IT Director

IT DirectorDemKota Ranch Beef - Aberdeen, SD 57401About DemKota Ranch BeefDemKota Ranch Beef is a leading beef processing company committed to operational excellence, food safety, and continuous improvement. Technology plays a critical role in supporting our production facilities, corporate operations, and future growth. We are seeking an experienced IT Director to lead our Information Technology department and ensure reliable, secure, and efficient technology operations across the organization. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who enjoys leading people, solving operational challenges, and partnering with business leaders to improve manufacturing operations through technology.Position SummaryThe IT Director is responsible for the overall leadership and day-to-day operation of the Information Technology department. This hands-on role oversees IT service delivery, end-user support, business applications, ERP administration, vendor management, budgeting, and technology operations supporting our production facility and corporate office. The Director leads the onsite IT team while partnering closely with the IT Infrastructure & Security Manager, who provides technical leadership and support for infrastructure, cybersecurity, and long-term technology strategy. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who prioritizes production uptime while capable of balancing other business priorities, customer service, and technology modernization. The right candidate must be prepared to lead from the front and get their hands dirty in solving immediate technical challenges while also being capable of stepping back and planning the long term vision of Demkota's IT team.IT OperationsLead daily IT operations supporting manufacturing, corporate, and remote office locations.Ensure reliable technology services that support production and business operations.Immediately respond to and resolve production downtime events.Oversee service desk operations and establish service expectations.Lead response efforts during major technology incidents.Develop and maintain IT operational procedures and documentation.Leadership & Team DevelopmentLead, mentor, and develop IT staff.Foster accountability and continuous improvement.Conduct performance reviews.Develop technical talent through mentoring.Business SystemsOversee ERP administration and support.Partner with business leaders on technology improvements.Ensure business applications remain reliable and secure.Financial & Vendor ManagementDevelop and manage IT budgets.Manage vendors, licensing, and contracts.Prioritize technology investments based on business value.Strategic LeadershipDevelop the technology roadmap.Support modernization initiatives.Partner with the IT Infrastructure & Security Manager on strategic planning.Technology EnvironmentMicrosoft 365, Active Directory, Microsoft Entra ID, Hyper-V, Cisco networking, Microsoft Intune, Microsoft Defender, ERP systems, Google Workspace, cloud-based business applications, and multi-site support including our satellite office in Omaha, Nebraska.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent experience.7+ years progressive IT experience.5+ years leadership experience.Manufacturing or industrial IT experience.Budget, vendor, and project management experience.Strong Microsoft infrastructure, networking, cybersecurity, and business application knowledge.Excellent communication skills.Preferred QualificationsERP experience.Digital transformation experience.Multi-site support experience.High-availability production environment experience.Preferred CertificationsITIL FoundationPMPCISSPMicrosoft Azure/Microsoft 365/Security certificationsLean Six Sigma (preferred)What Success Looks LikeDevelop a high-performing IT team.To the degree possible, eliminate IT related production downtime.Improve overall IT service delivery.Strengthen documentation.Build relationships with business leaders.Advance strategic initiatives with the IT Infrastructure & Security Manager.Maintain secure, reliable technology supporting manufacturing.Why Join DemKota Ranch Beef?Lead technology in a manufacturing environment where IT directly impacts business success. Work alongside experienced technical professionals, influence technology strategy, and help modernize systems that support a growing organization.