What are the responsibilities and job description for the Manager of Operational Technology position at Steinemann Inc.?
Job Description
Job Description
Our client, a leading manufacturer in the hardwood, plywood, and veneer industry, is seeking an experienced Manager of OT / IT Convergence. This opportunity is remote and is a critical role that will lead the development and execution of a unified OT / IT strategy across all operating locations, aligning operational technology with enterprise IT initiatives. The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between OT and IT in a manufacturing environment driving standardization, reducing risk, enhancing security, and supporting operational efficiency.
Job Summary :
As the Manager of OT / IT Convergence, you will be instrumental in shaping the technological landscape of the organization. You will develop and implement a comprehensive OT strategy that aligns with business objectives and enterprise IT. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic vision, and strong leadership to foster collaboration across diverse teams.
Key Responsibilities :
Strategic IT Leadership :
Develop and execute a unified OT strategy in alignment with enterprise IT and business objectives.
Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement through technology.
Prepare the organization for future technological advancements and digital transformation initiatives.
Build and mentor a high-performing OT team, promoting cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Infrastructure Management :
Inventory and assess the current state of OT infrastructure, defining risk frameworks.
Standardize OT solutions across multiple sites to enhance efficiency, security, and interoperability.
Integrate OT systems with corporate IT infrastructure, ensuring security, compliance, and optimal performance.
Cybersecurity and Compliance :
Establish and enforce OT cybersecurity policies to protect industrial control systems.
Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards (e.g., NIST, IEC 62443).
Manage relationships with OT vendors and service providers, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery :
Develop and implement business continuity plans to ensure rapid response and recovery from disruptions.
Ensure top risks are mitigated and clearly communicated to stakeholders.
Stakeholder Collaboration :
Partner with operations, engineering, and maintenance teams to ensure OT initiatives align with business needs.
Communicate the value and impact of OT / IT initiatives across the organization.
Manage relationships with key OT solution providers to ensure effective service delivery.
Digital Transformation :
Drive digital transformation efforts to improve business processes, decision-making, and operational efficiency.
Implement technologies that facilitate accurate and efficient information flow.
Assess emerging OT technologies and make recommendations for strategic investments.
Qualifications :
10 years of experience in information / operational technology, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
In-depth experience in cybersecurity, networking, and modern IT infrastructure (virtualization, cloud).
Proven leadership and change management experience in complex, multi-site organizations.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
Experience in IT / OT convergence initiatives and integrating industrial systems with enterprise IT.
Knowledge of cybersecurity standards (NIST, IEC 62443) and best practices.
Familiarity with ICS, SCADA, PLCs, IIoT, and MES systems.
Experience in manufacturing or industrial environments preferred.
Key Competencies :
Visionary : Ability to develop and articulate a clear strategic direction.
Collaborative Influence : Skilled at driving alignment across diverse teams.
Exceptional Communicator : Able to translate complex concepts into business value.
Humble : Willingness to learn, be coachable, and demonstrate curiosity.
Emotional Intelligence : Respect for team members, with the ability to listen and engage diverse perspectives.
Hands-On Approach : Willing to engage directly in problem-solving and process improvement.
Lean Mindset : Committed to lean principles, including safety focus, waste reduction, standard work, and customer-centric operations.
