Director of IT

Milton Industries Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401K

Vacation, Sick time

LTD,STD & Life Insurance

Job summary

Milton Industries Inc. seeks a Director of IT to lead the technology strategy across its multi-location manufacturing platform. You will standardize processes, drive ERP integration, and advance AI adoption while ensuring cybersecurity and governance.

The role partners with senior leadership, oversees acquisitions IT integration, and reports to the private equity sponsor. A strong background in manufacturing tech and cross-functional leadership is required.

Qualifications

• Must have experience leading IT across multiple entities/sites.
• Strong ability to build and execute AI/automation roadmaps with governance.
• Proven track record in ERP/business systems integration and data-driven decision making.

Responsibilities

• Provide IT leadership across all entities and locations with standardized practices.
• Lead ERP and business systems standardization, integration, and data consistency.
• Develop and execute AI strategy and ROI-focused use cases across divisions.
• Manage IT integration for acquisitions and Day 1/100-day plans.
• Oversee cybersecurity, DR/BCP and compliance requirements.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Information Systems/CS/Engineering

MBA or relevant certifications (PMP, CISSP, ITIL)

Tools

Plex (Rockwell) ERP

Cloud technologies

IT infrastructure & cybersecurity tools

Job description

Job Purpose

The Director of IT develops and carries out the organization’s technology strategy. The role leads work to modernize business processes, improve operational efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity, and support data-driven decisions across a multi-entity, multi-location manufacturing platform.

This position is a strategic partner to senior leadership and the private equity sponsor. It works closely with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, Human Resources, and the business unit leaders at each operating company to find where technology, automation, AI, data, and process improvement can support growth.

The role leads traditional IT along with ERP/business systems across several platforms and entities, manufacturing technology integration, process automation, AI adoption, analytics, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. It also plays a key part in integrating newly acquired businesses.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides IT leadership and support across all company entities and locations, establishing consistent technology practices, infrastructure, security standards, and service expectations across the enterprise.
• Leads and coordinates ERP and business systems across multiple entities, locations, and platforms. Drives standardization, integration, and data consistency while supporting site-level teams and day-to-day operational needs.
• Develops and maintains a long-term roadmap for consolidating or integrating systems across entities, including assessing when to standardize platforms versus integrate existing ones.
• Develops and executes the company’s AI strategy and roadmap. This includes identifying and prioritizing high-ROI use cases across finance, operations, supply chain, sales, and customer service, setting AI governance and acceptable-use standards, and leading pilots through to production adoption.
• Leads technology due diligence and post‑close IT integration for acquisitions. This includes assessing target systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity posture, and IT staffing; building integration plans and budgets; and executing Day 1 and 100‑day IT integration plans.
• Supports value‑creation initiatives and reporting expectations of the private equity sponsor. Provides technology input to the operating plan, budget, and board‑level updates.
• Develops internal procedures and guidelines for diagnosing and resolving technical issues across systems and technologies, including hardware, software, and networks.
• Analyzes business needs and researches new technologies to identify and select hardware and software that support internal business processes.
• Evaluates the methods, processes, and specifications of the organization’s IT systems to build an IT strategy and roadmap. Ensures hardware and software operate in line with organizational needs and standards.
• Plans and designs the organization’s network infrastructure, including LANs, WANs, and wireless networks across all locations, and monitors network performance.
• Oversees the cybersecurity program, disaster recovery and business continuity planning, and compliance requirements (e.g., CMMC, customer and government security requirements).
• Manages managed service providers (MSPs), ERP partners, and technology vendors. Holds them accountable to SLAs, statements of work (SOWs), and budget.
• Oversees IT projects through their full lifecycle so they finish on time and on budget, and provides technical guidance to resolve complex issues.
• Builds functional strategies and objectives for the IT function, and develops the budgets, policies, and procedures that support it.
• Complies with all company rules, regulations, and policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401K
• Vacation, Sick time
• LTD,STD & Life Insurance

Requirements

Skills & Qualifications

• Strong understanding of ERP platforms and integrated business systems, with experience running multiple ERPs across entities and locations.
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations and the role technology plays in production, inventory, quality, supply chain, and distribution.
• Demonstrated ability to build and execute an AI/automation roadmap, with practical understanding of generative AI tools, data readiness, governance, and change management.
• Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, networking, cloud technologies, and enterprise applications.
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity, disaster recovery, data protection, and technology risk management.
• Understanding of business intelligence, analytics, reporting, automation, and data governance.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into practical business recommendations.
• Strong project and change‑management capabilities, including leading teams that are geographically dispersed or that report through other lines.
• Strong vendor management and contract negotiation skills.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels, from shop‑floor operations to executive leadership and ownership.
• Ability to manage multiple strategic initiatives and competing priorities.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to balance technology advancement, operational needs, cost, risk, and return on investment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a private equity–backed company, including working within sponsor reporting cadences and value‑creation plans.
• M&A experience, including IT due diligence, carve‑outs, and post‑acquisition systems integration.
• Experience with Plex (Rockwell Automation) or other cloud manufacturing ERP platforms.
• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. MBA or relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, CISSP, ITIL) a plus.
• 10+ years of progressive IT experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role, preferably in multi‑site manufacturing or distribution.

Working Conditions

• This position operates primarily in an office and manufacturing environment and may require regular interaction with production areas, warehouses, and other operational locations. The employee must follow all applicable safety requirements when working in manufacturing or operational areas.
• Travel between company facilities and occasional travel for vendors, projects, implementations, or professional development may be required.

Physical Requirements

• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently. Work is primarily performed seated at a desk.
• Standing and walking: Periodically standing and walking, including moving through production areas, warehouses, and between company facilities.
• Fingering and repetitive motions: Regular use of a keyboard, mouse, and other computer equipment.
• Talking and hearing: Communicating clearly in person, by phone, and by video with employees, leadership, and vendors.

Equal Opportunity & Employment Terms

Milton Industries Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regards to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Milton Industries Inc to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Gina Patrick in HR [Phone: [phone] / Email: [e-mail]].

Your employment with Milton Industries Inc is on an at‑will basis, meaning either you or the Company can terminate the employment relationship, at any time, for any or no reason, and with or without cause or notice. As an at‑will employee, your employment with Milton Industries Inc is not guaranteed for any length of time.