Director, Information Technology

The role: IT Director Job Classification: Full-time, Exempt role Job Location & Schedule: Corona, CA OR Salinas, CA, On-site, 1st shift Compensation & Benefits: $200,000.00 - $230,000.00, Medical, Dental, Vision & 401k options Reports to: Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Position summary The Director of Information Technology provides vision, leadership, and hands-on oversight for all technological functions across a leading, multi-facility manufacturing enterprise. This role is responsible for both business systems and technical infrastructure, ensuring that the company's digital ecosystem operates reliably, securely, and in strategic alignment with business priorities. The IT Director leads a blended team of internal professionals and external managed service partners, oversees all enterprise hardware and software assets, manages IT financials, and guides future technology evolution. Working directly with the CFO and executive team, this leader will help shape the company's digital transformation. Qualifications & Experience • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline (Master's degree preferred). • Minimum 10-15 years of progressive IT experience, with 5+ years in senior management overseeing both infrastructure and enterprise systems. • Experience in manufacturing or food production environments with integrated ERP, OEE, EDI, and compliance systems. • Demonstrated success implementing or managing Microsoft Dynamics 365 and Microsoft Azure environments. • Proven experience managing MSP's, cybersecurity partners, and multi-vendor ecosystems. Soft Skills & Competencies • Communication - Verbal and written clarity, active listening, and the ability to tailor messaging to all levels of Management. • Collaboration / Teamwork - Works well in group settings, contributes positively, and respects diverse perspectives. • Adaptability - Comfortable with change, open to feedback, and flexible in dynamic environments. • Problem-Solving - Able to analyze issues, think critically, and propose effective solutions. • Time Management - Demonstrate excellence in the areas of time management, communications, decision-making, negotiations, and project management skills. • Conflict Resolution - Navigates disagreements constructively and maintains professionalism. • Resilience - Maintains performance under pressure and recovers from setbacks. • Accountability - Takes ownership of actions and follows through on commitments. • Leadership - Ability to lead projects through cross-functional teams. What your responsibilities will be As an IT Director your core responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Strategic Leadership • Develop and execute a forward-looking IT strategy that supports manufacturing efficiency, business scalability, and digital integration across all sites. • Serve as a trusted technology advisor to the CFO and executive team, identifying opportunities for automation, analytics, and process improvement. • Define and oversee the IT roadmap, including infrastructure modernization, ERP evolution, cybersecurity maturity, AI adoption, and systems integration. • Lead long-term planning for data governance, master data strategy, and lifecycle management of core applications. Enterprise Systems & Manufacturing Applications • Oversee the Business Systems Manager and team in supporting and enhancing Business Central (BC), ensuring optimized workflows across finance, production, supply chain, and logistics. • Drive functional ownership and continuous improvement of all integrated and standalone systems. • Plan, develop and ensure effective cross-system integration to support full visibility from product development to production to customer fulfillment while maintaining the integrity and security of the systems of record. • Partner with business leaders to prioritize and execute ERP and system enhancements that improve throughput, accuracy, and user experience. Infrastructure, Cloud & Cybersecurity • Manage the relationship with the various service providers, including, selection, accountability and cost effectiveness. • Oversee the Managed Services Providers (MSP) responsible for network reliability, user support, and cloud infrastructure performance. • Manage the Microsoft Azure environment, ensuring cost-effective, secure, and resilient operation of all hosted applications and data. • Coordinate with the Managed Detection and Response (MDR) provider to maintain proactive cybersecurity monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. • Direct all hardware lifecycle management-including replacement, upgrades, and sunsetting of legacy IT assets. • Lead disaster recovery, data backup, and business continuity planning, testing and execution for all sites. Financial Management & Vendor Relations • In collaboration with the Business Systems Manager and CFO, approve and manage all appropriate IT-related invoices for software licensing, SaaS subscriptions, cloud services, hardware, and consulting engagements. • Develop and monitor IT operating and capital budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and return on investment. • Support the negotiation and management of vendor contracts and service level agreements with key partners including Microsoft, MSP's, MDR's, ERP consultants, ISP's, MFP's and specialized system providers. • Evaluate and onboard new technology vendors to meet evolving business requirements. • Assist the Finance Department and CFO with Cyber Insurance Policy applications as needed. Leadership & Team Development • Provide direction, mentorship, and career development to IT staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence. • Empower the Business Systems Manager to manage daily operations while focusing on strategic growth initiatives. • Promote a customer-service mindset throughout the IT organization, emphasizing partnership with operations, finance, procurement, sales, logistics, quality and product development teams. Governance, Risk & Compliance • Maintain IT policies and procedures for data security, acceptable use, change management, and access control. • Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and industry standards (e.g., SQF, FDA, data privacy). • Partner with Finance and Quality leadership to support audit readiness and regulatory compliance through system documentation and data integrity. • Frequent travel up to 25% • Other duties as assigned by management Physical Requirements/Environment • While performing the duties of this Job, the team member is regularly required to talk and hear. • The team member is frequently required to stand, walk, walk up and down stairs, sit, and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. • The position requires frequent travel up to 25%. • The team member must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. • Specific vision abilities required by this job include Close vision, Distance vision, Peripheral vision, Depth perception and ability to adjust focus. • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Latitude 36 Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we take great pride in our diverse and talented workforce. We are looking for diversity in candidates for employment. We recognize that our continued success depends largely on the collective strengths of our associates. Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Created: 2026-03-10