IT Manager

IT Manager Job Description Job Overview: The Information Technology (IT) Manager at Plastics Extrusion Machinery, LLC (PEM LLC) is a technical hands-on position and is responsible for helping oversee and manage the company's IT hardware and software infrastructure, including premise and cloud-based solutions. The IT Manager will implement initiatives around technology strategy, system integration, cybersecurity, disaster recovery, and business continuity. This role will help manage the IT team, collaborate with department heads, and ensure regulatory compliance for all IT-related functions. This role is crucial in maintaining the uptime, security, and functionality of critical systems, and preparing for and mitigating IT risks related to downtime, security breaches, and system failures. Key Responsibilities: IT Leadership: Give input to senior management to develop and implement IT strategy, aligning with the overall business goals of the company. Including identify opportunities for technological innovation and improvement. Budget Planning: Help facilitate and monitor an IT budget including forecasting, resource allocation, and alignment with organizational objectives. Management of Systems and Maintenance: Oversee the maintenance, upgrades, and configuration of the company's IT infrastructure, including servers, networks, databases, hardware, and software. Manage and monitor manufacturing-related systems such as ERP, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), AI systems, and other systems used within the company. Ensure high availability and performance of all critical systems, minimizing downtime. Manage and ensure licensing compliance for the company. Create, document, test, train, and challenge processes and procedures within IT. Network and Data Security: Ensure robust data security protocols, firewalls, antivirus systems, and backup solutions are in place and maintained to protect against cyber threats. Manage disaster recovery plans, ensuring business continuity in the event of IT failures or security breaches. Monitor for security vulnerabilities, assess risks, and establish proactive solutions to safeguard proprietary data, including intellectual property and sensitive manufacturing data. Conduct regular security audits and risk assessments to maintain compliance with industry standards. Manage access and security within the company network for employees, vendors, and contractors. Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity: Verify, maintain and test a comprehensive Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) that ensures the company's ability to recover critical systems and data in the event of a failure or security breach, commensurate with the recovery time defined by the company and the sequence of bringing solutions back online. Assist in designing and implementing a company-wide Business Continuity Plan (BCP) for minimal disruption to critical business operations in case of a significant event or disaster. Including backup and restore procedures for all critical data and applications, ensuring off-site storage of backup data. Test and update disaster recovery procedures regularly to ensure effectiveness. Team Management and Development: Lead, mentor, develop, and cross-train an IT team to ensure maximum contribution for the company. Allocate resources and assign responsibilities for day-to-day IT operations, projects, and troubleshooting. Provide leadership in IT support functions, ensuring prompt resolution of technical issues for all users. Create and oversee helpdesk protocols and procedures to address IT incidents efficiently. Organize and facilitate ongoing IT training for employees, helping them effectively use software, hardware, and other technology solutions. Vendor and Contract Management: Assist in managing the relationships with external vendors and service providers to ensure that the company receives value and quality IT products and services. Assist in negotiating contracts for hardware, software, and services to ensure cost-effective solutions that meet the company's needs. 1. Project Management: Oversee, document, and manage all IT-related projects, facilitate and execute projects, including software rollouts, infrastructure upgrades, and system integrations. Ensuring projects are delivered on time, within scope, and budget. 2. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with internal and external IT policies such as those related to data privacy, cybersecurity, and industry-specific standards (e.g., ISO 9001, OSHA), as well as regulatory requirements such as ISO 27001, GDPR, or CPA/CCPA (and others), depending on the jurisdiction. Conduct regular IT risk assessments and audits, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions where necessary. Establish and enforce IT governance policies that ensure proper data handling, usage of AI in the workplace, and compliance with intellectual property/data handling/data security standards. Qualifications: Education: Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field. Experience: 5 years of experience in IT management, preferably in a manufacturing environment. Proven experience managing IT infrastructure, networks, and enterprise systems. Certifications: Relevant certifications such as Microsoft, CompTIA Network, ITIL, Agile, PMP, CISSP, or CompTIA Security, and others, are highly desirable. Technical Skills: Strong understanding of network architecture, server management, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies. Proficient with Microsoft Windows (Server/Desktop), Active Directory, Cloud solutions (such as Azure), and Linux. Knowledge of Microsoft SQL or Postgre SQL Knowledge of automation tools, industrial IoT, and AI/ML applications is desired. All job offers are contingent upon successfully passing a pre-employment drug screen. Skills & Requirements Qualifications