Head IT Architecture & Digital Transformation

Job Description

Job Description

Head IT Architecture & Digital Transformation

About our client: Our client is a manufacturer and supplier of engineered parts & components to Fortune 500 & 1000 companies including OEMs and Tier 1 companies globally. Our client is a highly regarded machining and assembly supplier to automotive/aerospace, marine, heavy truck, telecommunications, agriculture, electronics, hydraulics, lighting, medical, furniture, oil and gas, mining, power generations, material handling and many other industries. It supplies engineering components including battery trays and frames for hydrogen as well as the electric vehicle industry.

Higher Talent Group values its reputation for finding high-quality people, which is why we will conduct a screening to determine if this is a good fit for you. We will share further details such as the culture, how progression works within the company, etc.

Our Client is moving away from a traditional tactical IT model, the Director of IT will step into an executive-level leadership role. You will own the global IT strategy, manage CAPEX/OPEX budgets, and design a secure enterprise architecture across our facilities in Michigan and India.

A primary focus of this role is preparing our global infrastructure to pass rigorous federal aerospace audits, fully optimizing our NetSuite ERP ecosystem, and building a high-performing engineering and infrastructure team.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Working IT Director is responsible for leading our global technology footprint as we transition from automotive manufacturing into the highly regulated aerospace and defense sector.

A "Working" Director means you own both the strategy and the execution. You will sit at the executive table to design our long-term compliance and technology roadmaps, but you will also roll up your sleeves to configure systems, optimize our NetSuite ERP environment, and troubleshoot complex engineering issues alongside your team. You will lead a lean, highly efficient global IT group consisting of a Network Administrator and on-site Help Desk technicians in Michigan and India.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and responsibilities of this position are listed below. This list is not all-inclusive and may be amended from time to time.

1. Hands-On Engineering & NetSuite Optimization (50% of Role)

• NetSuite Core Ownership: Act as the primary internal architect for NetSuite ERP, managing configurations, workflow automation, and data integrity.
• Systems Integration: Physically oversee and configure the integration of NetSuite with shop-floor Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), CAD, and PLM engineering software.
• Tier 3 Escalation: Serve as the ultimate technical escalation point for complex network, server, cloud, or infrastructure failures that require deep architectural knowledge.

2. Regulatory Compliance & Global Security (30% of Role)

• CMMC & NIST Implementation: Personally design and enforce the technical and administrative controls required to achieve CMMC 2.0 Level 2 and NIST SP 800-171 certifications.
• ITAR Data Segregation: Build and maintain strict logical data silos and access barriers to ensure proprietary aerospace engineering data is completely isolated from unauthorized foreign nationals across our global sites.
• Audit Defense: Author the company's System Security Plan (SSP) and directly defend the client's infrastructure during federal and client pre-award audits.

3. Strategic Leadership & Team Management (20% of Role)

• Executive Strategy: Translate the client's business growth objectives into a scalable, cost-effective global IT Master Plan and present it to the executive board.
• Budget & Vendor Ownership: Manage the global CAPEX/OPEX IT budget and negotiate enterprise agreements with international cloud, software, and telecom vendors.
• Global Team Leadership: Hire, mentor, and establish performance metrics for the core IT team (Global Network Admin and twin on-site Help Desk technicians in Michigan and India).
• Operational Metrics: Deploy a manufacturing-aligned SQDIP (Security, Quality, Delivery, Improvement, People) daily management dashboard to track global system uptime.

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Experience: 7+ years of progressive IT experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 2+ years in a team-lead, managerial, or directorial capacity.
• The "Working" Requirement: Proven track record of balancing high-level strategy with daily technical execution. You must be comfortable moving from a board presentation straight into an ERP configuration or firewall issue.
• ERP Expertise: Direct, hands-on administrative and optimization experience with NetSuite ERP within a manufacturing or supply chain footprint.
• Compliance Mastery: Deep, practical knowledge of ITAR, NIST SP 800-171, and CMMC regulations.
• Global Infrastructure: Experience managing or structuring IT infrastructure across international borders (specifically US and India operations) is highly preferred.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Certifications like CISSP, CISM, or NetSuite Administrator are a major plus.

What Success Looks Like (First 90 Days)

• Day 30: Complete a hands-on technical audit of the current NetSuite setup, onboard the new Help Desk technicians, and stabilize immediate shop-floor hardware pain points.
• Day 60: Implement strict Role-Based Access Controls (RBAC) and network boundaries to protect upcoming aerospace data, creating the foundation for CMMC compliance.
• Day 90: Deliver a fully costed 12–24 month IT Master Plan to the executive board while maintaining a 99.9% operational uptime baseline across both global plants.

ABOUT HIGHER TALENT GROUP

Higher Talent Group offers candidates full-time opportunities at companies hiring nationwide. We also provide resume and career coaching services for individuals who require assistance in getting back into the workforce or for candidates who want to start looking for a new opportunity discreetly. Want to learn more? Check out our website for additional information.

Employment Statements & Disclaimers

This job description outlines core requirements and essential functions. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Duties and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time, with or without notice, to meet evolving business needs. This document is not an employment contract. Employment remains strictly "at-will," meaning either party may terminate the relationship at any time, for any legal reason, with or without cause or notice. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. If you need a reasonable accommodation for the interview process or the job, please notify Human Resources.