Job Title: IT Manager
Location: Grand Haven, MI
Department: Information Technology
Reports To: Plant Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time, Onsite
About the Role
Our CLIENT a leader in manufacturing precision-engineered camshafts for the automotive, performance, and diesel markets, is seeking a hands-on and forward-thinking IT Manager to lead the company’s information technology function.
This role is responsible for ensuring reliable and secure IT operations while driving connectivity between business systems and manufacturing equipment. The IT Manager will design and implement technology that improves data visibility, process efficiency, and decision-making — supporting CLIENT’S’s commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
What You’ll Do
Leadership & Department Management
- Lead the IT department according to CLIENT’S policies, procedures, and practices.
- Recruit, train, and develop IT staff; manage performance and corrective actions when necessary.
- Foster a culture of urgency, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Manage departmental goals, budgets, and technology projects that support company objectives.
- Report on project progress, system performance, and key IT metrics.
Systems Development & Integration
- Design and implement systems that connect manufacturing equipment, sensors, and controls to capture real-time performance data.
- Manage and optimize critical systems including ERP/MRP, MES, SCADA, and production control applications.
- Ensure system uptime, reliability, and integration across production and business environments.
- Lead projects integrating machine data with business systems to improve process efficiency and decision-making.
- Evaluate and deploy technologies that enhance data collection, automation, and connectivity.
- Maintain comprehensive documentation, standards, and change management procedures.
Infrastructure & Security Management
- Plan, design, and maintain CLIENT’S’s IT infrastructure including networks, servers, and enterprise applications.
- Ensure secure and reliable operations across all locations.
- Oversee data backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity programs.
- Develop and enforce cybersecurity policies covering threats, vulnerabilities, incidents, and data protection.
- Work with external auditors or consultants to ensure compliance with data protection frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST, or equivalent).
User Support & Technical Guidance
- Provide hands-on technical support across office and manufacturing environments.
- Collaborate with production, engineering, and administrative teams to identify and implement technological improvements.
- Deliver training and support for IT tools, new systems, and cybersecurity awareness.
What You’ll Bring
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
- Previous IT experience, including leadership or management within a manufacturing or industrial setting.
- Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure and system administration in a production environment.
- Proficiency with networking (LAN/WAN/VPN), Windows Server, Active Directory, virtualization, and cloud platforms.
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and integration with manufacturing data or applications.
- Experience with automation systems, industrial networks, and IoT devices.
- Familiarity with PLC, MES, SCADA, OPC, MQTT, Ignition, or Kepware systems.
- Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and leadership abilities.
Preferred Qualifications
- IT certifications (CompTIA Network+, Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft Certified, or CISSP).
Work Environment
- Primarily office-based, with regular interaction on the manufacturing floor.
- May include installation or maintenance of hardware, running network cables, and occasional use of ladders or scissor lifts.
- Includes occasional lifting, bending, or reaching (up to 50 lbs).
- Successful completion of an CLIENT’S drug screen is required.
Why CLIENT’S?
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- Opportunity to shape the digital and operational technology direction of a leading manufacturer.
- A collaborative team environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- The chance to make a direct impact by connecting people, systems, and machines for smarter manufacturing.
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