OT Cyber Security Project Leader

Barilla•Northbrook, IL

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Barilla is looking for an OT Cyber Security Project Leader to join our OT Cyber Security team. The role is based in either Northbrook, IL, Ames, IA, or Avon, NY, with Northbrook being the preferred location. The role will report to the Cyber Security OT Manager. The role will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of OT cybersecurity initiatives across US and Canada. The successful candidate will act as a project leader, managing the implementation of OT cybersecurity solutions and network architectures in alignment with Barilla’s global cybersecurity strategy. This position plays a key role in safeguarding industrial automation systems and ensuring business continuity by ensuring application of IT/OT cybersecurity best practices to new production lines, packaging innovations, and automation upgrades. The project leader will collaborate closely with Technical Area Managers, Project Engineers, and cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with corporate frameworks and industry standards.

Requirements

University degree in Information Technology, Information Security, Electronics/Telecommunication Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related fields.
Minimum 2 years of experience in project management, preferably within industrial automation or IT/OT cybersecurity or system integration and in an international context.
Strong leadership and project ownership mindset, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives in a dynamic environment.
Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Excellent problem-solving skills and a results-driven approach.
Fluency in English; French is mandatory if the individual will be based in Canada, otherwise it is a plus.
Willing to travel (up to 50%): frequent trips to plants and warehouses in USA (Ames, Avon) and Canada (Montreal)

Responsibilities

Lead and manage OT cybersecurity projects across US and Canada, ensuring timely and effective implementation of solutions in plants and warehouses.
Act as the primary point of contact for regional cybersecurity initiatives, coordinating with Headquarter and local stakeholders.
Oversee the deployment of complex OT network architectures and cybersecurity systems.
Drive project planning, resource allocation, risk management, and progress tracking to ensure successful project delivery.
Plan and manage cybersecurity assessments and audits, highlighting vulnerabilities and following mitigation strategies.
Collaborate with IT, Engineering, and Operations teams to integrate cybersecurity into automation and infrastructure projects.
Manage relationships with external vendors and service providers, ensuring alignment with Barilla’s security standards.
Support the development and continuous improvement of the industrial cybersecurity practice within the Supply Chain.