Head of IT

Position Overview

The Head of Information Technology is responsible for overseeing all information technology and operational technology functions within a regulated manufacturing environment. This leadership role combines strategic planning with hands on operational support and serves as the primary technology leader for the site.

The position is responsible for ensuring reliable technology operations, supporting manufacturing systems, maintaining regulatory compliance, driving cybersecurity initiatives, and leading local IT resources. The role works closely with business, engineering, quality, and operations teams to support growth, productivity, and digital transformation efforts.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Approximately 8+ years of progressive experience across IT and manufacturing technology environments.
• Experience supporting technology within regulated industries such as life sciences, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, or similar environments.
• Broad experience across infrastructure, applications, manufacturing systems, and end user technologies.
• Previous experience establishing, expanding, or supporting technology operations for manufacturing facilities is highly desirable.
• Experience managing technology teams, external service providers, and project resources.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of enterprise infrastructure, cloud technologies, networking, systems administration, collaboration platforms, and service delivery.
• Experience supporting manufacturing execution systems, enterprise resource planning platforms, and production related business applications.
• Familiarity with validation processes, regulated system environments, quality standards, and electronic record requirements.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, operational technology security, disaster recovery, business continuity planning, and risk management.
• Experience with technology service management processes, project delivery methodologies, and budget oversight.

Leadership and Professional Skills

• Hands on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic planning and day to day operational support.
• Strong decision making skills and ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship building skills with both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and influence teams without direct authority.
• Willingness to support critical business operations outside of normal working hours when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

IT Operations

• Ensure secure, stable, and efficient operation of technology infrastructure, including servers, networks, end user computing, communications platforms, and workplace technologies.
• Lead local technical support functions, including incident management, problem resolution, and change management activities.
• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to maintain service levels and operational performance.
• Develop and implement standards, processes, and best practices to improve service delivery.

Manufacturing Technology and Operational Systems

• Oversee manufacturing related technology platforms and production support systems.
• Support integration between factory equipment, operational technologies, and enterprise systems.
• Maintain secure connectivity and network segmentation between business and operational environments.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams on system enhancements, production expansions, and automation initiatives.

Enterprise Applications

• Support business critical applications used across manufacturing, supply chain, operations, and quality functions.
• Serve as the primary liaison between local business stakeholders and centralized application support teams.
• Gather and prioritize business requirements while ensuring alignment with organizational technology strategies.
• Support implementation and integration of new technologies and software solutions.

Compliance, Quality, and Security

• Ensure technology systems meet applicable regulatory, quality, and validation requirements.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections as the technology representative.
• Lead cybersecurity, vulnerability management, backup and recovery, and business continuity initiatives.
• Promote security awareness and maintain compliance with industry recognized security standards and frameworks.

Team Leadership and Vendor Management

• Recruit, develop, and lead a high performing technology team.
• Establish goals, conduct performance management activities, and support employee growth and development.
• Manage technology budgets, including operational and capital expenditures.
• Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements to ensure business objectives are met.

Projects and Continuous Improvement

• Lead technology workstreams for facility expansions, operational improvements, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Support implementation of new production capabilities, systems, and business processes.
• Participate in enterprise technology programs and contribute to the development of standards and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve technology effectiveness, scalability, and operational efficiency.

Success Profile

The ideal candidate is a versatile technology leader who thrives in a manufacturing environment and can successfully bridge infrastructure, applications, manufacturing systems, compliance, and cybersecurity. This individual brings a practical, hands on approach while maintaining a strategic perspective and can effectively support both business objectives and regulatory requirements.By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions.

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited