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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Operating Unit IT Lead - **Company:** First Quality Enterprises, Inc. - **Location:** Defiance, OH, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** IT Management, Information Technology Operations, Systems Development Life Cycle, Information Technology - **Published:** July 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://firstquality.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/FIRSTQUALITY/job/Defiance-OH/Operating-Unit-IT-Lead_R11761 ## About the Role * Bachelors' Degree in Computer Science or related field. * Strong manufacturing environment experience demonstrated project and process management skill set. * Strong problem solving and decision-making skills with excellent written and verbal communications skills. * Strong leadership skills * Ability to manage IT team on a day-to-day basis * 10+ years IT experience with at least 2 years in a $500M+ and/or Global Business. * Ability and desire to engage with all functions of the Enterprise to understand and articulate the business requirements as well as the IT capabilities and requirements. * Fluent in English; second language would be preferred. * General knowledge of all IT disciplines and technology platforms. * Knowledge of standards and methodology of Project Management Professional (PMP). * Ability to work within a 24/7 environment across multiple time zones. * Demonstrated broad knowledge of major aspects of IT operations, including project management, systems development, systems analysis and design, and budget administration, with broad exposure and practical experience in IT management. * Knowledge of business theory, business processes, management, budgeting, and business office operations. ## Description We are seeking an Operating Unit IT Leader for our First Quality Tissue facility located in Defiance, OH. This position as a key member of the IT Divisional Leadership Team provides strategic leadership and management within Divisional/Campus and FQ IT Team. This includes the development and implementation of short- and long-term strategies, development and compliance with policies, procedures, managing and optimizing IT assets, fostering a continuous improvement environment. Leads development of First Quality's long-term systems requirements and any hardware and software acquisitions required to accomplish business objectives and support company growth. Also contributes actively as a member of the Divisional/Location LT to the overall development and delivery of IT capabilities required to support business growth and provide a competitive advantage through the use of technology to First Quality., As an Operating Unit IT Leader in our FQ IT Group, you will work closely within the assigned business in aligning technological requirements with business initiatives. The Operating Unit IT Leader is responsible to understand the business needs, assist in the prioritization of projects, ensure that projects align with the technology that best provides maximum return on investment, and direct IT strategy in support of the overall business strategy. You will also be responsible to ensure that technology initiative requests by business clients are serviced throughout the project governance lifecycle. You will serve as the lead communicator with assigned business departments in respect to technology initiatives, requirements, and escalation., * Active member of site Leadership Teams. * Participate with business strategy, develop requirements and recommend technology solutions. * Develop and implement Operating Unit Business Technology Roadmap. * Suggest industry best practices that may be leveraged to provide new business value. * Facilitate new project requests, selection and prioritization with the business unit. * Develop annual operating unit IT budget and resource requirements to support the business plan. * Ensure approved projects are delivered and provide highest value to FQ and the business. * Assist in providing proper resourcing and skillsets required for each project. * Assist in project change management efforts. * Assist in delivery of complex projects to ensure they are on time, within budget and to customer expectations. Manage lower-level projects. * Validate new and existing IT services provided to customer are optimal and meet business needs. * Resolve open issues with appropriate IT Team and Divisional leadership. * Provide feedback to services and capabilities provided by IT. * Lead/manage local IT team to ensure needs are being met with an FQE focus. * Responsible for customer surveys/satisfaction, service level agreements and IT improvement plans. * Represent Divisional/Functional uniqueness requirements. * IT Capability Plan + IT process implementations + Business technology solutions ## Related Videos - [More efficient software for more efficient microchips](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1164-more-efficient-software-for-more-efficient-microchips) - [Navigating the AI Revolution in Software Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1266-navigating-the-ai-revolution-in-software-development) - [Enabling intelligent logistics automation: home-grown Industrial IoT platform at Austrian Post](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2018-enabling-intelligent-logistics-automation-home-grown-industrial-iot-platform-at-austrian-post) - [Your Manager Doesn’t Come with a User Manual (But You Can Totally Write One)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1495-your-manager-doesn-t-come-with-a-user-manual-but-you-can-totally-write-one) - [Building Trustworthy AI in Industry: Beyond Traditional Cybersecurity](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1948-building-trustworthy-ai-in-industry-beyond-traditional-cybersecurity) - [It's not easy being green](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/558-it-s-not-easy-being-green) ## Related Articles - [How should you format your IT resume?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/68-how-should-you-format-your-it-resume) - [From developer to manager – what does it take to become an engineering manager?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/42-from-developer-to-manager-what-does-it-take-to-become-an-engineering-manager) - [Should Tech Managers Be Developers First? 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