IT Director (Digital & ERP/Applications)

Our Direct client is looking for IT Director (Digital & ERP/Applications) for a Full Time Direct Hire position.Position Details:Position: IT Director (Digital & ERP/Applications)Location: Chicago, IL area preferred (Chicago Heights or Marseilles). Houston, TX; Dallas, TX; Tampa, FL; and Riverside, CA are also considered.Travel: Up to 50%, domesticCompensation: $170,000–$200,000 base salary, plus bonus and excellent benefitsFull-Time Direct Hire Key Experience & RequirementsStrong ERP experience, including ERP ownership, implementations, integrations, upgrades, and ongoing management, along with a solid background in IT applications and enterprise systems. Proven experience developing and executing digital strategies, including digital transformation and customer engagement initiatives.Must have experience in either a manufacturing or distribution environment, with a solid understanding of warehouse operations and business processes.Demonstrated experience supporting multi-site, multi-state operations within a geographically dispersed organization.Position OverviewThe IT Director will lead the technology strategy, operations, and digital transformation initiatives for a large, geographically dispersed operating division consisting of 52 locations across the United States.Reporting directly to both the Operating Group President and the Corporate Chief Information Officer (CIO), this individual will serve as the primary technology leader and strategic business partner for the division. The role is responsible for aligning IT initiatives with business objectives, overseeing ERP and enterprise applications, advancing digital capabilities, and ensuring technology investments support operational efficiency, customer engagement, and business growth.The IT Director will lead an established team of approximately 10 direct reports, including ERP, Digital Products, and AI leadership. This individual will also work closely with Corporate IT and executive leadership to drive technology strategy, innovation, and organizational development.This is an opportunity for a forward-thinking IT leader who understands manufacturing and distribution operations, knows how warehouses and decentralized businesses function, and has a proven ability to introduce change, modernize technology, and build high-performing teams.Required Qualifications10+ years of progressive IT experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role.Proven experience managing an IT organization, leading teams, and owning an IT budget.Demonstrated ownership of an ERP environment, including ERP implementations, upgrades, integrations, and ongoing support.Direct IT applications experience, with a strong understanding of ERP systems and enterprise application landscapes.Experience within a manufacturing or distribution environment, including warehouse and operational processes.Experience supporting a geographically dispersed, multi-site and multi-state organization.Understanding of how distribution operations, warehouses, inventory, and decentralized business units function.Demonstrated ability to develop and execute an IT strategy aligned with business goals.Experience driving digital strategy, customer engagement, and technology innovation.Proven ability to introduce new processes, lead organizational change, and influence stakeholders in environments resistant to change.Strong analytical, communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.Ability to travel domestically up to 50%.Preferred QualificationsExperience in the metals industry, industrial distribution, manufacturing, or other asset-intensive environments.Eniteo ERP (Enmark) experience or experience with other metals-specific ERP platforms.Experience leading digital product organizations, AI initiatives, automation, and customer-facing digital solutions.Experience integrating technology organizations, systems, or capabilities following an acquisition.Experience working within a matrixed organization with dual reporting to business and corporate IT leadership.Key Responsibilities:IT Strategy & Organizational LeadershipDevelop and execute the division's IT strategy in alignment with business objectives and Corporate IT initiatives.Lead and develop the IT organization, establishing a clear vision, priorities, and accountability across the team.Oversee approximately 10 direct reports across ERP, Digital Products, and AI.Build strong partnerships with the Group President, CFO, VPs, operational leadership, and Corporate IT.Identify opportunities to improve technology capabilities, processes, and organizational effectiveness.ERP & Enterprise ApplicationsOwn and provide strategic oversight of the division's ERP environment and supporting enterprise applications.Lead ERP strategy, implementations, enhancements, integrations, and ongoing system optimization.Ensure ERP capabilities effectively support finance, distribution, warehouse operations, inventory, order management, and other critical business functions.Partner with the ERP team and business stakeholders to prioritize initiatives, improve processes, and maximize system utilization.Eniteo ERP experience (by Enmark) or experience with other metals industry ERP platforms is a plus.Digital Strategy, Products & AIDevelop and advance the division's digital strategy, with a strong emphasis on customer engagement and digital transformation.Lead digital initiatives that improve the customer experience, streamline business processes, and support revenue growth.Oversee Digital Products and AI leadership, identifying opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and automation.Drive adoption of digital tools, customer-facing platforms, data, analytics, and AI capabilities.Evaluate opportunities to introduce innovative technology solutions that provide measurable business value.Business Operations & Technology AlignmentPartner with business and operational leaders to understand business challenges and translate them into effective technology solutions.Develop a strong understanding of distribution, warehouse operations, inventory management, and decentralized business processes.Ensure technology solutions support the needs of a multi-site, multi-state operating environment.Collaborate with Corporate IT to leverage shared technology platforms and resources while addressing the division's specific business requirements.Change Management & Continuous ImprovementIdentify opportunities to modernize systems, improve processes, and introduce new technology capabilities.Successfully lead organizational and technology changes, including within environments that may be resistant to change.Build alignment among stakeholders and drive adoption of new processes and systems.Balance innovation and strategic transformation with practical business needs and operational realities.Budget & Financial ManagementOwn and manage the division's IT budget and technology investments.Establish priorities and allocate resources based on business needs and expected return on investment.Ensure projects are delivered with appropriate financial oversight, accountability, and measurable outcomes.Leadership Profile & Cultural FitThe ideal candidate is an energetic, approachable, and innovative IT leader who enjoys building teams, developing people, and driving meaningful change.This organization values collaboration, accountability, and people development. They are looking for someone who can communicate a clear vision, engage employees at all levels, and lead by example.The successful candidate will:Be a visible, hands-on leader who works alongside the team and leads through collaboration rather than command and control.Bring energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for technology and innovation.Be comfortable challenging existing processes and introducing new ideas, even when faced with resistance.Demonstrate the ability to set a vision and translate that vision into actionable results.Balance strategic thinking with practical execution.Build trust and credibility with executive leadership, technical teams, warehouse personnel, and operational stakeholders.Foster a positive, high-energy team environment focused on collaboration, professional growth, and shared success.Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. The client may require the candidate be able to pass and clear background check, Drug, education and employment verification and/or references prior to starting.If you are interested, please send me your updated Word Resume, along with your direct phone number and email.