Niemann Foods Director of Information Technology in Quincy, Illinois at Niemann Foods

SUMMARY

The Director of Information Technology is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations, planning, and management of the Information Technology Department for Niemann Foods, Inc. This position ensures the organization's technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, and support services operate efficiently, securely, and reliably while supporting the company's strategic objectives.

The Director of Information Technology will work closely with executive leadership and business partners, develop and implement technology solutions that improve operational efficiency, support business growth, enhance the customer experience, and reduce organizational risk.

This position requires a hands-on, player-coach leadership style. The Director must be capable of providing strategic direction while actively participating in technology planning, project execution, vendor management, cybersecurity oversight, and operational support.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Technology Planning & Business Partnership

• Develop and maintain the company's technology roadmap in alignment with business objectives.
• Partner with executive leadership and department leaders to identify opportunities to improve operations through technology.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, analytics, and digital commerce solutions.
• Recommend technology investments that improve operational efficiency, customer service, and profitability.
• Serve as a trusted technology advisor to business leaders across the organization.

IT Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee the daily operation and support of all IT infrastructure, networks, telecommunications, cloud services, servers, and end-user computing environments.
• Ensure technology systems meet performance, reliability, security, and availability expectations.
• Maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Direct help desk operations and ensure timely resolution of technology issues.
• Continuously improve IT service delivery and support processes.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Lead the company's cybersecurity program and promote a security-first culture.
• Maintain security policies, standards, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with PCI-DSS and other applicable security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee vulnerability management, user access controls, endpoint protection, monitoring, incident response, and security awareness training.
• Coordinate response and recovery efforts during cybersecurity or technology incidents.

Enterprise Applications & Business Systems

• Oversee the implementation, integration, support, and optimization of enterprise software applications.
• Ensure technology solutions effectively support retail operations, distribution, merchandising, finance, human resources, marketing, eCommerce, and customer-facing functions.
• Identify opportunities to improve system integration and reduce technical debt.
• Work with business leaders to improve processes through technology.

Project Management

• Manage the organization's IT project portfolio.
• Prioritize technology initiatives based on business needs and available resources.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Coordinate project planning, implementation, testing, communication, and change management activities.
• Communicate project status, priorities, and risks to executive leadership.

Vendor & Financial Management

• Assist in developing and managing the annual IT operating and capital budgets.
• Negotiate and manage vendor relationships, technology contracts, software licensing agreements, and service providers.
• Monitor vendor performance and service level agreements.
• Identify opportunities to improve service while managing technology costs responsibly.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop members of the Information Technology team.
• Establish performance expectations and promote accountability.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture that emphasizes continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning and cross-training to strengthen organizational knowledge.
• Build strong working relationships across all departments.

Hands-On Leadership

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the organization's technology environment and business systems.
• Participate directly in critical technology initiatives, vendor meetings, infrastructure planning, cybersecurity efforts, and operational issue resolution.
• Balance long-term planning with daily operational responsibilities.
• Provide technical leadership during system upgrades, implementations, and emergencies.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

• Hands-on, player-coach leadership style
• Strong operational and business understanding
• Customer-focused and service-oriented
• Collaborative and relationship-driven
• Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability
• Adaptable and resourceful
• Excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directly supervises associates within the Information Technology department and carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, assigning work, evaluating performance, coaching, disciplining, rewarding employees, and resolving Associate concerns.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field required, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
• Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

• Basic understanding of calculus, algebra and statistics

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• There are no required certifications, licenses, or registrations.

RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT

• There is no recommended equipment

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Regularly (Over 2/3 of the time)

• Sit
• Use hands to finger, handle, or feel
• Reach with hands and arms
• Communicate with associates and customers
• Lift and/or move up to 15 pounds

Frequently(Between 1/3 to 2/3 of the time)

• Walk
• Stand
• Lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
• Vision
• Close
• Distance
• Peripheral
• Depth perception
• Ability to adjust focus
• Ability to distinguish colors

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Occasionally

• Risk of electrical shock
• Chemicals while cleaning

Noise Level

• Moderate

PAY RANGE (depends on industry experience)

$175,000-$195,000

BENEFITS (eligibility based on full-time/part-time status)

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits
• Paid Time Off
• Retirement Plans
• Employee Assistance Program

**Niemann Foods Management retains the discretion to add to or change the position requirements at any time.

**Position requirements may vary by store location