Director IT & AI Innovation

Conax Technologies LLC
Buffalo, United States of America
7 days ago

Role details

Contract type
Permanent contract
Employment type
Full-time (> 32 hours)
Working hours
Regular working hours
Languages
English
Experience level
Senior
Compensation
$ 190K

Job location

Buffalo, United States of America

Tech stack

Microsoft Windows
Artificial Intelligence
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Data analysis
Application Lifecycle Management
Azure
Business Systems
Cloud Computing
Computer Security
Information Technology Operations
Internet Service Provider
Network Security
Linux System Administration
Uptime
Netsuite
Technical Data Management Systems
Enterprise Software Applications
Cloud Platform System
Software Troubleshooting
Odoo
Information Technology
Epicor ERP
Infor
Cloud Migration

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on, business-minded technology leader to lead enterprise IT operations and accelerate practical AI innovation across a multi-location manufacturing environment. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an IT leader who can operate strategically while staying close enough to the technology to drive execution, solve complex problems, and deliver measurable business value.

The Director of IT & AI Innovation will serve as the company's technology catalyst by owning the reliability, security, and scalability of core systems while identifying and deploying AI-enabled solutions that improve business workflows, execution, visibility, effectiveness, and operational decision-making., * Lead enterprise IT: Own global IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems administration, and technology support across manufacturing and corporate location.

  • Turn AI into business advantage: Move beyond AI theory by building, selecting, and implementing practical tools that automate processes, improve reporting, and increase team productivity.
  • Shape the digital backbone of manufacturing: Serve as the functional and technical leader for our Odoo ERP and related business systems spanning engineering, production, inventory, finance, and commercial teams.
  • Partner across the business: Translate complex technical possibilities into clear business outcomes., * IT Operations & Infrastructure: Lead day-to-day and long-range IT operations, including systems administration, network security, uptime, user support, hardware/software lifecycle management, and multi-site technology readiness.
  • AI Innovation & Automation: Identify, pilot, and deploy AI-enabled tools that reduce manual work, improve knowledge flow, accelerate engineering and sales cycles, and strengthen decision-making.
  • ERP & Business Systems: Own the performance, adoption, optimization, and integration of Odoo MRP/ERP and related platforms across engineering, production, inventory, finance, and reporting functions.
  • Business Reporting & Analytics: Build reliable, scalable reporting capabilities that give leaders clear visibility into performance, trends, risks, and opportunities.
  • Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and scale a lean, high-performing team of IT system administrators and ERP coordinators while maintaining strong service delivery standards.
  • Strategic Projects: Plan and execute critical technology initiatives, including facility expansions, cloud migrations, security improvements, system upgrades, and vendor transitions.
  • Vendor & Budget Management: Negotiate with ISPs, software providers, hardware partners, and technology vendors to maximize service quality, cost discipline, and return on investment.

What Success Looks Like

  • Enterprise systems are stable, secure, scalable, and responsive to business needs.
  • AI and automation initiatives move from concept to measurable adoption, improving speed, accuracy, and productivity across departments.
  • Odoo and related business systems become stronger engines for operational visibility, workflow discipline, and cross-functional alignment.
  • Leaders have access to clear, trusted reporting that supports faster and better decisions.
  • The IT team is respected as a proactive business partner, not just a support function.

Requirements

You are a technically credible IT leader who earns trust through execution. You are equally comfortable discussing digital strategy with senior leadership, solving infrastructure issues with your team, evaluating ERP workflows with operations, and experimenting with AI tools that create immediate business value.

  • Strategic thinker with a strong bias for action and practical implementation.
  • Hands-on technical leader with broad infrastructure, security, cloud, ERP, and support experience.
  • Clear communicator who can translate technology into business outcomes.
  • Curious innovator who understands how to apply AI responsibly and effectively in real business environments.
  • Collaborative leader who builds credibility across executive, operational, and technical audiences.
  • Resilient problem-solver who thrives in fast-moving manufacturing or engineered-products environments., The strongest candidates will bring a blend of executive presence, technical depth, manufacturing fluency, and demonstrated success turning technology into competitive advantage., * Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered.
  • 5+ years of progressive IT experience, including leadership responsibility in a manufacturing, engineered-products, or multi-site operating environment.
  • Hands-on expertise with enterprise infrastructure, Windows/Linux server administration, cloud environments such as AWS or Azure, network security, and hardware/software troubleshooting.
  • Direct experience managing and optimizing Odoo or a comparable mid-market ERP system such as NetSuite, Epicor, or Infor.
  • Demonstrated ability to evaluate, implement, and scale AI or automation tools that improve business workflows and decision-making.
  • Strong project management capability across system upgrades, cloud migrations, facility expansions, vendor transitions, and cross-functional technology initiatives., This is not a maintenance-only IT role. It is an opportunity to define how a manufacturing business uses technology, data, ERP discipline, and AI to work smarter, move faster, and compete more effectively. For a technology leader who wants ownership, visibility, and the ability to make a tangible impact, this role offers a rare combination of strategy, execution, and innovation.

Ready to lead the next chapter of IT and AI innovation? We invite accomplished technology leaders to bring their vision, technical depth, and execution mindset to a role where their work will be visible, valued, and business-critical.

Salary ranges for this position vary by job location and are determined based on experience, reflecting our commitment to recognizing individual expertise and contributions.

Successful Candidate must be able to meet U.S. export control requirements (ITAR/EAR) to gain access to technical data. This position requires access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control regulations. Candidates must be eligible for employment in the US and meet the requirements of ITAR.

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