Manager, IT Solutions - Packaging

Who We are:

New-Indy Containerboard (NICB) is looking for forward thinking technologists that can accelerate our focus areas such as building stronger foundational technology capabilities, reducing complexity, employing digital transformation concepts, and leveraging disruptive technology to enable our vision of highly connected, secure and operationally intelligent manufacturing landscape. Our Enterprise IT/OT Team is seeking an IT Solutions Manager for its packaging business, with a keen focus on overall optimization of end-to-end business processes and applications, the deployment of intelligent automation and digital (internal and external) customer experience frameworks and techniques to eliminate front- and back-office inefficiencies and gain significant competitive advantages; and the design and operationalization of a value-driven architecture crafted in collaboration with business leadership and cross-functional teams to enable sustainable growth in our packaging business.

Role Summary:

The IT Solutions Manager for our packaging business leads all projects and initiatives related to the integration of software programs, applications, and third-party solutions as required to meet the business requirements of NICB’s packaging business, while working closely with NICB’s Enterprise IT/OT Centers-of-Excellent (CoEs) leveraging enterprise capabilities, while actively collaborating in the establishment of the strategic direction for the organization in alignment with the NICB’s IT/OT Policies & Standards. This role is responsible for the overall planning, coordination within the suite of platforms already utilized or yet to be introduced at NICB for the packaging business, in alignment with current and future plans for NICB’s enterprise platforms. This includes developing and maintaining a roadmap for the IT solutions portfolio for the packaging business to drive standardization and harmonization of business process and master data across all three packaging companies in a total of over 15 plants and warehouses across US and Mexico, with focus on intelligent automation and BI/Analytics to enable the transformation and continuous improvement initiatives in play at our packaging business.

What You'll Do:

This role will oversee the team responsible for the packaging-specific portfolio of platforms and applications from an end-to-end perspective, from requirements to deployment, including validation of the interoperability of application modules among commercial off-the-shelf solutions deployed such as Amtech, or any other external third-parties solutions, and a set of growing in-house developed solutions to enhance internal user experience, always ensure alignment with business objectives and boosting operational excellence. To ensure success, the ideal candidate should have knowledge of packaging ERP & MES platforms and systems, digital marketing and sales solutions, automation solutions (e.g., RPA), and BI/Analytics across manufacturing technology sectors, preferably in the packaging/converting industry, and is driven to understand all aspects of NICB’s packaging business, in assuring the effectiveness of IT/OT solutions deployed, and in collaborating to the continuous improvement of NICB’s Enterprise IT/OT organization going-forward.

Strategy:

• Work with the packaging companies’ leadership and Enterprise IT/ OT teams to develop and manage progress against a comprehensive digital roadmap in coordination with the cross-functional teammates and external partners, with focus on accelerated continuous improvement in alignment with business goals.
• Advise and influence leadership and operations on technical solutions, standard integration methodologies and the alignment of business and technology.
• Orchestrate projects and corresponding strategies among packaging companies, and packaging-specific and/or enterprise service delivery teams, ensuring alignment with strategic business goals and the company’s overall strategic vision.
• Drive continuous improvement at the packaging business through technology innovation and intelligent process optimization. Use your experience and the knowledge you gain from engaging with our packaging business and Enterprise IT/OT teams to drive projects and initiatives that provide tangible business value.
• Promote learning in others by building relationships with cross-functional stakeholders; listening and responding to, seeking, and addressing performance feedback; adapting to competing demands and new responsibilities; creating and executing plans to capitalize on strengths and improve opportunity areas; and adapting to and learning from change, difficulties, and feedback.

Governance & Planning:

• Develop and maintain an IT/OT architecture blueprint for the packaging business.
• Work with the business process owners to develop and maintain site business continuity plans (BCP).
• Plan, execute, and manage the deployment and integration of new OT/OT solutions into the existing environment.
• Ensure that IT/OT projects meet business requirements and goals, fulfill end-user requirements, and identify and resolve systems issues.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve the structure and processes, related to digital customer experience and manufacturing transformation ensuring a clear path forward.
• In partnership with packaging business Sr. Leadership and Enterprise IT/OT teams, identify, develop and coach business processes champions and data stewards.
• Proactively identify, manage, and escalate risks across projects, work streams and programs.
• Lead communication strategy, approach, and plan; including, but not limited to content guidelines and delivery cadence.
• Organizational Change Management: Define approach for managing change across the packaging business in coordination with the delivery of technology projects.

Innovation & Deployment:

• Research emerging digital customer experience and manufacturing technologies and techniques to address critical business and customer challenges.
• In collaboration with IT/OT solutions architects, engineers, specialists and analysts, discover, experiment, lead, coordinate and deliver digital initiatives across packaging companies.
• Champion changes and look to improve processes by systematizing simplicity, agility, and sensible risk taking.
• Liaise with 3rd party companies’ product development, delivery and support teams, and with internal software developers and engineers to address issues in program logic and to gain an understanding of application architectures and required functionality.
• Build relationships with vendors of application software deployed in the organization’s IT/OT environment to learn about and provide feedback on their functional and technical integration capabilities.
• Develop business case justifications and cost/benefit analyses for technology spending and initiatives.

Team & Operational Management:

• Lead and manage a team of architects, engineers and specialists on the multiple packaging-specific applications and platforms.
• Develop and maintain development and succession plans for all key roles in the department.
• Supervise the development and deployment of technical resources, including coordinating any outsourced application support and development.
• Ensure the collection and coherent interpretation of the various business processes affected by any new application or in-house new development to be deployed.
• Work diligently to enhance or improve business processes via integration or, as necessary, minimize the impact of integration on those processes.
• Evaluate results of projects, propose and deploy recommendations based on findings.
• Manage & provide 360-view to packaging Sr. Leadership of all IT/OT services provided to all the packaging companies and plants.
• Develop and review budgets for and from IT/OT departments in the packaging business and ensure they comply with stated goals, guidelines, and objectives.

What You'll Need:

• Bachelor’s in business, IT or similar discipline, or commensurate equivalent work experience in a technology field.
• 8 years direct experience in enterprise-level applications specific to the manufacturing industry, preferably in the packaging/converting industry.
• Direct experience with digital marketing and sales platforms, such as CRMs, e-commerce, websites, mobile apps, social media platforms, live chats, etc.
• Direct experience with digital customer experience frameworks and focus areas – customer journey mapping, omnichannel consistency, personalization, customer support, retention and advocacy.
• Direct experience with Center of Excellences (CoEs) and Shared Services Centers (SSC), matrix organizations.
• Direct experience with lead-to-cash process KPI’s improvements, such as, but not limited to qualified-lead generation increase, opportunity-to-quote process speed-up, quote-to-order conversion rates enhancement, effective and efficient costing and quoting model resulting in improved margins and enhanced customer experience, etc.
• Knowledge of business processes, management, budgeting, front- and back-office operations.
• Preferred experience with core software applications, including Amtech Imaginera, Encore, Axiom.
• Organizational skills, attention to detail, follow up, documentation preparation and maintenance skills, and customer service orientation are crucial for success in this role.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with a focus on rapport-building, listening, and questioning.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Experience within, or supporting, a fast-pacing manufacturing and environment.
• Proven experience in developing enterprise and solution level architectural designs.
• Proven experience in overseeing the linking of cross-functional applications between disparate business units/companies/plants and systems.
• Experience with business and technical requirements analysis, business process modeling and mapping, methodology development, and data mapping, all with a keen eye on security.
• Strong background in risk management methodologies as they relate to integration/software architecture and engineering.
• Good project management skills and/or substantial exposure to project-based work structures, project lifecycle models, etc.
• Strong knowledge of system and software quality assurance best practices and methodologies.
• Ability to conduct research into a wide range of computing issues as required. Familiarity with the fundamental principles of ITIL.
• Ability to absorb and retain information quickly.
• Ability to present ideas in user-friendly language.
• Highly self-motivated and directed.
• Proven analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment.
• Experience working in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
• Knowledge of applicable data privacy practices and laws.
• Reliable and available to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends.

Work Conditions:

• 40-hour on-site work week. Emergency call-in availability for 24-hour production environment.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, power tools, and other computer components. Be able to lift 40 lbs. unassisted.
• Physically able to participate in sessions, presentations, and meetings.
• Some travel will be required for the purpose of offsite software and system integration efforts.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks:

• 10% Bonus
• Medical, dental & vision coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) option with company contribution
• 401k plan & generous company match of 100% up to 6%.
• Short & Long-Term Disability coverage (company paid)
• Life Insurance & AD&D coverage (company paid)
• Flexible & Dependent Care Savings Account options
• Employee Assistance Program
• 9 Paid Holidays
• PTO and Sick Pay

Does this sound good to you? If so, great! Click the link to apply for the position. We look forward to hearing from you!