IT Director

Kretek International is America’s #1 importer, marketer and distributor of specialty tobacco products, including high-end cigars, tobacco and alternative products, with such well-known brands as Djarum, Cuban Rounds and High Tea Herbal Wraps. Founded 38+ years ago, Kretek continues to grow and consistently seeks talented employees who can help the company do that. About the Role We are seeking an experienced and strategic IT Director to lead our technology department, overseeing our IT team. In this role, you will be responsible for creating and executing IT strategies that align with our business goals, optimizing system performance, and managing the IT budget. The ideal candidate is a forward‑thinking leader who ensures robust technological operations and high user satisfaction. We are looking for leaders that can move the organization forward and operate with autonomy. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership : Develop and execute a multi-year IT roadmap that supports business growth and competitive advantage. Infrastructure Management : Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of all IT systems, including networks, cloud services, and hardware. Team Development : Recruit, mentor, and supervise IT managers and staff, fostering a culture of high performance and professional growth. Cybersecurity & Compliance : Establish robust security protocols, manage risk assessments, and ensure compliance with relevant data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, FERPA). Budgeting & Procurement : Manage the annual IT budget, negotiate vendor contracts, and oversee capital expenditure for new technology acquisitions. Disaster Recovery : Develop and test business continuity and disaster recovery plans to minimize operational downtime. Stakeholder Collaboration : Partner with other department heads to identify their technological needs and provide efficient solutions. Required Qualifications Education : Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field; a Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Information Systems) is preferred. Experience : 7–10+ years of progressive IT experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership or supervisory capacity. Technical Skills : Deep knowledge of network architecture, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, WMS, Shopify), and cybersecurity frameworks. Soft Skills : Exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders. Certifications (Preferred) : CISSP, CISM, ITIL, PMP, or vendor‑specific certifications (e.g., Cisco, Microsoft, Azure). Physical Requirements Ability to stand and walk. Ability to sit for extended periods. Safety The incumbent must be able to perform this job safely without endangering the health or safety of self or others. Supervisory Responsibility The position currently has people supervisory responsibility. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kretek International