Head of IT

This leadership role combines strategic planning with hands-on operational support and serves as the primary technology leader for the site in a regulated manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Ensure secure, stable, and efficient operation of technology infrastructure, including servers, networks, end-user computing, communications platforms, and workplace technologies.
• Lead local technical support functions, including incident management, problem resolution, and change management activities.
• Partner with internal teams and external vendors to maintain service levels and operational performance.
• Develop and implement standards, processes, and best practices to improve service delivery.
• Oversee manufacturing-related technology platforms and production support systems.
• Support integration between factory equipment, operational technologies, and enterprise systems.
• Maintain secure connectivity and network segmentation between business and operational environments.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, engineering, and quality teams on system enhancements, production expansions, and automation initiatives.
• Support business-critical applications used across manufacturing, supply chain, operations, and quality functions.
• Serve as the primary liaison between local business stakeholders and centralized application support teams.
• Gather and prioritize business requirements while ensuring alignment with organizational technology strategies.
• Support implementation and integration of new technologies and software solutions.
• Ensure technology systems meet applicable regulatory, quality, and validation requirements.
• Support internal audits, customer audits, and regulatory inspections as the technology representative.
• Lead cybersecurity, vulnerability management, backup and recovery, and business continuity initiatives.
• Promote security awareness and maintain compliance with industry-recognized security standards and frameworks.
• Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing technology team.
• Establish goals, conduct performance management activities, and support employee growth and development.
• Manage technology budgets, including operational and capital expenditures.
• Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and service agreements to ensure business objectives are met.
• Lead technology workstreams for facility expansions, operational improvements, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Support implementation of new production capabilities, systems, and business processes.
• Participate in enterprise technology programs and contribute to the development of standards and best practices.
• Identify opportunities to improve technology effectiveness, scalability, and operational efficiency.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Approximately 8+ years of progressive experience across IT and manufacturing technology environments.
• Experience supporting technology within regulated industries such as life sciences, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, or similar environments.
• Broad experience across infrastructure, applications, manufacturing systems, and end-user technologies.
• Previous experience establishing, expanding, or supporting technology operations for manufacturing facilities is highly desirable.
• Experience managing technology teams, external service providers, and project resources.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of enterprise infrastructure, cloud technologies, networking, systems administration, collaboration platforms, and service delivery.
• Experience supporting manufacturing execution systems, enterprise resource planning platforms, and production-related business applications.
• Familiarity with validation processes, regulated system environments, quality standards, and electronic record requirements.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, operational technology security, disaster recovery, business continuity planning, and risk management.
• Experience with technology service management processes, project delivery methodologies, and budget oversight.

Leadership and Professional Skills

• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic planning and day-to-day operational support.
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven ability to collaborate across departments and influence teams without direct authority.
• Willingness to support critical business operations outside of normal working hours when necessary.

Success Profile

The ideal candidate is a versatile technology leader who thrives in a manufacturing environment and can successfully bridge infrastructure, applications, manufacturing systems, compliance, and cybersecurity. This individual brings a practical, hands-on approach while maintaining a strategic perspective and can effectively support both business objectives and regulatory requirements.