Information Technology Manager (MES Division)

Information Technology Manager (MES Division)

This role is a 5 days onsite role in Cottondale, Alabama.

Relocation is offered for this position

must be US or Green Card Holder

The Information Technology Manager (MES Division) will be responsible for providing high-level technical and operational support across manufacturing systems, with a primary focus on Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and plant-floor technology. This role requires strong leadership experience, advanced MES knowledge, and the ability to manage IT operations that directly impact production performance. The IT Manager will oversee system troubleshooting, team coordination, and the maintenance of mission-critical systems that ensure smooth manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

MES Management and Support

• Oversee and manage MES systems for monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolving issues in real time to minimize production downtime.
• Create, modify, and maintain logic and workflows within the MES system using the IRS program to automate and optimize production processes.
• Design, test, and implement changes and step manipulations within MES to support “if-this-then-that” operational logic.
• Troubleshoot and support systems integrated with MES, including JIS sequence systems, paint shop systems, AIB, and HMI.
• Collaborate with production and engineering teams to gather requirements and translate them into system updates and technical solutions.
• Maintain and optimize SQL jobs, databases, and scripts that support MES functionality.

Hardware and Infrastructure Support

• Provide hands-on support for printers, barcode scanners, and PBL controllers on the manufacturing floor.
• Troubleshoot and configure hardware components critical to production operations; resolve issues quickly to avoid line stoppages.
• Perform network and infrastructure troubleshooting related to plant systems, including RICO and floor-based networks.
• Manage hardware inventory, configurations, and replacements for manufacturing operations.

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead and coordinate IT and MES support teams, ensuring effective project execution and operational coverage.
• Assign, prioritize, and oversee technical projects from initiation to completion.
• Conduct team scheduling, shift management, and availability planning to maintain 24/7 system support.
• Partner with IT leadership to communicate status updates, risks, and improvement opportunities.

Project and Process Improvement

• Serve as a technical lead and sub-project manager for plant-level MES and IT infrastructure initiatives.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to plan and execute system upgrades, integrations, and automation initiatives.
• Contribute to process improvements that enhance system reliability, data visibility, and production efficiency.

Availability and Support

• Maintain flexibility to support production operations, including after-hours and weekend availability as needed.
• Provide rapid response to system escalations that affect business continuity or production performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of IT experience, with at least 3+ years in a manufacturing or automotive environment.
• Proven leadership experience managing IT or MES teams in a production environment.
• High-level MES experience including logic creation, step manipulation, and system optimization.
• Strong technical background in SQL, network troubleshooting, and Microsoft technologies (Microsoft shop environment).
• Experience supporting on-floor manufacturing systems, including RICO and other plant control systems.
• Proficiency with printers, barcode scanners, and PBL controllers used in production workflows.
• Hands-on experience with data integration, SQL Server, and system automation tools.
• Familiarity with ERP systems such as SAP is preferred but not required.
• Programming experience in C# or similar languages is a plus.

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with technical teams and business stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented, analytical, and able to prioritize in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, solve complex problems under pressure, and maintain a sense of urgency during system outages.
• Proactive, hands-on, and collaborative approach to managing IT operations and supporting production success.