IT MANAGER

Knife River Corporation; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Knife River Corporation is seeking an IT Manager to lead JD Edwards and UKG teams, directing system implementation projects, upgrades, and ongoing support. The role aligns information systems with the company’s strategic goals and steers AI initiatives across ERP and workforce management, partnering with management and vendors to deliver scalable solutions.

You will build business cases for technology investments, govern data security in AI, and ensure SOX compliance, while mentoring staff and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, CS, Data/Information Systems, or related field.
• Three+ years of progressive IT experience delivering and supporting enterprise applications.
• Two+ years hands-on AI/ML or generative-AI experience.
• Three+ years of supervisory or project-management experience.
• Knowledge of data governance, privacy, and security in AI.
• Ability to translate business problems into AI use cases and manage lifecycle from pilot to production.
• Strong written and verbal communication to explain AI concepts to executives and staff.

Responsibilities

• Leads the JD Edwards and UKG application teams, providing technical direction and day‑to‑day management for effective delivery of application support and projects.
• Manages the full lifecycle of JD Edwards and UKG initiatives, including planning, implementation, upgrades, testing, and post‑go‑live support.
• Consults with department managers to develop JD Edwards and UKG system solutions and implementation schedules.
• Assists in budgeting, procurement, and contract negotiations with JDE and UKG vendors to support cost‑effective operations.
• Provides training to IT personnel and ensures SOX compliance through IT general controls.
• Directs external service providers and negotiates fees for JDE and UKG support.

Skills

AI/ML experience

Project management

Communication skills

Data governance & security in AI

Business problem translation to AI use

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/CS or related field

Tools

JD Edwards

UKG

Job description

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it is our people who make us successful. With over 5,700 employees across the western U.S., we are a People-first company, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs safely and productively each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. Furthermore, we are one of the Nation's largest construction materials and contracting services businesses and are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

An IT Manager plans, directs, and manages the JD Edwards and UKG application teams across Knife River Corporation and its subsidiaries, encompassing system implementation projects, upgrades, and ongoing support efforts. This role is responsible for providing application and technical leadership to ensure information systems supporting ERP (JD Edwards) and workforce management (UKG) operations align with the company's long-term strategic goals and objectives. The IT Manager works closely with Knife River management, internal customers, and IT team members to formulate solutions that meet current and future operational needs while supporting business growth and operational efficiency. Additionally, the position provides leadership and coordination in the development, design, testing, training, and implementation of JD Edwards and UKG solutions, while managing IT programs and projects within defined budgets and timelines. The IT Manager also develops business cases for technology investments, evaluates business processes for efficiency improvements, and works with technology vendors to evaluate, implement, and support the appropriate tools and technologies needed to meet the evolving needs of the business.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data/Information Systems, or a related field - or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three+ years of progressive IT experience, including the delivery and support of enterprise business applications and integrations.
• Two+ years of hands‑on experience with AI/ML or generative‑AI technologies - evaluating, deploying, or supporting tools such as Microsoft Copilot, large language models, or AI-enabled operational systems.
• Three+ of supervisory, team‑lead, or project‑management experience leading technical staff and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Working knowledge of data governance, privacy, and security as they apply to AI - including how data is shared with, processed by, and retained in AI systems.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business problems into AI use cases and to manage the full lifecycle from pilot to production (idea pilot scale).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills - able to explain AI concepts, benefits, and risks clearly to both executives and frontline operations staff.

Preferred Requirements

• Financial modeling for Return On Investment analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with UKG Suite of applications
• Able to evaluate and re‑design business processes to improve efficiency through the use of technology.
• Experience working with technology vendors and technology consultants, including JDE and UKG partners.
• Experience negotiating software, hardware, and consulting contracts.
• Knowledge on the use of AI to help with efficiently using and managing the ERP and UKG applications.

Duties and/or Responsibilities

• Leads the JD Edwards and UKG application teams, providing technical direction, mentorship, and day‑to‑day management to ensure effective delivery of application support and project work.
• Manages the full lifecycle of JD Edwards and UKG initiatives, including planning, implementation, upgrades, testing, training, and post‑go‑live support.
• Consults with department managers and operating companies to develop JD Edwards and UKG system solutions and implementation schedules consistent with organizational objectives.
• Assists in the preparation and administration of the Company's information technology budget, procurement, and contract negotiations with JDE and UKG vendors and service providers to contribute to cost‑effective operations.
• Provides formal and informal management of Information Technology staff located at various operating companies to ensure consistent communication and implementation of IT strategy and the efficient utilization of JDE and UKG skills.
• Provides training and education to Information Technology personnel to enhance their job performance and promote personal and professional growth within the company.
• Responsible for IT general controls related to JD Edwards and UKG across KRC companies to ensure SOX compliance.
• Ensures the accuracy and enforcement of IT policies, standards, and security measures related to JD Edwards and UKG to safeguard information resources.
• Develops and communicates standards for use, operations, and security of JD Edwards and UKG applications in coordination with the Knife River technology group.
• Monitors industry standards and emerging technologies related to ERP and workforce management. Makes recommendations on available technologies and directs development and implementation efforts to ensure the company's ability to adopt new technologies quickly and efficiently.
• Manages the implementation and support of JD Edwards and UKG.
• Protects core business systems by implementing proper security levels and participating in testing the company's disaster recovery plan on an annual basis.
• Serves on the Knife River due diligence team as the JD Edwards and UKG subject matter expert when researching new acquisitions.
• Directs and manages Knife River and external Information Technology service providers for JDE and UKG support. Defines the level of service and deliverables to be provided to Knife River Corporation and negotiates associated fees.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• High level of initiative and autonomy; ability to work productively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Must have good organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical journals, contracts and financial reports.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Experience in financial analysis of IT investments
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with internal and external customers.
• Understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality of all company information.

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.