IT Director

THE COMPANY

Founded in 1946, HI-LEX is a leading supplier of window regulators, door modules, power lift gate systems, and mechanical control cables primarily serving the automotive industry, but also the power sports, marine, construction equipment, and medical device sectors. Headquartered in Takarazuka, Japan (near Osaka), and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), HI-LEX employs more than 12,000 associates across its global footprint. 

In the Americas region, HI-LEX has grown steadily in the region, and now has ten (10) manufacturing facilities across the the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. In the U.S., HI-LEX operates under three divisions: HI-LEX America in Battle Creek, Michigan; HI-LEX Controls in Hudson, Litchfield, and Hazel Park, Michigan; and Daedong HI-LEX of America in Cusseta, Alabama. The company’s automotive center is in Rochester Hills, Michigan which consists of human resources, finance, sales, engineering, testing, program management, and will serve as the home location for the new Director of Information Technology position.

Department: Information Technology 

Reports to: Vice President in Saltillo, Mexico

Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan

Job Type: Full-time 

POSITION SUMMARY

Department: Information Technology 

Reports to: Vice President in Saltillo, Mexico

Location: Rochester Hills, Michigan

Job Type: Full-time 

Position Summary 

The Director of Information Technology will report directly to the Vice President of HI-LEX Controls Inc. in Saltillo, Mexico, serving as the central leader for all IT operations across the United States and Mexico.

HI-LEX is currently implementing a shared services model to better support and lead all business groups. To streamline operations, this Director will lead and manage the IT department, which includes IT Managers responsible for Operations, Infrastructure, EDI, ERP, Sequencing, Information Security, and Data Protection.

This is a hands-on leadership role with full tactical responsibility for the entire IT department:

• IT Leadership: Manage the IT department, acting as the primary point of contact for the Vice President for strategic planning, budget reviews, and corporate metrics. This includes regular weekly and monthly check-ins to ensure alignment on business goals.
• Infrastructure Management: Oversee the daily operations of all IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and data centers. The focus is on ensuring maximum reliability, security, and uptime for our 24/7 manufacturing operations.
• System Oversight: Take charge of critical automotive systems such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM).
• Factory Floor Technology: Lead the implementation and management of technology on the factory floor, including robotics control systems and automated testing equipment.
• Strategic Improvement: Assess current systems and drive strategic improvements in data management, processes, and procedures to consistently exceed both customer and internal expectations.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The IT Director is a key leader responsible for aligning technology with the company's long-term business goals. This includes:

Technology Strategy and Planning

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT strategy that directly supports business goals and the company's vision. This involves assessing the current tech environment, identifying opportunities for improvement, and creating a clear technology roadmap to boost efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness.

IT Operations and Infrastructure

• Oversee all daily IT operations, including networks, servers, and data centers, to guarantee maximum uptime and reliability for our 24/7 manufacturing operations. This role is also responsible for ensuring high availability, disaster recovery, and robust backup procedures.

IT Governance and Policy

• Establish and enforce IT governance frameworks, policies, and best practices to ensure compliance with standards like JSOX and TISAX, as well as customer cybersecurity audit requirements. This ensures technology investments meet regulatory and industry standards, protecting the organization's information assets.

Budgeting and Resource Management

• Manage the IT budget, which includes forecasting technology needs, allocating resources efficiently, and negotiating vendor contracts to secure cost-effective solutions. The Director evaluates potential technology investments and oversees procurement processes to ensure maximum value.

Team Leadership and Vendor Management

• Lead the IT department by hiring, training, and mentoring staff to foster a high-performing and collaborative team. Simultaneously, the Director manages relationships with technology vendors, ensuring that contracts, service-level agreements, and performance meet agreed-upon deliverables.

Cybersecurity and Risk Management

• Establish and implement strong cybersecurity measures to protect the organization. This involves developing and enforcing security policies, conducting risk assessments, and overseeing regular security audits and vulnerability assessments. The Director is the primary point of contact for responding to security incidents.

Technology Evaluation and Stakeholder Collaboration

• Stay informed on emerging technologies and trends. This position is the key subject matter expert on technology, collaborating with executive management and department heads to ensure IT solutions meet business needs. The Director effectively communicates technology strategies and project updates to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or equivalent field. A Master’s degree in a related field is preferred but not required. 

FUNCTIONAL EXPERIENCE

We are seeking a seasoned IT professional with a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in information technology, including at least 5 years in a leadership or management role.

• Proven Leadership: A demonstrated track record in strategic planning, project management, and leading teams. You should be an excellent communicator, capable of translating complex technical information for non-technical stakeholders.
• Technical Expertise: Strong expertise in IT infrastructure, networking, and enterprise systems is essential. This includes:
  • Virtual and physical server environments
  • WAN/LAN infrastructure and firewalls
• Problem-Solving: Excellent strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Project Management: Proficiency in IT project management methodologies.

The ideal candidate will also have hands-on experience in the automotive or manufacturing sectors, specifically with:

• Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, preferably PLEX
• Automotive Network Exchange (ANX)
• CATIA and 3D Experience Servers
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and data acquisition systems
• Experience with a global IT environment is a significant plus.
• Experience with Palantir Foundry is desirable

INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE

• Ideally, the successful candidate will bring an automotive background
• Experience working in organizations where continuous improvement and “field standardization” has been part of the company’s culture would be another advantage and experience leading a cultural transformation, including the integration of acquired companies. 
• Experience in a non-U.S. headquartered company would be positive, and experience in another Japanese company would be considered ideal.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Vision & Planning
• Leadership & People Management
• Financial Acumen
• Communication & Influence
• Change Management
• Problem Solving & Analytical Skills

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Business acumen and ability to communicate advice and counsel effectively in written and oral forms to all management and employees and manage communications with external stakeholders.
• Experience leading a digital and cultural transformation across a distributed organization with documented successes in hiring A-players, employee retention, position satisfaction, and improved morale.
• Manage IT department budget and prepare management reports on department performance 
• Time and project management skills to multi-task and achieve results in a fast-paced environment.
• A reputation for impeccable ethics and integrity.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

This role requires a hands-on, working leader with an entrepreneurial spirit. You must be willing to get your hands dirty and actively participate in the work.

• Trust and Credibility: You must quickly inspire confidence and build trust with both executives and employees. This includes the ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive matters with discretion.
• Proactive and Independent: We need someone who is action-oriented and able to act independently, leading from the front to drive department velocity. You should have a sense of urgency that matches or exceeds that of the senior leadership team.
• Communication: You must have excellent oral and written communication skills. This includes superior listening skills, especially when understanding the operational needs of leaders to help them achieve their goals.