Director of Information Systems & AI
Dayton, OH | Manufacturing | Monday – Friday | Day Shift
Compensation: $125,000 – $150,000 + 20% Bonus + Profit Share
Employment: Full-Time / Direct Hire
About the Opportunity
A well-established, growth-oriented manufacturing company in the Dayton, OH area is seeking a Director of Information Systems & AI to lead its enterprise technology strategy and digital transformation agenda. Reporting directly to the CFO/COO, this role sits at the intersection of technology leadership, business strategy, and operational execution. This is a high-visibility position with real authority and executive backing to drive change.
What You'll Do
- Own the company's technology strategy — AI, automation, cloud, cybersecurity, ERP, and enterprise applications — and translate it into a prioritized, executable roadmap
- Lead, mentor, and develop the internal IT team, establishing departmental goals aligned to business objectives
- Serve as the organization's Sage 100 ERP subject matter expert across all modules; oversee customization and user enablement across departments
- Identify and implement automation and AI-powered solutions that reduce operational costs, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making
- Champion the company's data strategy — developing BI, analytics, and reporting capabilities while governing data quality and accessibility
- Lead complex, cross-functional technology and digital transformation projects from strategy through go-live, managing budgets, timelines, and risks
- Own the cybersecurity posture — execute security audits with third-party partners, oversee remediation, and ensure all systems remain patched and compliant
- Drive cloud migration initiatives to improve performance, reduce costs, and build toward a consolidated technology architecture
- Manage vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring third-party engagements are delivered on time and on budget
- Partner cross-functionally with operations, finance, and sales to understand process needs and deliver technology solutions that drive real productivity gains
What You'll Need
- 5–10 years of IT leadership or senior technology experience, ideally within a manufacturing or industrial environment
- 3–5 years of hands-on ERP experience with Sage, SAP, Epicor, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or comparable platforms
- Demonstrated experience implementing AI, automation, or business intelligence solutions in an operational environment
- Strong understanding of cybersecurity principles, network infrastructure, and cloud architecture
- Experience with SQL or Microsoft Access; advanced Excel and Crystal Reports capability a strong plus
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional projects and manage vendors, budgets, and timelines
- B.S. in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Administration, or equivalent — MBA highly preferred
- Executive communication skills — this role presents to and partners with C-suite leadership regularly
Why This Role
This is a rare opportunity to step into a Director-level technology leadership seat at a company that is actively investing in its digital future, with direct access to executive leadership and a compensation package — base salary, bonus, and profit share — built to retain top performers.