Director of IT

AP Professionals is partnering with a local manufacturer in search of a Director of IT. The Director of IT will be responsible for guiding and managing the organization's technology strategy and operations. This role entails strategic planning, overseeing IT initiatives, and ensuring their effective execution to support business goals, optimize operations, and maintain a secure and efficient IT infrastructure. The Director will collaborate closely with the CFO to align technology investments with financial objectives and overall business priorities.

• Provide guidance on and execute the IT strategy in alignment with the company’s broader business objectives and financial goals.
• Partner with the CFO to budget and forecast IT expenses, ensuring alignment with financial planning and cost management strategies.
• Supervise the design, deployment, and upkeep of IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, and cloud services, with an emphasis on Microsoft technologies (e.g., Microsoft 365, Azure).
• Ensure IT systems are highly available, reliable, and scalable to effectively support business operations.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the IT team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Identify skill gaps and offer training and development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
• Oversee IT projects from inception to completion, including system upgrades, migrations, and integrations, ensuring they meet scope, budget, and timeline requirements.
• Apply project management best practices and ensure adherence to project timelines and deliverables.
• Develop and enforce IT security policies and procedures to safeguard company data and systems from internal and external threats.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards, including data protection and privacy laws.
• Manage relationships with IT vendors and service providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring service levels meet organizational needs.
• Collaborate closely with other departments and stakeholders to understand their technology needs and provide suitable solutions.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends to recommend and implement improvements that enhance operational efficiency and support business innovation.
• Assess and optimize IT processes and systems for cost-effectiveness and performance.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field is required.

• Proven experience of 10+ years in IT management roles, including leadership positions.
• Extensive experience with Microsoft technologies, including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Windows Server.
• Strong expertise in IT infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity principles, and compliance requirements.

• Advanced security certifications such as CISA, CISM, or equivalent are preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001/27002, or SOC2.
• Familiarity with data security regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, or similar.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage budgets, projects, and vendor relationships.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.