Operational Technology Leader

About the role

Role Summary: Developing the future of digital manufacturing starts with you. As the Operational Technology Leader, you will architect the site’s digital transformation by bridging the gap between industrial automation and data-driven performance. You are the primary subject matter expert overseeing the convergence of plant floor systems and secure network infrastructure. By leading high-impact technology projects, you ensure our operations deliver premium nutrition to pets everywhere while meeting global integration standards.

Responsibilities

• Strategic OT Management: Lead and execute manufacturing system projects across areas of plant floor systems, PLC control, devices and instrumentation, and networking, from conception to completion.
• Enforce standards that ensure global consistency of manufacturing and integration systems.
• Automation & Controls Execution: Use technical skills including PLC/Archestra programming, HMI screen development, and data acquisition/analytics to integrate and improve automation and manufacturing system projects.
• Infrastructure & Security: Manage the configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of OT network infrastructure, ensuring cybersecurity integrity and reliable performance of plant floor control systems.
• Leadership & Partnership: Supervise OT resources and establish strong relationships with plant leadership, engineering, and global Manufacturing System, Automation, and IT teams. Participate in local plant meetings to provide updates on project performance.
• Continuous Improvement: Analyze system performance to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency improvements, and cost savings. Utilize Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) tools to deliver operational excellence.

Requirements

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Accordingly, all applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis and must not require the Company's sponsorship to continue to work legally in the United States.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Information Technology, or a related technical field
• 5+ years of experience in plant floor systems, integration, and automation controls within a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated expertise in Allen-Bradley PLCs, Wonderware (Archestra, MES, InTouch), and Microsoft SQL Server
• Previous experience in people leadership or managing internal/external technical resources

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) or pet food manufacturing
• Advanced knowledge of Aveva system platform or similar (MES, SCADA, ERP Integration)
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft SQL Server
• Advanced knowledge of IT/OT network design (Cisco, Industrial Ethernet)
• Familiarity with cybersecurity protocols specifically for industrial control systems
• Strong understanding of Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) and Operational Excellence metrics

Pay

Salary Range $96,800.00 - $137,000.00 USD. Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.

Benefits

• Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country
• Medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage
• Participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements
• Minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours)
• 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year)
• Paid sick leave adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws