Head of Digitalization & Automation

Mesabi Metallics; Iowa; On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Mesabi Metallics seeks a strategic CIO-level leader to define and drive the digital transformation across the integrated steel plant. You will shape IT/OT integration, AI-first operations, and enterprise data platforms to boost productivity, safety, and competitiveness.

Lead a cross-functional team of IT, OT, data science, and automation engineers; establish governance, select partners, and champion cybersecurity across plant operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.
• 25+ years of senior leadership in IT/OT strategy, digital transformation, and plant automation.
• Strong background in steel plant automation, IT/OT integration, digital transformation, and AI adoption.
• Proven experience leading enterprise-wide digital transformation programs at CIO or equivalent level.
• Deep understanding of MES, industrial automation, IIoT, and enterprise data platforms.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the enterprise-wide digitalization, automation, and AI strategy for the integrated steel plant, aligned with overall business objectives
• Drive IT/OT integration across plant operations, including process control, MES, ERP, and enterprise data platforms
• Champion the adoption of an AI-first operating model across operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain functions
• Lead the design and implementation of advanced plant automation systems, including DCS, SCADA, PLC networks, and IIoT platforms
• Develop and execute a digital transformation roadmap covering data infrastructure, analytics, cybersecurity, and digital tools
• Partner with operations, engineering, and business leadership to identify digitalization opportunities
• Build and lead a digitalization and automation team across IT, OT, data science, and automation engineering
• Establish governance, standards, and best practices for digital initiatives
• Evaluate and select digital technology partners, automation vendors, and system integrators
• Ensure robust cybersecurity across IT/OT environments
• Drive change management to support digital adoption
• Present strategy, progress, and business impact to executive leadership and the board

Skills

IT/OT strategy

AI adoption

Plant automation

Executive leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/IT

MBA or technical master's preferred

Tools

MES

ERP

SCADA

DCS/PLC

Industrial IoT

Job description

Role Summary

A strategic leadership role responsible for defining and driving the digital transformation, automation, and IT/OT integration strategy across the integrated steel plant. The role involves establishing an AI-first operating model, modernizing plant automation and control systems, and building enterprise-wide digital capabilities to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the enterprise-wide digitalization, automation, and AI strategy for the integrated steel plant, aligned with overall business objectives
• Drive integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems across plant operations, including process control, MES, ERP, and enterprise data platforms
• Champion the adoption of an AI-first operating model, identifying and implementing AI/ML use cases across operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain functions
• Lead the design and implementation of advanced plant automation systems, including distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, PLC networks, and industrial IoT platforms
• Develop and execute a digital transformation roadmap covering data infrastructure, analytics, cybersecurity, and digital tools for plant and business operations
• Partner with plant operations, engineering, and business leadership to identify digitalization opportunities that improve productivity, quality, and cost performance
• Build and lead a high-performing digitalization and automation team, including IT, OT, data science, and automation engineering professionals
• Establish governance frameworks, standards, and best practices for digital and automation initiatives across the organization
• Evaluate and select digital technology partners, automation vendors, and system integrators
• Ensure robust cybersecurity practices across IT/OT environments, protecting critical plant infrastructure and data assets
• Drive change management initiatives to support digital adoption across the organization
• Present digital transformation strategy, progress, and business impact to executive leadership and the board

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline; advanced degree (MBA or technical master's) preferred
• Extensive senior leadership experience (typically 25+ years) in IT/OT strategy, digital transformation, and plant automation, preferably within the steel or heavy manufacturing industry
• Strong background in steel plant automation, IT/OT integration, digital transformation, and AI adoption
• Proven experience leading enterprise-wide digital transformation programs at a CIO or equivalent senior leadership level
• Deep understanding of manufacturing execution systems (MES), industrial automation, industrial IoT, and enterprise data platforms
• Strong knowledge of AI/ML applications in industrial and manufacturing environments
• Excellent executive presence, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills
• Experience building and leading cross-functional digital, IT, and automation teams
• Capable of driving an AI-first operating model across the organization

Working Conditions

• Based in the United States, leading digitalization and automation strategy for the Mesabi ISP Project and the broader organization
• Travel to plant sites, technology partner locations, and corporate offices as required

Preferred Experience

• Prior CIO or equivalent senior digital leadership role within a steel or heavy industrial organization
• Experience leading greenfield plant digitalization and automation design from the ground up
• Track record of successfully scaling AI adoption across an industrial operating environment