IT Operations Manager

Challenge Manufacturing • Walker, MI

65d

About The Position

Challenge Manufacturing’s mission is to manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, we drive innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe the best ideas come from individual unique perspectives. These ideas combined with the teamwork of industry leaders allow us to accomplish any challenge. Our team members take pride in the work we do and embody our core values of safety, ownership, and teamwork every day; they are the true driving force in our operations. Challenge is proud to be one of the largest employee-owned automotive companies in North America. One of the many benefits of joining the Challenge team is the ESOP program. This program allows Challenge to give shares of the Company to all employee-owners annually. These shares are an additional retirement benefit that will continue to grow during your time at Challenge. Being part of an ESOP means our employee-owners share in Challenge’s success! Challenge is #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline (Master’s degree in IT Management, Business Administration, or related technical field preferred).
• 7–10 years of progressive IT experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role supporting manufacturing operations.
• Proven track record in managing multi-plant networks, ERP systems (Plex ERP or similar platforms preferred), and enterprise infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of Windows Server environments, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and Microsoft 365 administration.
• Experience with Azure AD, Intune endpoint management, and infrastructure/cybersecurity tools such as SentinelOne, Varonis, SolarWinds, Cisco ISE, or ManageEngine.
• Familiarity with compliance and audit frameworks including IATF 16949, ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, TISAX, SOX, and data privacy standards.
• Demonstrated success leading IT teams using ITIL service management principles.
• Experience in vendor management, IT budget control, and project delivery (PMP, ITIL, or CISSP certification is a plus).
• Ability to lead cross-functional IT projects that enhance service delivery, reduce downtime, or support multi-plant standardization and infrastructure upgrades.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a customer service mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume automotive manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Oversee enterprise and plant-level IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, virtualization (Hyper-V, Nutanix), networking, and backup systems.
• Ensure IT systems and data management practices comply with IATF 16949 and customer-specific audit requirements, including data retention and traceability.
• Direct ERP (Plex) operational support, including production reporting, label management, EDI transactions, and integration with Quality and Finance systems.
• Own business continuity and disaster-recovery planning; conduct semi-annual testing and validation.
• Develop, maintain, and track IT KPIs – system uptime, MTTR, incident closure rates, SLA adherence, and cost performance.
• Lead service-delivery operations using ITIL best practices: Incident, Problem, Change, and Configuration Management.
• Manage IT asset lifecycle, ensuring compliance with license renewals, warranties, and End-of-Life (EOL) schedules.
• Oversee vendor contracts, licensing, budgeting, and financial forecasting for IT operations.
• Support compliance and internal/external audits related to IATF 16949, SOX, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
• Maintain secure and reliable EDI and customer-portal connectivity with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.
• Drive IT process standardization, documentation, and continuous improvement across all facilities.
• Coach and mentor IT and Service Desk teams, fostering a high-performance, customer-focused culture.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
• Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options
• Employer 401k Match
• ESOP shares
• Tuition reimbursement
• Referral Bonus Program
• Challenge Incentive Program
• Paid time off

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees