Director of Information Technology & AI Innovation

AP Executive Staffing is partnering with an innovative global manufacturer to identify a technically accomplished Director of Information Technology & AI Innovation who is equally comfortable leading enterprise IT operations and driving the practical application of Artificial Intelligence across the business. This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an executive who thrives at the intersection of technology, business strategy, and innovation. The successful candidate will oversee enterprise infrastructure, ERP, cybersecurity, business systems, and IT operations while championing AI initiatives that create measurable business value across engineering, manufacturing, finance, sales, and marketing.

Key Responsibilities:

Enterprise IT Leadership

• Lead enterprise IT operations across multiple manufacturing and corporate locations.
• Ensure reliable, secure, and scalable infrastructure including servers, networking, cloud platforms, cybersecurity, and end-user support.
• Provide both strategic leadership and hands-on technical oversight when required.
• Maintain high system availability while continuously improving operational efficiency.

AI Strategy & Business Innovation

• Identify, evaluate, and deploy practical AI solutions that improve productivity and decision making.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Finance, Sales, Marketing, and Leadership to implement AI-enabled business processes.
• Serve as the organization’s internal AI champion, translating emerging technologies into measurable business outcomes.
• Lead the adoption of AI tools that improve workflow automation, reporting, and operational performance.

ERP & Business Systems

• Provide strategic ownership of the company’s ERP environment, ensuring alignment across engineering, manufacturing, inventory, supply chain, and finance.
• Drive continuous optimization of business systems while improving integration, data accuracy, and user adoption.
• Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities for process improvement through technology.

Technology Projects

• Lead enterprise technology initiatives including infrastructure upgrades, cloud migrations, hardware and software refreshes, cybersecurity initiatives, and facility expansions.
• Develop project plans, manage timelines, coordinate stakeholders, and ensure successful execution.

Business Intelligence & Analytics

• Oversee enterprise reporting platforms and analytics capabilities.
• Ensure business leaders have timely, accurate, and actionable information to support operational and strategic decisions.
• Drive improvements in reporting automation and business intelligence tools.

Leadership & Vendor Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing IT team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and customer service.
• Manage relationships with software providers, technology partners, telecommunications vendors, and managed service providers.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets while maximizing technology investments and overall ROI.

Work Authorization requirement: Our customer must comply with U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants must be a U.S. Person as defined under ITAR such as a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), or other individual authorized under ITAR.

Compensation $150-$190 + bonus

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Five or more years of progressive IT experience, including leadership responsibility within a manufacturing or engineered products environment preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading enterprise IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and business systems.
• Experience administering or optimizing ERP platforms such as Odoo, Epicor, NetSuite, Infor, or similar enterprise systems.
• Strong knowledge of Windows and Linux administration, cloud environments (Azure and/or AWS), networking, and enterprise security.
• Proven ability to bridge technical capabilities with broader business objectives.
• Experience leading cross-functional technology initiatives from strategy through implementation.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

The ideal candidate is:

• A strategic technology leader who still enjoys rolling up their sleeves when ne…