IT Operations Manager

The IT Operations Manager leads and owns the company's IT operations and systems with a strong emphasis on project ownership, ERP system leadership, and production enablement. This role is responsible for ensuring that technology initiatives are planned, executed, and delivered in a way that directly supports manufacturing, warehouse, and business operations.

This position leads the IT team and serves as the primary owner of company-wide IT projects, including ERP enhancements, warehouse management systems, integrations, and production-facing technology. The IT Operations Manager is accountable for driving projects from requirements definition through implementation, stabilization, and ongoing support.

The role supports operations across Brookfield, Wisconsin and Monterrey, Mexico, ensuring system reliability, scalability, and alignment with business priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Ownership

· Lead, mentor, coach, and develop the IT team to support operational excellence and professional growth.

· Establish clear ownership, accountability, and execution standards for IT initiatives and support activities.

· Serve as the single point of accountability for IT system performance, project delivery, and operational readiness.

· IT Operations & Infrastructure

· Oversee and maintain core IT infrastructure, including networking, security, telecommunications, disaster recovery, and server environments.

· Ensure continuous operational readiness of IT systems through proactive monitoring, maintenance, and issue resolution.

· Manage cybersecurity solutions including firewalls, endpoint protection, MFA, VPNs, and intrusion detection systems.

· Lead disaster recovery planning, backup strategies, and business continuity efforts.

· Safeguard company data from internal and external threats.

· ERP, WMS & Production Systems (Critical Focus)

· Own the ERP system and related operational platforms, including ongoing support, upgrades, integrations, and enhancements.

· Serve as IT project owner for ERP and warehouse management initiatives, including recent and future deployments (e.g., Produmex).

· Partner closely with production, warehouse, supply chain, and finance teams to ensure systems effectively support daily operations.

· Translate operational needs into system requirements and lead implementation efforts to completion.

· Conduct system audits and validate that implementations meet business, operational, and data integrity requirements.

· Ensure ERP and production-related issues are prioritized, resolved, and communicated clearly to stakeholders.

· Project Management & Execution

· Lead IT project management efforts end-to-end, including scope definition, timelines, resource coordination, risk management, and delivery.

· Drive accountability with internal teams and external vendors to ensure projects are delivered on time and within scope.

· Track and communicate project status, risks, and outcomes to leadership.

· Ensure new systems and enhancements transition smoothly into steady-state operations with appropriate documentation and training.

· Vendor & Budget Management

· Serve as primary liaison for external IT vendors, consultants, and service providers.

· Manage service level agreements (SLAs) and vendor performance.

· Ensure compliance with software licensing and IT governance standards.

· Plan, manage, and track the IT department budget.

· End-User & Escalation Support

· Support internal users across all levels of the organization, including participation in an on-call rotation as needed.

· Provide advanced troubleshooting and escalation support for complex system and application issues.

· Communicate system maintenance, outages, and availability impacts in a timely and effective manner., This role is not a passive support position. The IT Operations Manager is expected to proactively lead, own, and deliver IT initiatives that directly impact production, warehousing, and business performance

Do you have experience in VPN?, Do you have a Bachelor's degree?, Bachelor's degree preferred; 8+ years of progressive IT experience required.

Strong ERP experience in a manufacturing environment required (SAP Business One strongly preferred).

Demonstrated experience leading IT projects, not just participating in them.

Prior experience managing IT staff is strongly preferred.

Experience supporting production, warehouse, and operational teams in a manufacturing environment.

Strong technical knowledge of:

Office 365

Networking principles

VMware / virtualized environments

Meraki

MFA, VPNs, and EDR platforms

Experience working with third-party vendors, system integrators, and consultants.

Exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.

Pulled from the full job description

• Professional development assistance
• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Health savings account, * 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Holiday pay
• Yearly bonus