Director of Data Processing

Nahan; Saint Cloud (MN); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Nahan is seeking a Director of the Data Center in Minnesota to lead Data Processing, Data Automation, and Premedia. You will coach managers, drive innovation, and optimize workflows to meet client needs and production goals.

The role partners with Scheduling, Procurement, Sales, and Customer Service to align priorities, establish KPIs, and foster continuous improvement. Hybrid work environment with manufacturing exposure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT/Graphic Arts/CS or related field.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible experience in data processing, workflow automation, or related technical field.
• Experience leading department managers or technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for Data Processing, Data Automation, and Premedia departments.
• Lead, coach, and develop department managers and professionals with goal setting and performance reviews.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
• Guide teams in evaluating, implementing, and optimizing software and automated workflows.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Data processing

English proficiency

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or related field

Tools

BCC

Quadient

Job description

Brief Description

Job Title: Director, Data Center Department: Data Processing

Reports To: Paul Overn FLSA Status: Exempt

Shift: 1st Shift Days Wage Range: $130,000 – $160,000

Job Summary

The Director of the Data Center leads the Data Processing, Data Automation, and Premedia departments, ensuring high-quality, timely deliverables that meet production needs and client expectations. The position develops and coaches department managers, drives innovation through new tools and systems, and improves workflows to reduce processing times. Working closely with Scheduling, Procurement, Sales, Customer Service, and Sourcing Management, this leader aligns departmental priorities with business needs and establishes key performance indicators to drive accountability and continuous improvement.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for the Data Processing, Data Automation, and Premedia departments, aligning priorities with production requirements, client expectations, and business objectives.
• Lead, coach, and develop department managers and technical professionals through clear expectations, goal setting, regular feedback, performance reviews, and succession planning. Assess team capabilities and address skill gaps through training and knowledge sharing.
• Lead teams through organizational, technological, and process changes by communicating the purpose and expected outcomes, engaging employees, addressing resistance, and reinforcing adoption.
• Demonstrate executive presence through sound judgment, accountability, and clear communication with senior leadership, clients, and cross-functional partners. Present technical recommendations, operational results, and business cases that support informed decisions.
• Provide technical direction and oversight applying in-depth technical knowledge of BCC, Quadient, and related tools. Guide teams in troubleshooting complex issues, identifying root causes, and implementing sustainable solutions.
• Partner with technical leaders to evaluate, implement, and optimize software, systems, and automated workflows that improve accuracy, scalability, and reliability while reducing processing time and the cost of quality.
• Establish and maintain technical standards, quality controls, and documented processes that promote consistent execution and reduce errors, rework, and production delays.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators and productivity goals to drive accountability, quality, timely delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Support 6S initiatives and promote a culture of safety, organization, and operational excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities Required: Required:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with internal teams, external customers, and business partners.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, allocate resources, and delegate effectively.
• Proficiency in BCC, Quadient, and other data processing and premedia tools.
• In-depth technical knowledge of data processing, automation, and premedia workflows, with the ability to evaluate solutions, troubleshoot complex issues, and provide technical direction to teams.
• Strong change management skills, including the ability to build support, address resistance, and guide teams through implementation and adoption.
• Executive presence, sound judgment, and the ability to translate complex technical information into clear business recommendations.
• Strong people leadership skills, including coaching managers, developing technical talent, managing performance, and building accountable teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret performance data and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Graphic Arts, Computer Science, or similar field or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in data processing, workflow automation, premedia operations, or a related technical field.
• Prior people leadership experience is required, including leading department managers or technical team leaders and direct responsibility for hiring, coaching, performance management, and employee development.
• Demonstrated technical leadership experience, including hands‑on proficiency with BCC, Quadient, and related data processing and premedia systems.
• Experience leading technology implementations, process improvements, and organizational change across technical teams.
• Proven success developing employees for expanded responsibilities and leadership roles through mentoring and succession planning.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

The work environmental characteristics and physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job operates in a hybrid office environment with exposure to a Manufacturing environment on occasion. While performing the duties of this job inside and outside the manufacturing facility/office setting, the employee is frequently exposed to normal to moderate working conditions for a hybrid office and manufacturing facility with a noise level that is usually quiet - moderate with minimal to some interruptions. The role routinely uses office equipment, software and hardware. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, type, write and be exposed to regular meetings, both virtually and in person. The employee may be required to stand/sit for long periods of time as well as use hands or fingers to reach or handle, and to reach with hands and arms. The employee will regularly lift 25lbs or more at a time. All vision abilities are required to encompass close‑up work. Employees must be able to tolerate and endure extended seasonal hours and maintain alertness to meet deadlines. Occasionally while performing duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to machinery and moving parts, airborne particles including paper dust and hazardous materials or fumes, which may require the use of PPE. The employee may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, extended seasonal hours, high precarious places, and confined spaces. The nose level in some of the work environments may require the use of hearing protection.

About The Company

Nahan was founded 60 plus years ago by a local family in the heart of Minnesota. It is a deeply human company from how we work with each other, how we serve our clients, to how we reach customers. We provide full service direct marketing with award winning results. Innovation and insight inform everything we do. Our success is rooted in putting people first, doing the right thing for our clients and associates, and delivering the highest levels of quality. In a world where personalization and customization are valued above all, we make messages feel personal while keeping the process simple. We’re here to listen to, create and deliver results to our clients. Our winning track record is based on proof, not promises. We consistently deliver big wins, better performance and continual growth for marketers. We’re Nahan-real people making real connections.

Disclaimer

This job description is not a complete description of responsibility but reflects the general qualifications, duties and/or responsibilities necessary to perform this position. All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to successfully complete and pass all or some of the following: a background check, a physical test, as well as test for commonly abused controlled substances in accordance with the Company’s Drug Free Workplace Policy. Nahan reserves the right to revise the job description as a circumstance warrant. Nahan is an at-will employer, which means that either the employee or the company may terminate the relationship at any time, with or without notice, and with or without cause.

Base pay is based on job-related skills, experience, credentials, role scope, and location. Candidates outside the posted range are encouraged to apply, as qualifications and market factors may influence consideration.

Nahan is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or any other characteristic projected by law.