Senior Director Information Technology

American Vanguard is a leading innovator in the agricultural sector, committed to delivering high-quality solutions that enhance crop protection and yield. With a diverse portfolio of companies globally, we are investing in our infrastructure and strategic growth from our corporate offices in Newport Beach, California.

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Senior Director of Information Technology to lead our global Information Technology function and enterprise systems environment. The Sr. Director of IT will be responsible for shaping and executing the company’s technology roadmap, overseeing IT operations and enterprise systems, and ensuring robust compliance with IT internal controls. This role requires a forward-thinking leader who can balance innovation and operational excellence, and risk management.

The ideal candidate brings strong IT experience, with a background in standardizing processes and systems, leading enterprise-wide implementations, and integrating legacy platforms. Strong exposure to utilizing AI to build efficiency in back office systems would be an advantage. This role also requires demonstrated project leadership skills and the ability to partner with senior leadership to drive technology strategy and IT systems innovation. Reporting directly to the CFO, this highly visible role will partner with senior leadership to drive technology strategy, innovation, and IT excellence and efficiency across the organization.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of the company’s enterprise technology strategy and multi-year roadmap aligned with business priorities
• Oversee IT operations, enterprise systems, infrastructure, and cybersecurity to ensure secure, reliable, and scalable technology services across a global business environment
• Direct enterprise-wide system implementations, integrations of legacy systems, and optimization of ERP and other critical applications to enhance efficiency and decision-making
• Guide the Company in the use of AI systems to build a sustainable, cost effective and robust environment
• Ensure effective IT general controls and IT SOX compliance, partnering with Finance and Internal Audit to maintain strong risk management practices
• Provide strong program and project leadership, ensuring large-scale technology initiatives are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget
• Partner with senior leadership to identify and implement technology solutions that support growth, operational excellence, and business transformation
• Manage key vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to maximize value and ensure quality service delivery
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing IT team, fostering a culture of accountability and innovation
• Monitor emerging technologies and industry trends to recommend strategic opportunities for innovation and competitive advantage
• Lead the evaluation and adoption of AI, automation, and advanced analytics to improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making
• Serve as a global liaison for IT, ensuring technology initiatives are harmonized across geographies while respecting local compliance requirements
• Ensure technology investments deliver measurable ROI, aligning IT spend with business value creation
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CFO and executive leadership on technology and enterprise systems

Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven leadership experience in a global company setting with responsibility for IT strategy controls, and enterprise-wide systems. Experience in a public company environment a distinct advantage.
• Strong understanding of IT SOX compliance, IT general controls, and associated risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to standardize processes and systems across global or multi-entity organizations.
• Exceptional project and program management skills, with experience overseeing complex, multi-year technology initiative.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business terms for executive and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong change management skills to lead organizational adoption of new systems and processes.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced, and highly visible role.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field; Master’s degree or MBA preferred.
• Related certifications a plus.

Experience Requirements:

• 15 years of progressive IT leadership experience, with at least 5 years at a senior management/director role
• Prior experience as a CIO or equivalent senior IT executive is preferred
• Strong experience with global ERP platforms such as QAD, SAP or similar
• Experience with governance frameworks, cyber security and data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)
• Experience driving system and process standardization, business analytic dashboards and modernization initiatives

Benefits:

• Health insurance including Medical (PPO), Dental, Vision with low out-of-pocket costs
• Life Insurance (company paid); Disability
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with employer matching
• Employee Stock Purchasing Plan (ESPP) with employee discount (NYSE: AVD)
• Wellness program

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.