IT Manager in Meadville, Pennsylvania at Acutec Precision Aerospace Inc

The IT Manager leads the organization's information technology function through effective governance, project management, budgeting, asset management, cybersecurity, and team leadership. This role is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating IT services in a manufacturing environment where information technology and operational technology (OT) systems must operate seamlessly together. The IT Manager supports reliable production operations by overseeing technology initiatives, maintaining secure and compliant systems, and ensuring technology investments align with organizational objectives.

Key Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• IT Governance: Establishes and maintains IT governance processes, technology standards, risk controls, and decision-making frameworks that support business objectives, operational requirements, and regulatory compliance.
• Project Management: Leads IT projects from planning through implementation, coordinating technical resources, stakeholders, vendors, and manufacturing operations to ensure successful delivery with minimal impact to production.
• Budget Management: Owns operating and capital technology budgets by evaluating investment priorities, managing expenditures, and communicating the cost, risk, and business impact of technology decisions.
• Risk Management and Compliance: Identifies, assesses, and mitigates cybersecurity, operational, and compliance risks. Ensures the protection of sensitive manufacturing and business information while supporting compliance with standards and regulations including CMMC 2.0, NIST 800-171, DFARS, and ITAR.
• Asset Management: Oversees the lifecycle management of IT and operational technology assets, including hardware, software, licensing, and connected manufacturing systems. Ensures asset visibility, maintenance, security, compliance, and alignment with operational requirements.
• Leadership, Management, and Accountability: Provides strategic leadership for the IT function by setting direction, developing team capabilities, aligning technology priorities with operational goals, and fostering collaboration between IT and manufacturing stakeholders.
• Vendor Management: Develops and manages relationships with technology vendors, service providers, and consultants. Negotiates contracts, evaluates performance, and ensures vendors deliver value aligned with organizational objectives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive IT experience, including leadership or management responsibility.
• Experience supporting technology in a manufacturing, industrial, or operational environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity programs, enterprise applications, and technology projects.
• Working knowledge of networking, servers, cloud services, endpoint management, backup and disaster recovery, and cybersecurity best practices.
• Experience developing and managing operating and capital budgets.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity and compliance frameworks, including NIST 800-171, CMMC, DFARS, and ITAR.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage vendor relationships.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Must be eligible to access export-controlled information in accordance with ITAR and other applicable federal regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Professional certification such as CISSP, CISM, CCP, PMP, ITIL, Microsoft, HPE Aruba, Cisco, and similar technology credentials.
• Experience supporting operational technology environments, including industrial networks, PLCs, manufacturing systems, and connected production equipment.
• Experience leading digital transformation, automation, or continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with ERP, MES, quality management, and business intelligence systems.
• Experience developing cybersecurity maturity programs and preparing for security audits or certification assessments.
• Knowledge of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) or a similar business operating system.
• Experience leading geographically dispersed teams, contractors, or managed service providers.