NFI Director of Information Technology

The Director of Information Technology is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations, planning, and management of the Information Technology Department for Niemann Foods, Inc. This position ensures the organization's technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, and support services operate efficiently, securely, and reliably while supporting the company's strategic objectives.

The Director of Information Technology will work closely with executive leadership and business partners, develop and implement technology solutions that improve operational efficiency, support business growth, enhance the customer experience, and reduce organizational risk.

This position requires a hands-on, player-coach leadership style. The Director must be capable of providing strategic direction while actively participating in technology planning, project execution, vendor management, cybersecurity oversight, and operational support., Technology Planning & Business Partnership

• Develop and maintain the company's technology roadmap in alignment with business objectives.
• Partner with executive leadership and department leaders to identify opportunities to improve operations through technology.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), automation, analytics, and digital commerce solutions.
• Recommend technology investments that improve operational efficiency, customer service, and profitability.
• Serve as a trusted technology advisor to business leaders across the organization.

IT Operations & Infrastructure

• Oversee the daily operation and support of all IT infrastructure, networks, telecommunications, cloud services, servers, and end-user computing environments.
• Ensure technology systems meet performance, reliability, security, and availability expectations.
• Maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
• Direct help desk operations and ensure timely resolution of technology issues.
• Continuously improve IT service delivery and support processes.

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Lead the company's cybersecurity program and promote a security-first culture.
• Maintain security policies, standards, and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with PCI-DSS and other applicable security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee vulnerability management, user access controls, endpoint protection, monitoring, incident response, and security awareness training.
• Coordinate response and recovery efforts during cybersecurity or technology incidents.

Enterprise Applications & Business Systems

• Oversee the implementation, integration, support, and optimization of enterprise software applications.
• Ensure technology solutions effectively support retail operations, distribution, merchandising, finance, human resources, marketing, eCommerce, and customer-facing functions.
• Identify opportunities to improve system integration and reduce technical debt.
• Work with business leaders to improve processes through technology.

Project Management

• Manage the organization's IT project portfolio.
• Prioritize technology initiatives based on business needs and available resources.
• Ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget.
• Coordinate project planning, implementation, testing, communication, and change management activities.
• Communicate project status, priorities, and risks to executive leadership.

Vendor & Financial Management

• Assist in developing and managing the annual IT operating and capital budgets.
• Negotiate and manage vendor relationships, technology contracts, software licensing agreements, and service providers.
• Monitor vendor performance and service level agreements.
• Identify opportunities to improve service while managing technology costs responsibly.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop members of the Information Technology team.
• Establish performance expectations and promote accountability.
• Foster a collaborative, customer-focused culture that emphasizes continuous improvement.
• Support succession planning and cross-training to strengthen organizational knowledge.
• Build strong working relationships across all departments.

Hands-On Leadership

• Maintain a thorough understanding of the organization's technology environment and business systems.
• Participate directly in critical technology initiatives, vendor meetings, infrastructure planning, cybersecurity efforts, and operational issue resolution.
• Balance long-term planning with daily operational responsibilities.
• Provide technical leadership during system upgrades, implementations, and emergencies.

• Hands-on, player-coach leadership style
• Strong operational and business understanding
• Customer-focused and service-oriented
• Collaborative and relationship-driven
• Results-oriented with a strong sense of accountability
• Adaptable and resourceful
• Excellent critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment, * Bachelor's (Required), * IT: 5 years (Required)
• Project management: 5 years (Preferred)
• Leadership: 3 years (Preferred)

Pulled from the full job description

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off
• Employee discount
• Vision insurance, * 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Niemann Foods, Inc. is looking for an innovative technology leader to influence company strategy, lead major technology initiatives, and make a lasting impact on a diverse Mid-West retail company with 150 locations. You'll provide the vision and leadership for our technology strategy while overseeing infrastructure, cybersecurity, business applications, vendor partnerships, and IT operations. Working closely with executive leadership, you'll help identify innovative solutions that improve operational efficiency, support our retail locations, and position the company for continued success. As an employee-owned company, we believe our people make the difference. We offer the opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives, work alongside an experienced leadership team, and help shape the future of a strong organization committed to innovation and growth. If you're ready to lead technology in a company where your ideas matter and your leadership can make a measurable impact, we'd love to hear from you.