VP Global, Information Technology

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Job Summary

Responsibilities

The VP Global, IT will be an experienced, business-oriented individual who possesses the ability to develop and implement a contemporary global IT strategy.  He/she will:

·   Develop, execute, and oversee IT strategies that align with the company’s goals and objectives while advancing technology.

·   Collaborate with senior leadership to identify technology needs and opportunities to drive innovation and operational efficiency.

·   Oversee the planning, implementation, and management of an AI / BI / ML -focused IT system that will serve as an overlay to AP’s ERP systems.

·   Ensure the reliability, security, and scalability of all technology platforms.

·   Manage IT budgets, ensuring cost-effective solutions that meet the company's needs and operate at the highest level of service.

·   Lead and mentor the global IT team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

·   Develop and implement IT policies and procedures, as well as global centers of excellence, that promote best practices and operational efficiency.

·   Oversee major IT projects, including system upgrades, software / cyber implementations, and infrastructure improvements.

·   Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the desired quality standards.

·   Manage relationships with external IT vendors and service providers.

·   Negotiate contracts and ensure service, cost and payment term levels are met.

·   Implement and maintain robust cybersecurity measures to protect company data and systems.

·   Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards related to IT and data security. Continue to support our cyber roadmap and preparation of a future IPO.

·   Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure operational resilience of our multiple ERP systems. Plans need to be clear, with accountability and timing.

·   Conduct regular reviews and testing of these plans.

·   Stay informed about emerging technologies and industry trends relevant to our business.

·   Evaluate and recommend new technologies and solutions that could enhance AP’s competitive advantage and advance our EBITDA. Ensure IT efforts are focused on delivering business results via data insights, system stability / standardization, cyber security, cost effectiveness and ultimately EBITDA results.

Candidate Qualifications

 Education

Must possess a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred

Experience and Skills

We seek a highly talented IT professional with a track record of success gained over a career of 10 or more years.  The successful candidate will be a strong leader, strategic thinker, developer of talent and highly analytical person with very strong relationship skills and a keen understanding and interest in business result / EBITDA (as opposed to a sole focus on technology).  This person will have been trained in a manufacturing setting, ideally a process / discreet manufacturer.  He/she will have experience in a performance-driven manufacturing company. He/she must understand the business case and have an appreciation of financial/analytical issues and profit and loss implications. Candidates will have a track record of delivering results and will be perceived to have the potential to grow with the business while leading their team to do the same. Additional skills include:

·   Demonstrated success scaling initiatives with enterprise-level impact.

·   Track record of using and leveraging AI within a global manufacturing setting, on time and within budget.

·   Sincere interest in AI, BI and ML, as well as a track record in digital innovation and implementing transformations that support driving business growth and EBITDA.

·   Experience in managing vendor/service provider relationships and large contracts.

·   Strong negotiation, influencing, and problem resolution skills.

·   Financial and process skills; an understanding of business case methodology and financial practices and goals - including drivers of process costs, as well as EBITDA implications.

·   Demonstrated strategic capabilities and the ability to engage partners and team members at all levels of the organization.

·   Ability to present ideas and sell concepts to executive-level leaders.

·   Ability to effectively influence senior management.

·   Ability to establish and implement departmental goals and objectives.

·   Executive presence with strong presentation, team building, and leadership skills.

·   Able to effect and manage significant changes. Understanding, the current team is fragmented across 6 Business Units and will need to be pulled together as one, well at the same time providing the highest level of service for Business Unit needs.

·   Adept at performing in a complex, cross-functional global business environment.

·   Motivational and visionary leadership skills, including the ability to recognize and develop emerging leadership talent.

·   Must be a person of high integrity who always acts with Austin Powder’s interest first.

Leadership Competencies           

·   Create a global vision, clear direction, and strategy for the team.

·   Establish, manage, and coach the team to clear objectives and performance expectations.

·   Attract, motivate, develop, and retain a highly skilled global workforce.

·   Lead and enable enterprise-wide thinking in the team.

·   Create an environment that values employees and encourages cooperation, open communication, acceptance of change, provides healthy challenges and teamwork across the enterprise.

·   Serve as a role model by demonstrating a commitment to company values, high-performance standards, workplace diversity, and driving results.

·   Is a hands-on leader who is not above doing what needs to be done. Works side by side with his or her colleagues to ensure results. A strategic thinker and a doer.

·   Will be tenacious and dedicated to delivering the best possible business-aligned results.

·   Will act with a sense of urgency and quickly gather sufficient data and information required to make sound decisions and take action.

·   Possess tactical and strategic capabilities and be able to apply them pragmatically.

·   Capable of developing a deep understanding of the business and focusing all efforts and driving the highest level of value in the business.

·   Process-driven, but results-focused within a fast-paced environment.

·   Able to obtain input from others to execute critical initiatives. Will be dynamic and flexible to move with business needs.

·   Effectively build relationships, establish credibility, and develop the loyalty of individuals inside and outside the company..

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.