Director of IT

Star Manufacturing International, Inc. is currently seeking a talented IT Manager to join our small Smithville team. Serve as the technology leader for Star Manufacturing's Smithville operation, driving technology strategy, cybersecurity, ERP effectiveness, infrastructure reliability, and business process improvement while leading a lean IT team.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversee the leadership, vision, long range goals and objectives of the IT infrastructure and delivery, including data center,      systems, databases, voice/data network, and server environments.
• Manage, mentor, and develop IT staff.
• Review performance of the company systems to determine operation costs, productivity levels, and upgrade requirements.
• Oversee the daily operations of all server systems including databases, data networks, capacity planning, systems and network configurations, network design, implementation, maintenance, and all related security concerns.
• Responsible for creating an annual IT budget, including forecasting and review.
• Ensure team and individual performance levels meet customer needs and SLAs consistently.
• Participate in and assist with ongoing analysis, design and implementation of new IT systems and infrastructure.
• Responsible for systems/databases and network security, disaster recovery and business continuity.
• Provide expertise and support during systems upgrades, installations, conversions and file maintenance. 
• Work with advocacy staff to develop strategies and plans to enhance client services, improve user effectiveness, and foster      innovation. 
• Communicate regularly with executive management and all users of information services and systems. 
• Develop the IT staff to meet the changing needs of users, groups and offices; new projects and technologies; and varying      staff strengths. 
• Develop standard operating procedures and best practices, including providing written protocols and guidance to IT staff      and to end-users. 
• Ensure the creation and maintenance of all written documentation, including system and user manuals, license agreements, and documentation of modifications and upgrades. 
• Oversee provision of end-user services, including help desk and technical support services.
• Keep current with the latest technologies and determine what new technology solutions and implementations will meet business and system requirements. 
• Develop and implement all IT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards,      purchasing, and service provision. 
• Manage telecommunications infrastructure and development plans, projects, policies and procedures. 
• Negotiate and administer vendor, outsourcer, and consultant contracts and service agreements. 
• Support Star’s mission by adhering to established IT standards, policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Own Star’s day-to-day IT delivery while partnering with the enterprise IT organization to align with standards, security policies, and governance.
• Background in developing or managing development of software libraries or web applications.

Technology & Tools: 

· Microsoft 365 and Entra ID (Azure AD) for identity and collaboration

· Endpoint management (MDM/MAM and Windows device management)

· ITSM/ticketing (Freshdesk or equivalent)

· Virtualization and cloud exposure (VMware/Hyper-V; public cloud a plus)

· Security tooling (EDR, email security, SIEM—vendor-agnostic)

· Backup/DR and monitoring platforms (Rubrik/Veeam-class)

· ERP systems (Kinetic or equivalent)

· AI productivity tools (e.g., CoPilot/ChatGPT/Claude-class) with appropriate governance

· BI/analytics Tools (Power BI/Tableau-class)

•  A Bachelor’s degree in computer science or equivalent education and experience, along with advanced technical or managerial credentials, including PMP, CISM, preferred. 
• Ten or more years of progressive IT experience, including experience in a multi-office environment. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team of technical staff, to work with the Executive Management of an organization, and to manage multiple concurrent projects. 
• Experience using Epicor is highly preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Must be willing to be a "working Manager" and take on multiple projects.
• Ability to meet deadlines, to conduct and direct research into IT issues and products, and to take initiative in the development and completion of projects. 
• Strong project management, organizational and time management skills. 
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical and evaluative skills.