Head of Digitalization & Automation

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC; United States; Sur place; USD 260 000 - 340 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is seeking a strategic leader to drive digital transformation across the integrated steel plant. The role focuses on defining an AI-first operating model, modernizing automation, and building enterprise-wide digital capabilities to boost efficiency and safety.

You will lead IT/OT integration, automation design (DCS/SCADA/PLC/IIoT), and governance while partnering with operations and engineering to improve productivity and cost performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline.
• Advanced degree (MBA or technical master's) preferred.
• Extensive senior leadership experience in IT/OT strategy, digital transformation, and plant automation.

Responsabilités

• Define and lead the enterprise-wide digitalization, automation, and AI strategy for the integrated steel plant.
• Drive IT/OT integration across plant operations, including MES, ERP, and data platforms.
• Champion AI-first operating model and implement AI/ML use cases across operations and supply chain.
• Design and implement advanced plant automation systems (DCS, SCADA, PLC, IIoT).
• Develop and execute a digital transformation roadmap covering data, analytics, cybersecurity, and tools.
• Identify digitalization opportunities to improve productivity, quality, and cost.
• Build and lead a high-performing digitalization and automation team (IT/OT/data science).
• Establish governance, standards, and best practices for digital initiatives.

Connaissances

IT/OT strategy

Digital transformation

AI adoption

Leadership

MES/Industrial IoT

Cybersecurity

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional team leadership

Change management

Project governance

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS/IT

MBA or advanced technical master's (preferred)

Description du poste

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.