Director, Operational Technology

CHS, Inc.•McPherson, KS

About The Position

CHS Inc. is hiring a Director, Operational Technology for its Pipelines and Terminal division. The role provides strategic leadership and oversight for operational technology systems and networks that support pipeline and terminal operations. It is accountable for the reliability, security, and regulatory and corporate compliance of OT software and hardware, while driving operational continuity, technology standardization, and continuous improvement. The position calls for technical expertise in industrial control systems and OT environments, leadership skills, and the ability to build collaborative relationships across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, corporate IT functions, and external partners. The director balances operational needs, risk management, and future technology investments. The position may be located in McPherson, Kansas, or Laurel, Montana, and requires approximately 25% travel. CHS offers a competitive total rewards package; compensation may include base wages and, depending on the position, other earnings such as bonuses, incentives, and commissions. Actual pay varies based on factors including experience, education, training, specialized skills, and certifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 7 years of experience supporting SCADA systems, industrial control systems (ICS), terminal automation systems, or similar operational technology environments.
Prior leadership experience with progressively advancing levels of leadership responsibility.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting critical operational systems in a 24/7 industrial environment.
Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
Bachelor's degree preferred in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
Experience in pipeline, terminal, refining, petrochemical, bulk-liquid storage, or other highly regulated industrial environments.
Experience with DTN terminal automation platforms.
Experience troubleshooting communications systems, industrial networks, hardware/software integrations, and software upgrades.
Experience administering Microsoft Windows-based OT environments.
Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity, firewall administration, network segmentation, and secure remote access solutions.
Experience leading OT projects, change management initiatives, and lifecycle management programs.
Working knowledge of pipeline and control room industry standards and recommended practices.

Responsibilities

Direct the strategy, governance, and performance of OT systems and services supporting pipeline and terminal operations.
Lead efforts to ensure OT system availability, reliability, resilience, and lifecycle performance.
Oversee incident response, escalation, recovery efforts, and operational continuity for critical OT systems.
Develop and manage OT support models, vendor support agreements, lifecycle replacement plans, and critical spare strategies.
Lead and develop the OT organization through workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and technical capability development.
Establish priorities and governance for OT investments through the capital planning process.
Align OT investments with operational risk, reliability priorities, lifecycle requirements, and business objectives.
Provide leadership for OT cybersecurity, vulnerability management, access governance, and risk mitigation activities.
Partner with Cybersecurity, IT, Operations, and Engineering teams to strengthen OT security and preparedness.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, Control Room Management requirements, and corporate standards.
Oversee OT asset management, backups, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity readiness.
Drive OT platform standardization, architecture improvements, and technology innovation initiatives.
Sponsor and support OT-enabled operational improvements that enhance reliability, efficiency, and compliance.
Lead strategic partnerships with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, project teams, and key vendors.
Manage vendor performance and service delivery supporting critical OT environments.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.