Head of Information Technology (Chicago)

Director, Information Systems & Technology

Job Location: Chicago, IL

Department: Information Technology

Reports To: Chief Financial Officer

Job Summary: The Director, Information Systems & Technology for Nonni's Foods is responsible for leading and executing the company's enterprise IT strategy across infrastructure, security, applications, and business systems. This senior leadership role serves as the primary steward of the company's technology landscape, ensuring operational reliability, security compliance, and alignment with business objectives as Nonni's scales within the Ferrero organization. The ideal candidate is a visionary IT leader with deep expertise in ERP systems (including SAP), cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and cross‑functional team leadership, with direct experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy aligned with Nonni's business objectives and Ferrero's global technology standards.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on technology investments, innovation opportunities, and risk management.
• Drive adoption of emerging technologies including AI/ML applications, cloud‑native architectures, and machine learning models for data analysis.
• Foster a high‑performing IT team through mentorship, professional development, and a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Infrastructure & Network Management

• Oversee the design, implementation, and ongoing management of IT infrastructure including servers, SAN, virtualization, MPLS, VPNs, and LAN/WAN networks.
• Lead system administration across platforms including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, and related database environments to ensure optimal performance and uptime.
• Manage cloud computing solutions including AWS and/or Azure environments, ensuring scalability, cost efficiency, and security.
• Maintain and improve disaster recovery planning and business continuity protocols across all technology systems.

Enterprise Applications & ERP

• Manage enterprise applications including ERP systems and APIs; oversee application development and reporting using frameworks such as Sage X3, SEI, SAP, and Power BI.
• Lead ERP migration and implementation initiatives, with specific emphasis on SAP, ensuring on‑time, on‑budget delivery with minimal operational disruption.
• Oversee application development projects utilizing SDLC methodologies; incorporate DevOps practices to streamline deployment pipelines.
• Ensure data integrity, system interoperability, and reliable information flow across all business systems and platforms.

Cybersecurity & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with industry standards including PCI DSS, NIST cybersecurity frameworks, and applicable data privacy and intellectual property protection requirements.
• Establish and enforce IT governance policies covering risk management, change management, data integrity, and vendor management.
• Proactively identify cybersecurity risks and implement mitigation strategies including firewalls, network security protocols, and access controls.
• Lead incident response planning and execution in coordination with senior leadership and external partners.
• Manage the IT department budget; negotiate vendor contracts and oversee procurement of hardware, software, and technology services.
• Cultivate and manage strategic vendor relationships to ensure performance, compliance, and value delivery against contractual commitments.
• Evaluate and recommend technology investments that support long‑term business scalability and operational efficiency.
• Manage and support the IT Helpdesk and technical end‑user support function for 200+ users across corporate and manufacturing locations.
• Establish and maintain service level standards for end‑user support, ensuring timely issue resolution and a high‑quality user experience.
• Develop training and onboarding programs to ensure effective technology adoption across the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Systems Development, or related field required; Master's degree strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in senior IT leadership roles, with a demonstrated track record in enterprise IT environments.
• Experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) environments strongly preferred.
• Proven experience leading ERP migrations, with specific expertise in SAP required.
• Deep expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), virtualization, network infrastructure (MPLS/WAN), cybersecurity, and database management (SQL).
• Familiarity with compliance standards including PCI DSS and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing IT budgets, vendor negotiations, and technology investment planning.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans for disaster recovery and business continuity.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Strong leadership capabilities with experience building, managing, and developing diverse, cross‑functional technology teams.

Personal Qualities

• High level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results‑orientation, with a track record for delivering to plan.
• Flexibility to adapt quickly to changing circumstances; able to proactively question and challenge priorities and identify solutions in a timely manner.
• Clear thinker with outstanding analytical ability supported by a rounded commercial and operational awareness.
• Able to see the big picture but possesses a pragmatic and flexible approach to delivery.
• Curious in nature and always looking to question, learn, and look for better ways to do things.
• Thrives and enjoys working in a company with a diverse and fast‑paced environment, team‑oriented.

This position is based in Chicago, IL in a hybrid work arrangement. Occasional travel to Nonni's manufacturing facilities, Ferrero offices, and other company locations may be required.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law or regulation. It is our intention that all qualified applicants are given equal consideration.