Division IT Manager

ITW•Mokena, IL

About The Position

The Division IT Manager leads the IT function for Smart Components North America, a division of Illinois Tool Works Automotive. The role delivers reliable, secure, and cost-effective technology services that support operational and strategic goals. Using the ITW Business Model and 80/20 Front-to-Back process, the manager translates business priorities into an actionable IT roadmap and leads its execution in alignment with Segment and enterprise IT standards, architecture, and governance. The manager is the division’s primary technology partner and connection to Segment and enterprise IT in a decentralized environment. The role combines people leadership with hands-on technical involvement, including direct support for critical projects, implementations, and troubleshooting. The manager evaluates technology options, including AI where appropriate, and recommends solutions that provide business value. The position oversees IT operations, business applications, plant-floor systems, ERP, end-user support, cybersecurity, budgets, vendors, projects, and the IT team. The manager partners with divisional leadership and stakeholders to plan and deliver technology initiatives, maintain secure and effective services, and develop team capabilities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
8+ years of progressive IT experience.
3+ years supervising IT staff or teams.
IT experience in a manufacturing environment.
5+ years of ERP experience, including implementation and production support.
Experience managing an IT budget and vendor relationships, including contract negotiation.
Hands-on knowledge of network infrastructure, server and endpoint operating systems, cloud environments, and Microsoft 365.
Experience applying cybersecurity frameworks and controls.
Practical experience evaluating or using AI tools to solve business problems.
A track record of delivering technology solutions that measurably improve business results.
Business-focused approach to using technology to create measurable value.
Curiosity and openness to new approaches, with sound judgment about when AI is appropriate.
Willingness to work alongside the team and engage in technical details to achieve results.
Clear communication skills and ability to explain technical concepts in plain business terms to business leaders, technical staff, and nontechnical users.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and prioritization skills, including under pressure.
Collaborative approach and strong customer-service focus.

Responsibilities

Partner with the VP/GM and divisional leadership to understand business priorities and translate them into an annual IT plan and roadmap aligned with Segment IT strategy.
Provide IT input to the Division’s annual operating plan, including capital and expense needs and priority initiatives.
Apply ITW Toolbox methods, including 80/20 and Simplification, to analyze workflows and identify simplification and automation opportunities in partnership with end users.
Evaluate AI and traditional technology options for business problems and recommend AI where it delivers clear value.
Engage directly with teams, systems, and processes to remove roadblocks, accelerate delivery, and meet commitments.
Lead deployment, monitoring, maintenance, upgrades, and support for divisional IT infrastructure, business applications, and plant-floor systems.
Oversee ERP and other key business systems, including production support, implementations, and enhancements.
Manage end-user support and service desk operations, including service levels and KPIs.
Partner with stakeholders to define business and system requirements for new technology.
Manage IT projects from initiation through completion, including scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder communication; personally lead critical projects as needed.
Manage the lifecycle of IT hardware, software, and licenses.
Ensure compliance with ITW’s Cybersecurity Framework and Segment security standards.
Drive security controls, vulnerability remediation, and user awareness programs; assess risk and direct resources to priority areas.
Ensure divisional AI tools comply with ITW’s AI Framework and acceptable-use policies, including requirements for protecting company and customer data.
Support customer and regulatory security requirements.
Manage the IT budget within the approved plan, including purchasing, forecasting, and variance tracking.
Prepare business cases and cost-benefit analyses for IT investments, including AI.
Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts and service agreements within delegated authority.
Lead the Division IT team, including hiring, task prioritization, goal setting, coaching, performance reviews, and discipline.
Develop team capabilities in AI, data, and cybersecurity.