Manufacturing IT & MES Strategy Lead

SLPT; Warren (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

SLPT Automotive is seeking an IT Business Systems Manager to lead the Operations IT environment, including MES, production dashboards, databases, and Plex ERP integration. You will supervise the Sr.

IT Systems Analyst and Controls/PLC Engineering team, ensuring data accuracy, system stability, and continuous improvement across operations. This role partners with Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to optimize data flows, implement new technologies, and ensure uptime and real-time visibility of

Qualifications

• BS degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
• Strong understanding of MES, production floor systems, and manufacturing data flows.
• Experience with PLC/controls environments (Allen Bradley preferred).
• SQL proficiency (queries, stored procedures, data modeling).
• Experience with dashboards, reporting tools, and data visualization.
• Understanding of ERP systems (Plex strongly preferred).
• Familiarity with machine to system communication protocols (OPC, Ethernet/IP, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Sr. IT Systems Analyst and Controls/PLC Engineers
• Assign priorities, manage workloads, and ensure timely execution of operational IT tasks
• Establish performance expectations, KPIs, and development plans for direct reports
• Foster a collaborative, high‑accountability culture between IT, Engineering, and Operations
• Own and manage MES, production‑floor data systems, machine‑level integrations, and operational databases
• Oversee machine programming support (assembly, testing, data collection, traceability)
• Ensure reliable communication between PLCs, machines, MES, and ERP (Plex)
• Maintain and improve production dashboards, KPIs, and real‑time visibility tools
• Ensure system uptime, data accuracy, and operational continuity across all manufacturing systems
• Collaborate with the IT Network & Systems Admin Manager to ensure seamless integration between MES, databases, and Plex
• Support operational workflows, BOMs, routings, production reporting, and traceability requirements
• Identify and implement improvements to operational data flows and system usage
• Identify opportunities to automate manual processes and improve data accuracy
• Lead projects to modernize production‑floor systems, dashboards, and data collection
• Partner with Engineering and Operations to implement new technologies supporting quality, throughput, and efficiency
• Develop and maintain documentation for operational IT systems, processes, and integrations
• Oversee operational databases, data integrity, and data governance
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of production KPIs, scrap, downtime, and quality metrics
• Develop SQL queries, scripts, and tools to support data extraction and analysisMaintain standardized reporting dashboards for Operations leadership
• Work closely with Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Production to support system needs
• Coordinate with the IT Network & Systems Admin Manager on infrastructure, cybersecurity, and ERP alignment
• Support new equipment launches, line moves, and process changes requiring IT integration
• Participate in customer audits, internal audits, and compliance activities related to operational systems
• Assist with budgeting for MES, databases, dashboards, and production‑floor IT systems
• Manage vendors supporting MES, controls, databases, and operational software
• Evaluate new technologies and provide recommendations aligned with business needs

Skills

MES knowledge

Manufacturing data flows

Dashboards & reporting

SQL proficiency

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem solving

Education

BS degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Tools

Allen-Bradley PLCs

Plex ERP

OPC/Ethernet/IP

SQL databases

Job description

SLPT Automotive is seeking an IT Business Systems Manager to lead the Operations IT environment, including MES, production dashboards, databases, and Plex ERP integration. You will supervise the Sr.

IT Systems Analyst and Controls/PLC Engineering team, ensuring data accuracy, system stability, and continuous improvement across operations. This role partners with Engineering, Quality, and Maintenance to optimize data flows, implement new technologies, and ensure uptime and real-time visibility of