP ByDesign, understand how ERP supports manufacturing operations, and be capable of taking ownership of the system. For highly specialized SAP requirements, the company has access to an outside VAR/consulting partner.Key ResponsibilitiesERP & SAP LeadershipTake overall ownership of SAP ByDesign, serving as the internal technology leader and primary point of ownership for the ERP environment.Support, troubleshoot, administer, and continuously improve SAP processes and functionality.Develop a strong understanding of how SAP supports manufacturing, bills of material (BOMs), purchasing, inventory, billing, invoicing, and financial processes.Evaluate whether SAP ByDesign continues to meet the organization’s needs as the company grows.Develop recommendations and a strategic roadmap for potential ERP enhancements, optimization, integration, or replacement.Partner with the CFO, leadership team, finance, operations, engineering, and other business stakeholders to identify technology needs.Work effectively with external SAP/ERP consultants and the company’s VAR when deeper technical expertise is required.Ideally, bring experience participating in or leading an ERP implementation, migration, upgrade, or major transformation.Hands-On IT OperationsServe as the primary internal IT leader and take a hands-on approach to technology issues and projects.Oversee the company’s cloud-based technology environment, Microsoft 365/O365, applications, infrastructure, and network.Manage and coordinate the outsourced helpdesk function and determine the appropriate long-term support model.Oversee the company’s remaining on-premise infrastructure, including its internal server environment.Troubleshoot issues, identify root causes, and drive practical solutions.Manage vendors, consultants, technology partners, and outsourced IT resources.Security, Compliance & InfrastructureEstablish and maintain appropriate IT security, access controls, cybersecurity, backup, disaster recovery, and compliance practices.Evaluate technology risks and develop strategies to protect company data and systems.Establish appropriate policies and procedures around user access, security, data protection, and IT operations.Ensure technology infrastructure supports the company’s continued growth and changing business requirements.Strategic Technology LeadershipDevelop and execute a forward-looking IT strategy and technology roadmap aligned with business objectives.Evaluate emerging technologies, including AI and automation, and identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, reporting, and decision-making.Identify opportunities to integrate systems and eliminate manual processes.Translate business needs into practical technology solutions.Help leadership understand technology investments, priorities, risks, and opportunities.Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO and executive leadership team.Change Management & InfluenceBuild strong relationships throughout the organization and gain buy-in for technology initiatives.Communicate complex technical concepts in a clear, business-oriented manner.Drive adoption of new systems, processes, and technology solutions.Influence stakeholders and create alignment across departments.Take ownership of problems and projects from identification through implementation.Critical QualificationsProven IT leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.Hands-on experience with SAP, preferably SAP ByDesign.Strong understanding of how ERP systems support manufacturing operations, BOMs, inventory, finance, billing, and invoicing.Broad IT experience spanning ERP, cloud, infrastructure, cybersecurity, security, compliance, and Microsoft 365.Ability and willingness to be hands-on, not simply manage through others.Strategic mindset with the ability to develop and execute a technology roadmap.Strong business judgment and the ability to translate business requirements into technology solutions.Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.Ability to work independently and effectively function as a one-person IT department while leveraging outside resources when appropriate.Experience working with IT vendors, consultants, VARs, and outsourced service providers.MUST BE AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE US WITHOUT SPONSORSHIP NOW OR IN THE FUTURE