Director of Information Technologies (IT)

SUMMARY: The Director of Information and Technology (Director of IT) is the senior manager who oversees the technology operations and systems for STF. This position will manager, direct, and control all technical support for the plant information systems and provide desktop (including AIS – accounting information systems, primarily JD Edwards and Carlisle) support throughout the organization to help administer data and process consistency within its record keeping systems.

The Director of IT will coordinate the work needed to keep the plant in operation; establish and maintain open lines of communication between IT, contractors, and plant operations; encourage good work habits and promote safety. Plan, develop and provide staff expertise in implementing and achieving efficient utilization of the workforce and plant IT systems to achieve specific quality standards in a safe and efficient manner.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This role will oversee the STF IT/Network Specialists and the IT/Operations team with potential future team growth opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identify technology needs and make recommendations to business decision-makers.
• Manage the IT team including developers, scale technicians, PLC programmers, support technicians and vendors.
• Maintain the company's hardware and software programs (tracking and monitoring licenses).
• Update technological equipment in the company and manage the inventory of the assets.
• Implement company-wide technology updates and hold sessions to teach employees on new features.
• Provide technical input to network optimization planning.
• Implement, monitor, and encourage effective use of best practices, thus developing technical capability within the factories and other functions

• Assist in providing counsel regarding PC issues that impact the operation of the user's area and application support.

• Resolve connectivity issues for factory users and systems.
• Maintain hardware and software inventory records.
• Administer the Company's AIS (primarily JD Edwards, M3, Carlisle, AS400, etc.)
• Assist in the review, testing, and implementation of AIS upgrades and additional modules (to include the procurement, fixed asset, and maintenance management modules of JDE)
• Write, maintain, and support a variety of reports or queries using appropriate reporting tools.
• Assist in the development of standard reports for ongoing customer needs. Help maintain data integrity in systems by running queries and analyzing data.
• Use data analytical tools and develop plant automation devices to drive performance for existing equipment and new installations that bring breakthrough performance
• Lead and provide best practices with respect to the integration of technical expertise and manufacturing into product development
• Other projects/duties as assigned or needed
• Ensure compliance with the safety policies and procedures. Provide timely written feedback on causes of injuries and lost time accidents and recommendations for preventing recurrence.
• Diagnose system issues and develop ways to pre-empt downtime by developing strategies to improve overall reliability and safety of plant, personnel, and production processes.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform this position successfully, the individual must be able to perform each job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field
• Minimum of 8-10 years in a manufacturing environment
• Previous experience in a technical, engineering, and/or an R&D role is necessary
• Preferred software experience: JDE/Oracle, AS400, Carlisle, Rockwell, Microsoft teams, & Windows 11.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from management, and employees. Must have the ability to influence and persuade others.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret documents in the English language such as safety files, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Must be able to effectively communicate with outside regulatory agencies, employees, and production and management personnel. Bilingual skills a plus.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to apply mathematical applications to practical situations. Demonstrated ability to understand advanced statistics and statistical analysis for process control.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical, diagram, written and/or verbal form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Must have the ability to manage multiple projects accurately and confidently. Strong understanding of project implementations, project structure and life cycle and best practice standards and tools.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Strong personal computer skills (Microsoft products) and understanding of operational metrics and reports required. Must have strong change management skills. Must hold a valid driver's license due to regular business travel.

MISSION, VISION, & VALUES: Must believe and lead STF's MISSION of producing quality pork products, igniting the passion and growth of our team members, helping our community thrive, and making our business prosperous. Remember that together we will achieve more by working safely and cultivating an inclusive and empowering environment. Must believe and fully engage in STF's VISION of being a place where we all belong, working as one, to build our future. Must live STF's VALUES in all decisions, behaviors, and interactions, which include-

• SAFETY- Be committed to the safety and welfare of all employees through prevention, education, and awareness, with the goal of eliminating workplace accidents.
• QUALITY- Our customers and families depend on us to provide a safe, quality product, by maintaining the highest food safety standards and desired customer specifications. We must take pride in the products we produce and serve.
• DIVERSITY- We embrace diversity of identity, experience, and thought, and actively strive for inclusive behaviors across our company and our work. By promoting these values, we aim to create a positive work experience that encourages a sense of belonging.
• COMMUNITY- Be a positive representative of STF in our community while supporting the organizations who work for the betterment of Siouxland.
• SUSTAINABILITY- Be a steward of the earth by managing our environmental footprint.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be required to move about the facility. The employee is required to sit; use hands to finger; handle; or feel/hold objects; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; speak; hear taste and smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 40 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Individuals must be able to effectively work in a normal production environment where temperatures and noise levels may vary, including climate extremes and a loud work environment. Generally, the incumbent may stand and walk for extended periods of time and must be able to sit and use a computer for extended periods of time.