Director IT Applications

Frontgrade Technologies • Exeter, NH

62d

About The Position

For more than six decades, the skilled thinkers, makers, and doers at Frontgrade have embraced our mission to solve complex technology challenges across the U.S. and around the globe. We're the leading provider of high reliability and radiation assured solutions for defense, space, intelligence, commercial, and civil applications, and our products are designed to perform in the harshest of environments. From human spaceflight and space exploration to missile defense, electronic warfare, and healthcare tech advancements, our talented team stays in lockstep with our customers to ensure the success of their missions. Do you want to help shape the future? In an environment where innovation and ideas go hand-in-hand? Then come join the Frontgrade Team! We are a $500M private equity-owned manufacturing company undergoing significant transformation to improve efficiency and effectiveness in serving our defense industry customers. We are seeking a hands-on Director of IT Applications to lead our corporate, ERP, and business applications.

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree: Minimum ten (10) years of experience in people management. Minimum ten (10) years of experience in field. OR Masters Degree: Minimum eight (8) years of experience in people management. Minimum ten (10) years of experience in field.
• 10+ years of IT applications leadership, preferably in manufacturing.
• Proven success in ERP enhancements, data platforms, API integration, and AI/automation initiatives.
• Strong portfolio and project management skills with the ability to balance stability and transformation.
• Experience leading and transforming teams, including upgrading skills and managing transitions.
• Strong vendor and contract management skills with a focus on cost optimization.
• Able to travel 25%+ to our seven US-based sites.
• This position requires access to technology, materials, software or hardware that is controlled by either ITAR or EAR U.S. export laws. As a condition to this job offer, in order to be employed in this position, you must be able to obtain an U.S. Government export license(s), as required by law.

Nice To Haves

• Private equity or transformation-driven company experience preferred.
• Applicable experience in lieu of a Degree may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Act as architect to guide design decisions and introduce new platforms and capabilities
• Lead daily operations and enhancements across 5 legacy ERP systems and corporate applications.
• Define application and data architecture to enable the introduction of AI solutions into the enterprise.
• Deliver data integration and analytics solutions (Databricks) and use APIs to reduce manual work.
• Design and deploy AI and workflow automation solutions that drive measurable business efficiency.
• Oversee project portfolio management, including intake, prioritization, resourcing, requirements, and delivery for Applications-related projects.
• Manage vendor contracts and application budgets, driving cost optimization and ROI.
• Guide process improvement across IT and business functions to streamline execution.
• Manage and transform a team of 11, retaining critical ERP expertise while upgrading skills for data and AI initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, urgency, and continuous improvement.

Benefits

• Competitive Benefits: Medical (FSA + HSA), Dental, and Vision
• Immediate 401K Vesting/Matching
• Career Opportunity and Growth
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Repayment
• Generous PTO and 11 paid Holidays per year (8 regular and 3 floating)
• 8 weeks of 100% Paid Family Leave
• Profit Sharing Plan applies to all non-Annual Incentive Plan and non-Sales Incentive Plan employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees