Director of Information Technology

Director of Information Technology

Location: Greater Minneapolis area preferred; open to the following other locations: NY, CA, MI, NC, NJ, TN, AZ, FL, OH, TX, WI, GA

Website: https://awtlabelpack.com/

Summary

The Information Technology Director is responsible for developing and executing AWT Labels & Packaging’s enterprise-wide IT strategy and multi-year technology roadmap. This senior leader oversees all aspects of IT infrastructure, ERP systems, cybersecurity, data governance, desktop support, and systems administration across all AWT sites. The IT Director will build and lead a high-performing team that ensures reliable, secure, and scalable technology solutions that support organizational growth, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. This role partners closely with the CFO and Enterprise Leadership Team to ensure technology investments support company strategy, improve efficiency, enable business insights, and strengthen AWT’s competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Technology Roadmap

Strategic Leadership & Technology Roadmap

· Develops and executes a comprehensive IT strategy aligned to AWT’s business goals, growth plans, and operational needs.

· Establishes standards, systems and cybersecurity requirements and integrates all AWT businesses to the defined standards.

· Creates and maintains a technology roadmap covering infrastructure, ERP, applications, cybersecurity, analytics, and end-user technology.

· Serves as the senior technology advisor to the CFO and Enterprise Leadership Team.

Enterprise Applications & Business Systems

· Leads the modernization, development, implementation and maintenance of enterprise applications and software platforms

· Guides improvement of business processes by applying existing IT capabilities and defining and

spearheading new strategic IT initiatives.

· Leads ERP upgrades, migrations, and standardization across sites.

· Leads teams in designing, building, testing, and deploying changes to existing software.

· Partner with Operations, Finance, HR, and Supply Chain to improve system efficiency and user

experience.

Cybersecurity, Compliance & Risk Management

· Develops and maintains cybersecurity policies, tools, and protocols to protect company data and IT assets.

· Ensures all policies are updated related to risk management, business interruption, data retention,

and usage policies, to ensure that AWT is in compliance with customer requirements.

· Ensures regulatory and customer compliance for data protection and system security.

· Provides clear directional guidance and policies on AI usage and implementation.

· Monitors, assesses, and mitigates technology-related risks.

IT Operations & Infrastructure

· Oversees design, maintenance, and security of enterprise infrastructure (networks, servers, cloud

services).

· Ensure robust business continuity and disaster recovery capabilities.

· Establish scalable IT standards and governance processes.

· Leads and ensures training is provided as new technologies are implemented.

Leadership & Team Development

· Leads, mentors, and develops the IT team, building a culture of collaboration, accountability,

transparency, and continuous improvement.

· Sets clear performance goals, provides coaching, and develops succession plans.

· Manages vendor relationships and negotiates contracts to ensure cost-effective, high-quality services.

Budgeting & Financial Stewardship

· Develops and manages the IT operating and capital budgets in alignment with company financial

goals.

· Analyzes and recommends investments that balance cost, risk, performance, and long-term value.

· Tracks ROI on technology initiatives and provides regular updates to the CFO.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 8 years of progressive IT leadership experience, including 3 years managing multi-site teams.
• Expertise in ERP systems, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.
• Strong leadership, project management, and vendor management skills.
• Experience in manufacturing or packaging industry preferred.
• Private-equity or M&A experience a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

· Strategic thinker with the ability to balance long-term planning and day-to-day operational needs.

· Strong leadership skills with a track record of building, developing, and motivating high-performing teams.

· Expertise in ERP systems, Enterprise Applications, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and cloud technologies.

· Excellent project management and vendor management capabilities.

· Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technology concepts for business

stakeholders.

· Highly organized, analytical, and results-driven.

· Commitment to continuous improvement and scalable processes.

· Experience in manufacturing, packaging, or similar mid-market ($150-$500M) multi-site industrial

environment strongly preferred.

· Experience working in private-equity owned company or merger and acquisition experience preferred.

· Demonstrated success overseeing ERP systems.

· Strong background in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and systems administration.