Director of Information Technology (SAP)

JOB DETAILS

JOB BODY

The Director of IT will report to the Chief Financial Officer and will be responsible for leading a team of four including a Senior SAP Business Analyst, a SAP Business Analyst and two Business System Support Analysts.

The Director of IT will have full ownership and accountability for the effective deployment of computerized technology and telecommunications systems as well as for managing the people and processes to enable the successful delivery of all IT, communications and Help Desk requirements to all functional areas within the organization's multiple locations. The successful candidate will have a mandate to serve as a savvy and innovative business partner and to take a proactive approach to providing technology advice and direction by evaluating present and future needs, trends, problems and profit opportunities.  Critical for success will be the incumbent's effectiveness and desire to taking a "hands on" approach to achieving results. 

Key Deliverables

Quickly establish trust and credibility and become highly visible and accessible to all functional areas to gain a clear and solid understanding of the overall business, its key performance indicators, and of the IT infrastructure, systems and processes throughout.

Serve as the company's IT champion and subject matter expert by establishing direction and developing and implementing the IT strategic plan in alignment with the organization's overall business strategy.

Ensure the ongoing optimization of SAP functionality in two facilities and spearhead the SAP implementation process for the two plants that have not yet been integrated.

Lead, motivate and mentor IT staff to enable them to deliver high quality IT solutions and support to all cross-functional areas throughout the business. Manage priorities to achieve the day-to-day, long term and project based deliverables of the IT department that will ultimately facilitate and align with the company's corporate objectives.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic direction in selecting IT solutions for business applications development.

Develop and manage the IT capital, operations and training budget.  Manage related contractual obligations.

Work closely within IT and with business partner users to anticipate, identify and resolve problems affecting IT systems performance.

Provide coaching, leadership and professional development support to other members of the IT team.

Provide management oversight of hardware, software and network infrastructure.

Ensure the development, implementation and maintenance of IT security procedures and solutions.

Ensure IT processes are documented and updated.

Maintain and further develop an IT business continuity/disaster recovery plan.

Ensure suitable and effective end-user Help Desk support services are established and maintained throughout the company's locations.

Provide overall management and development of the company's website service.

Lead IT project management planning and oversight.

Ensure effective procurement solutions for hardware and software.

IT/Systems Infrastructure
ERP Platform:   MySAP ECC5.0
SAP Modules:   MM (Materials Management); PP (Production Planning); FI/CO (Financial/Controlling); SD (Sales & Distribution); Business Objects Edge
Hardware:   Blade, SAN
Database:   Microsoft SQL Server
Operating System:   Linux, MS Server 2003
Networks:  Wireless/Fibre/Copper WAN (wide area network connecting five main locations)
Major Software:   SAP/Business Objects Edge; Navision; NaviMeat; CFS Chickway; Gentran; Tivoli Linux TSM; Samba/Lotus Notes
Portal:   VPN only
Telecommunications:   Nortel BCM (VOIP)

A post-secondary degree or diploma in Computer Science or a related IT discipline.

Minimum of eight years of experience in progressive roles in all aspects of technology including SAP.  An effective coach, he/she brings proven people management skills and a track record of leading a high performance team of IT professionals.

The ideal candidate has a background working in fast paced, multi-site manufacturing environments, preferably in food processing/related sectors.  In this regard, he/she understands the complexities associated with 'shelf-life' products and how the utilization of appropriate IT (ERP) tools can positively impact profitability through optimization of the supply planning process.

Business minded with a comprehensive understanding of the correlation between properly deployed IT infrastructure and operational efficiencies, the successful candidate has a demonstrated ability to add value by providing IT expertise and solutions that generate quantifiable improvements to the bottom line.

The ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of technological trends; excellent understanding of server-based networks; experience with SAP implementations; and proven ability to manage network service providers and integrators.

Experience managing the IT security with good understanding of disaster avoidance and recovery issues.

He/she has an internal customer focus with strong ability to lead a technology team to provide Help Desk support, seamless project implementations and stable business environment operations.

Understanding and experience with project management methodologies and implementation and maintenance of ERP solutions.

Strong budgeting and planning experience.

The successful candidate has superior business acumen and brings a demonstrated record of success through his/her effective interpersonal, communication, leadership, customer service, critical thinking and project management skills. Ability to effectively deal with all levels of the organization is crucial.

Entrepreneurial drive and a results orientation with demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment.  Willingness to work flexible hours.

This position will appeal to individuals who enjoy environments that are entrepreneurial, nimble and innovative with an emphasis on growth, accountability and results.