Vice President of Information Technology Position Summary The IT leader will oversee all aspects of technology strategy, operations, and innovation for a growing manufacturing and industrial services business. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role will align IT initiatives with business priorities across production, supply chain, finance, and sales. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision with hands-on execution, ensuring that ERP platforms, eCommerce systems, infrastructure, and emerging technologies such as AI are leveraged to drive efficiency, scalability, and profitability. This position will also play a key role in M&A integration, vendor management, and building a lean, high-performing IT team capable of supporting the company’s growth trajectory. Key Responsibilities Technology & Business Alignment • Lead a practical, business-focused IT organization that consistently delivers measurable value across operations, supply chain, finance, and sales. • Act as a strategic partner and trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership, ensuring technology initiatives align with business priorities and ROI goals. • Combine long-term strategic vision with the agility required to support high-velocity, production-oriented environments. SAP S/4HANA & Legacy ERP Oversight • Manage and optimize SAP S/4HANA to drive process consistency, data integrity, and better decision-making. • Oversee the integration and stability of legacy ERP platforms, leading phased transitions to modern systems while minimizing operational disruption. • Serve as a hands-on problem solver to streamline workflows and enhance the user experience. eCommerce & SAP Commerce Cloud • Lead ongoing improvements to the SAP Commerce Cloud platform to ensure alignment with evolving business needs. • Oversee seamless integration between Commerce Cloud, SAP S/4HANA, and related systems to support end-to-end business processes. AI Strategy & Innovation • Identify and prioritize practical use cases for AI and automation that deliver measurable business impact. • Develop and execute a phased roadmap for AI adoption across core functions. • Collaborate cross-functionally to educate teams, gather insights, and implement scalable AI solutions that enhance customer experience, user satisfaction, and profitability. IT Operations, Infrastructure & Cybersecurity • Ensure secure, stable, and efficient IT operations across all sites, including server, network, and end-user support. • Manage hybrid (on-premises and cloud) infrastructure, disaster recovery, and cybersecurity programs aligned with compliance standards and risk tolerance. • Define and enforce IT policies and governance frameworks to support consistent operational execution. Team Leadership & Culture • Lead and mentor a lean, high-performing IT team centered on responsiveness, ownership, and innovation. • Provide coaching and development across enterprise applications, infrastructure, and emerging technologies such as AI. • Foster strong partnerships with plant leaders, finance teams, and other functions through credibility, collaboration, and results. Qualifications Education • Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Operations Engineering, Business, or a related discipline (required). Experience • 10+ years of progressive IT leadership within manufacturing or industrial environments. • Direct experience managing SAP S/4HANA and SAP Commerce Cloud, ideally in a direct-to-consumer (DTC) setting. • Strong background in legacy ERP system integration, migration, or decommissioning. • Demonstrated success implementing AI, automation, or data-driven process improvement initiatives. • Proven ability to lead in lean, hands-on IT environments with a focus on execution and impact. • Experience operating within private equity–backed organizations. • Expertise in vendor management, including selection, negotiation, and value-driven contracting. Skills & Attributes • Deep understanding of manufacturing operations and how technology enables production, logistics, sales, and finance functions. • Comfortable navigating both plant-floor environments and boardroom discussions. • Proficient in the SAP ecosystem with practical, hands-on technical knowledge. • Skilled at simplifying complex technical topics for non-technical audiences. • Action-oriented, resourceful, and focused on delivering business results. Preferred Qualifications • Experience with Microsoft Power Platform, industrial IoT, machine data integration, and analytics. • Familiarity with cybersecurity standards relevant to manufacturing (e.g., NIST, CMMC). • Track record of effectively managing external IT partners, consultants, and service providers.