IT Director

Careen•Eden Prairie, MN

2d•$140,000 - $170,000

About The Position

Windings Inc. is a 100% employee-owned company where every team member shares in our success. Since becoming an ESOP in 1998, we've proudly supported critical industries like Aerospace, Defense, Automotive, and Medical. Our unique ESOP benefits can contribute 10-12% of your annual earnings to your retirement—at no cost to you—helping your savings grow through compound interest. For over 60 years, Windings has provided critical custom motors and components for the harshest applications, including outer space, military, downhole drilling, and motor sports to name a few. If you like to take on the “tough stuff”, join us and be part of a forward-thinking, people-focused company driven by our purpose: " Making our Customer’s Critical Mission Possible." The IT Director at Windings Inc. is responsible for leading the company’s technology strategy, cybersecurity program, and enterprise business systems. This role oversees IT infrastructure, compliance initiatives, and enterprise applications supporting a multi-site aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. The IT Director will lead two major strategic initiatives: maintaining and strengthening the company’s CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance posture and directing the evaluation and implementation of a next-generation ERP system. The role also drives modernization efforts including automation, data visibility, and emerging technologies that improve operational efficiency and decision-making. This position can sit at either our office in Eden Prairie, MN or at the main plant in New Ulm, MN

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
7+ years of IT experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
3+ years leading IT teams, vendors, or managed service providers
Direct experience implementing or maintaining NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC cybersecurity controls
Experience leading or heavily participating in an ERP implementation in a manufacturing environment
Experience supporting regulated industries (aerospace, defense, government contracting, or similar)
Strong understanding of enterprise infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, ERP systems, system integrations, and cloud environments.
Strategic thinking, leadership, technical capability, good communication, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated skill in learning and applying new software technologies
Demonstrated skills in coaching and performance management that align department performance consistent with the business needs

Nice To Haves

CISSP, CGRC, CISM, or equivalent cybersecurity certification.
Experience with manufacturing ERP platforms such as SYSPRO, Epicor ERP, Infor CloudSuite Industrial (Syteline).
Experience implementing ERP across multiple manufacturing sites
Experience managing ERP implementation partners or system integrators

Responsibilities

IT Leadership & Operations
Lead internal IT staff and managed service providers
Oversee enterprise infrastructure including cloud services, networks, endpoints, and telecommunications
Manage IT budgets, vendor relationships, and technology roadmaps
Cybersecurity & Compliance
Own the organization’s CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 compliance program
Maintain security policies, system security plans (SSP), and compliance documentation
Oversee cybersecurity architecture, vulnerability management, and incident response
Ensure protection of Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and adherence to ITAR/EAR requirements
ERP Strategy & Implementation
Lead the evaluation, selection, and deployment of a new ERP platform supporting aerospace and defense manufacturing
Coordinate ERP implementation across finance, engineering, production, and supply chain teams
Ensure data governance, system integration, and long-term ERP optimization
Technology Innovation
Identify opportunities to improve operations through automation, analytics, and emerging technologies
Evaluate AI-driven tools that improve productivity and business insights