What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Information Technology position at The Apparel Group?
Job Summary
The Director of IT will lead our information technology by developing and implementing IT strategies that align with business goals, overseeing IT infrastructure and operations, managing IT staff, and ensuring the security and integrity of data and systems. This role involves strategic planning for future technology needs, budget management, vendor relations, and collaborating with executive leadership to drive innovation and efficiency through technology.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Lead IT strategy, planning, and execution to align with business objectives.
- Oversee enterprise systems including Infor M3 ERP (IBM AS400/iSeries environment) and Manhattan WMi warehouse management system, as well as reporting and analytics platforms.
- Ensure systems integration across multiple enterprise platforms (ERP, WMS, eCommerce, EDI, reporting/BI) to enable seamless data flow and operational efficiency.
- Oversee EDI operations (ANSI X12), ensuring accurate, timely, and secure exchange of data with retail and supply chain partners.
- Support the digital marketing team by ensuring stable, secure, and well-integrated Shopify eCommerce platforms, including ERP/WMS integration and technical troubleshooting.
- Manage IT infrastructure including networking (LAN/WAN, wireless, firewalls, VPN), servers, storage, cloud services, and enterprise communications.
- Direct IT operations: system availability, performance, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
- Ensure cybersecurity, access control, compliance, and data protection practices.
- Oversee reporting, business intelligence, and data analytics platforms (SAP BusinessObjects, Qlik Sense, SQL Server, IBM DB2) to provide accurate, timely, and actionable insights to the business.
- Lead, mentor, and develop an in-house IT team — fostering skills growth, accountability, and collaboration.
- Provide training, coaching, and career development opportunities to IT staff.
- Own IT financial management: develop and oversee the IT budget, track and approve expenses, forecast future needs, and align technology investments with company growth.
- Evaluate and negotiate vendor contracts to optimize cost-effectiveness.
- Partner with business leaders to deliver technology solutions that optimize supply chain, distribution, sales, and online operations.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience with apparel industry technology platforms such as Infor M3, Manhattan WMi, NuORDER, Qlik, GS1.
- Experience with CLEO Clarify integration platform or similar integration platforms.
- Familiarity with enterprise identity and access management (Active Directory, O365, Azure AD).
- Background in disaster recovery planning and business continuity.
- Ability to balance strategic vision with tactical execution.
- Hands-on knowledge of security frameworks, compliance standards, and audit processes.
- Familiarity with Shopify or similar eCommerce platforms, with the ability to assist business teams with integrations and technical needs.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and vendor management skills.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 10 years of progressive IT leadership experience, ideally within distribution, manufacturing, retail, or eCommerce-supportive environments.
- Strong expertise with Infor M3 ERP, Manhattan WMi WMS, and IBM AS400/iSeries or similar systems and environments.
- Hands-on experience with ANSI X12 EDI transactions (orders, invoices, shipping, retail compliance).
- Proven experience with middleware and integration platforms, managing data exchange and workflows across ERP, WMS, eCommerce, and partner systems.
- Experience managing and supporting reporting/BI platforms such as SAP BusinessObjects, Qlik Sense, SQL Server, and IBM DB2.
- Proven experience managing infrastructure: networking, servers, storage, hybrid cloud, virtualization, and enterprise communications.
- Demonstrated success leading and developing in-house IT teams.
- Proven experience in IT budgeting, forecasting, cost management, and expense approvals.
Travel
- The anticipated travel required for this position is 20%