Vice President of Information Technology
We are excited to partner with one of our best manufacturing clients in Minnesota to identify their next Vice President of Information Technology:
Only open due to a coming retirement, this VP of Information Technology leads a technology function of around 25 people. Reporting to the CEO, this role oversees the strategic planning and implementation of our client’s information technology goals, aligning IT initiatives with business strategies. It evaluates departmental needs, prioritizes systems design and updates, and determines long-term hardware and systems requirements to support organizational objectives. This VP also develops and executes IT strategies to drive product innovation, operational efficiency, and profitability.
Founded 40 years year ago, our client has quickly grown into the premier manufacturers in their industry in the United States. Boasting over 4,500 completed projects across the world, they have over 800 employees and $300M+ in annual revenue. They have a phenomenal culture because their employees are also owners in the business; our client is one of the largest ESOPs (employee-owned) organizations in the Midwest.
Headquartered in suburban Minneapolis, this organization has seen incredible year over year growth for the last decade, and isn’t slowing down any time soon (they have not only added a shift, but have purchased multiple buildings to help facilitate their growth).
*** The position offers a very competitive base salary, annual bonus, and long-term incentive plan, in addition to strong benefits package. ***
*** This is a hybrid position, as they offer a flexible work arrangement. ***
Responsibilities
- Innovation
- Champions new ideas and initiatives.
- Develops strategies that drive the implementation of organizational change.
- Evaluates successes and failures to improve individual and organizational performance. Commitment and Passion
- Communicates a compelling and inspired vision that inspires and motivates the entire organization.
- Talks beyond today; talks about possibilities; is optimistic.
- Directs organizational change initiatives and promotes flexibility to meet changing business needs.
- Has an understanding of individual motivators and drivers and leverages these to advance the organizations goals. Integrity
- Measures own success based on the success of the organization.
- Establishes organizational direction and strategy based on an always-apparent commitment to the organizations mission and values.
- Sets the tone for integrity by ensuring all communications and actions are conducted with honesty, forthrightness, and authenticity. Team and Relationships
- Develops and fosters an organizational culture that supports a team environment.
- Encourages cross-functional cooperation among teams.
- Communicates how each team contributes to the business objectives
- Develops IT strategies and plans to align with business goals, ensuring adequate applications, networks, and infrastructure.
- Participates in strategic business planning, providing technology insights to support future needs and competitive positioning.
- Collaborates with senior managers to identify business requirements and implement cost-effective IT initiatives.
- Communicates effectively with senior management and IT staff to ensure alignment and transparency.
- Oversees IT operations, including vendor management, staffing, project management, and budgeting.
- Leads, coaches, and mentors staff to drive process improvements and customer service.
- Establishes and enforces IT policies, standards, infrastructure planning, and information management strategies.
- Develops the applications portfolio and promotes technology-driven business innovation.
- Manages IT department operations, driving skill development and organizational change.
- Defines and implements IT architecture to maximize revenue, minimize costs, and align with business goals.
- Applies project management disciplines to ensure successful project outcomes.
- Ensures IT projects align with corporate strategy and business objectives, with strong user ownership.
- Manages multiple projects, deadlines, and change management processes effectively.
- Represents IT as the corporate spokesperson and ensures compliance with audit and security requirements.
- Oversees procurement, vendor contracts, and external consulting agreements.
- Evaluates IT department metrics to monitor service quality, productivity, and performance.
- Identifies and resolves problems, making strategic recommendations for improvements.
- Builds vendor relationships, explores partnerships, and develops a robust vendor network.
- Demonstrates strong communication, judgment, and reasoning skills with stakeholders. MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide leadership and employee development
- Manage performance through coaching and necessary corrective action.
- Ultimate responsibility for the work performed by direct reports.
- Directs the planning, development, implementation, and support of information systems, processes, technology, and infrastructure necessary for world-class customer support and company growth.
- Guides development and implementation of corporate Information Technology strategies. Ensures coordination of all information technology programs across the organization.
- Collaborates with other senior managers to ensure understanding and fulfillment of the company strategies, mission, and objectives through information technology. Advises Chief Financial Officer and other senior managers in all matters related to strategic systems planning, software development, and business analysis.
- Participates in the development of corporate plans and programs.
- Understands organizational IT competencies and uses them to maximize value to the business.
- Demonstrated ability to use Information Technology to solve business issues while managing costs/risk.
- Experience in managing multiple projects and linking them to business initiatives.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree – Business or Information Systems. Master’s degree preferred.
- 10+ years related experience with emphasis on leveraging information technology (apps, ERP, cloud, etc.) to support strategic business goals and managing staff at a senior level within a mid-market or larger manufacturing organization
- Strategic planning and business process reengineering experience.
- Able to collaborate efficiently and function effectively in a team environment.
- Exceptional problem solving and analytical skills.
- Aptitude for evaluating individual developmental needs of direct reports and team members.
- Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Communicate a focused IT vision through written and verbal channels.
- Communicate with and understand the needs of non-technical internal and external clients.
- Ability to generate trust and build alliances with co-workers.
- Ability to act as an agent of change and understand the fundamentals of organizational change.
- Conceptual thinker with vision, character, integrity, tenacity, and pragmatic perspective.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, organizational and mathematical skills required.
Submit Your Resume
ABOUT SKYWATER SEARCH
Start with your Short List
Led by a group of seasoned search industry professionals, SkyWater Search Partners brings new focus to a novel concept, “Short List Search.” Our purpose is to leave a lasting impression on the clients we serve by providing individuals who will make a measurable difference in their business. We strive to consistently deliver great results to our clients in a very timely manner.
Practice Areas
Our practice areas are led by highly experienced executive recruiters who take great care in fully understanding client requirements and candidate qualifications.
• Accounting and Finance
• Information Technology
• Operations
• Engineering
• Sales
• Marketing
• Human Resources
• Legal
• Construction
• Supply Chain
• Consumer Package Goods (CPG)
Founded on long-standing relationships and hundreds of successful placements throughout the Twin Cities business community, SkyWater Search Partners is a proven resource for clients and candidates looking to quickly and confidently explore their “short list” of best choices. Count on us to find the best people – and the best fit.
