Director, IT Operations (Manufacturing)

Director, IT Operations - Manufacturing

Location: Cincinnati, OH

The Director, IT Operations oversees enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity, end-user services, and IT service delivery. This role leads cloud operations, service desk, business continuity, and vendor governance, while providing strategic oversight to the Security Manager. The Director ensures technology services are secure, reliable,resilient, cost-effective, and aligned with business goals. The role provides integrated leadership across infrastructure & cloud operations, cybersecurity oversight, service desk, IT service management, business continuity, asset lifecycle, vendor governance, and operational metrics.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Governance: 

• Define IT Operations roadmaps, align technology strategy with business goals, and govern operational risk and investments.
• Infrastructure & Cloud: Direct cloud and on-premise infrastructure, network reliability, monitoring, capacity planning, and maintenance.

Cybersecurity Oversight:

• Coach and enable the Security Manager, ensuring robust security governance, risk management, and incident response.
• Service Desk & User Experience: Lead end-user support services, establish SLAs/KPIs, oversee major incident response, and continuously improve employee technology experience.

ITSM & BCDR:

• Govern incident, change, and problem management practices; own technical business continuity and disaster recovery plans.
• Financial, Vendor & Asset Management: Manage operating/capital budgets, oversee vendor contracts and SLAs, and track lifecycle management for technology assets.

Team Leadership & Innovation:

• Develop high-performing teams, drive automation, and evaluate modern technology trends to reduce technical debt.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS

Leadership Experience

• 8+ years of progressive IT leadership experience managing infrastructure, security, service desk, or cloud operations.
• Proven track record leading technical teams, managing budgets, vendor relations,and multiyear operational planning.

Business & Leadership Capabilities

• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills with ability to translate tech risks into business language.
• Customer-centric focus with a strong commitment to service quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Technical & Operational Breadth

• Broad technical background across infrastructure, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/Microsoft 365), networking, cybersecurity, and ITSM.
• Bachelor’s degree in a technology-related field or equivalent professional leadership experience.