Director of Information Technology

Director of IT & Industrial Systems — Steel ProcessingLocation: Northeast Arkansas (Greater Memphis region) — on-site, split between the office and the plant floorPay Rate: $120,000–$180,000 base salary, based on experience, plus an annual performance bonusOverviewOur client is a North American steel processing and supply company handling sourcing, coil processing, and multi-modal logistics for manufacturers and distributors. This role supports a new flat-rolled coil processing plant that began production in 2026, with phased expansion already planned.Current state:The plant is a greenfield build; ERP, MES, and automation systems are still being implemented by multiple vendorsThere is no dedicated IT leadership todayNo established environment to inherit; architecture, documentation, and standards start hereThe Director of IT & Industrial Systems is the first IT leader for the plant and owns both IT and OT. This is not a full-time PLC programming role, but the Director must understand industrial controls, manufacturing networks, and systems integration well enough to troubleshoot issues and hold automation and equipment vendors accountable. The role reports to the General Manager.Systems environment:ERP, MES, and line automation/controls systems (vendors disclosed during the interview process)PLC, HMI, and SCADA environments, including an automated overhead crane and other automated processing equipmentMicrosoft 365 and Windows; SQL databases; REST APIs and web servicesIndustrial protocols: OPC-UA and MQTTVoIP, IP cameras and NVR, access control, VPN, firewalls, and managed switchingWhat the Director will own:Systems integrationIntegration between ERP, MES, automation, and processing equipment, including production orders, coil and material data, inventory transactions, and production resultsTroubleshooting APIs, databases, network communications, and system interfacesDiagnostic procedures for system and communication failuresDocumentation of interfaces, data flows, IP addressing, network architecture, and system dependenciesInfrastructurePlant and corporate network design and maintenance: switches, routers, firewalls, wireless, fiber, cabling, and redundancySegmentation between corporate IT and industrial OT networksCorporate IT: computers, servers, Microsoft 365, email, printers, user accounts, permissions, licensing, and hardware inventoryVoIP telephone systemsSecurity and continuityManufacturing-appropriate cybersecurity policies and controlsSecure VPN and remote access for approved vendorsBackup, recovery, and business continuity proceduresIP cameras, NVR/cloud recording, remote viewing, and access control, including retention and access standardsVendors, budget, and planningCoordinating software vendors, controls integrators, and equipment manufacturers through implementation and troubleshooting, and enforcing specs, testing, and documentationIT budgets and capital technology projects, including evaluation of vendor proposalsA technology roadmap for future automation, equipment, and software expansionEnd-user support for employees and managementSuccess in this role looks like:Reliable ERP, MES, and automation integrationDocumented plant and corporate network architectureClear ownership of every system and interfaceSecure IT/OT separation and controlled vendor remote accessTested backup and disaster recovery proceduresStandardized IT practices and a roadmap for growthSoftware: ERP, MES, and automation platforms; Microsoft 365 and Windows; SQL; REST APIs; OPC-UA and MQTT; PLC/HMI/SCADA; VoIP; IP camera/NVR; VPN, firewall, and managed switching platformsCompensation & Perks$120,000–$180,000 base salary, based on experience; the top of the range is reserved for candidates who can work hands-on at the server and network levelAnnual performance bonus paid as a percentage of salary, tied to defined KPIsFull-time, on-siteMedical, dental, and vision coverage, eligible after 90 days; the company covers COBRA premiums until coverage begins401(k) with a 3% company match, eligible after one yearUnlimited PTO, approved case by casePaid holidaysLeadership that prioritizes automation and AI-driven tools over manual data entry, and backs the tools needed to get thereA direct reporting line to the General Manager and a defined mandate to build the plant's technology foundation from the startRequirements7+ years of progressively responsible IT experienceManufacturing, distribution, steel processing, or industrial automation background strongly preferredExperience supporting ERP and/or MES environmentsMicrosoft 365 and Windows administrationWorking knowledge of SQL databasesNetworking: TCP/IP, managed switches, VLANs, firewalls, VPNs, Wi-Fi, and fiberWorking understanding of PLC, HMI, and SCADA systemsREST APIs and system-to-system integrationIT/OT network segmentation and manufacturing cybersecurityIP surveillance cameras and VoIP systemsExperience managing technology and automation vendorsComfortable working both in the office and on the plant floorBachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field preferred; significant manufacturing technology experience may substituteTitles that translate: IT Manager, IT Director, Manufacturing Systems Manager, OT Systems Manager, Systems Integration Manager, Infrastructure Manager, Plant IT Manager.Nice to have:OPC-UA, MQTT, or similar industrial communication protocolsAutomated crane systems or other automated plant equipmentBackground check required.This is not a remote position — this role is fully on-site at our client's plant in Northeast Arkansas. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Our client is an equal opportunity employer; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.