Sr. Director Global Operations Digital Partner

Ingredion Incorporated • Westchester, IL

1d • $220,200 - $293,600 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Sr. Director, Global Operations Digital Partner is a top‑tier technology and business leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the global digital strategy for Ingredion’s Operations ecosystem, including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and EH&SS. This role operates as a strategic advisor and thought partner to executive leadership, contributing directly to enterprise and functional business planning. The Sr. Director ensures that current and future information technology opportunities, risks, and capabilities are fully integrated into business strategy discussions and long‑range planning. This leader owns the regional and global Operations digital vision, translates business priorities into actionable technology roadmaps, and drives enterprise‑scale transformation initiatives that deliver sustained competitive advantage. This role will report to the Vice President, Digital Technology Solutions and Global Innovation and have 6 Direct Reports.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, human resources, computer science, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in digital strategy, enterprise IT, or technology‑enabled transformation, preferably in manufacturing, supply chain, or industrial environments.
• Deep understanding of digital technologies and platforms including SAP, Blue Yonder Planning, TMS, LIMS, and a good understanding of manufacturing systems, AI/ML, RPA, and data analytics
• Proven experience driving digital transformation initiatives.
• Proven track record of leading global, multi‑year transformation programs with measurable business outcomes.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate technology trends and opportunities into actionable business strategies and outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to operate at the executive and board‑adjacent level, influencing strategy and investment decisions.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing complex technology portfolios, driving innovation, and delivering measurable business value.
• Deep expertise across enterprise platforms (SAP, planning systems, manufacturing systems), data & analytics, and emerging digital technologies.
• Experience working in a global environment, with the ability to navigate cultural differences and collaborate effectively with diverse teams across geographies.
• Results-oriented mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement, agility, and delivering tangible business results.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing large technology portfolios and investment governance
• Minimum of 10 - 15 years’ experience leading global transformation initiatives and working with outsourced partners.
• Experience working in a matrixed environment, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively for resources that are not in direct control of this role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain Digital Technology concepts and technologies to business leaders.
• Handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop, own, and continuously evolve a global Operations digital and IT strategy aligned with Ingredion’s enterprise vision, P2W strategy, and long‑term business objectives.
• Lead region and market‑zone technology strategies while ensuring global standardization, scalability, and architectural integrity.
• Serve as a core contributor to enterprise business planning at the executive level, ensuring technology implications, investment tradeoffs, and innovation opportunities are incorporated into strategic decisions.
• Anticipate future technology and operational trends, proactively identifying opportunities and risks that may impact Ingredion’s global Operations strategy.
• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to Executive Leadership, Global Operations leadership, and Functional Presidents on digital, data, and technology‑enabled transformation.
• Partner with senior leaders to define multi‑year transformation roadmaps and investment strategies that balance growth, productivity, resilience, compliance, and sustainability.
• Influence and align stakeholders across regions, functions, and corporate teams in a highly matrixed global environment.
• Provide executive oversight of the global Operations technology portfolio, including platforms such as SAP (MM, PP, WM, QM, SD), Blue Yonder Planning, Transportation Management Systems, GCP AI/ML, Manufacturing Execution & Automation (PLC, Data Historians), and Microsoft 365.
• Govern a multi‑million‑dollar global portfolio, ensuring strong financial stewardship, value realization, and prioritization aligned with business outcomes.
• Establish and mature governance models that link technology investments to measurable business value, risk mitigation, and operational excellence.
• Ensure tight alignment between global digital strategies and regional execution, balancing global standards with local business needs.
• Partner with Architecture, Cybersecurity, Data & Analytics, and Infrastructure leaders to ensure secure, resilient, and future‑ready solutions.
• Strengthen global operating models and ways of working across Operations, Digital Technology Solutions, and external partners.
• Establish and manage executive‑level relationships with strategic technology vendors, integrators, and industry partners.
• Influence vendor roadmaps and ensure supplier strategies align with Ingredion’s long‑term digital vision and operational needs.
• Oversee contract strategy, commercial negotiations, and performance management to optimize cost, quality, and innovation outcomes.
• Lead large‑scale, cross‑functional digital transformation initiatives spanning global Manufacturing and Supply Chain operations.
• Champion the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI/ML, advanced analytics, automation, RPA, and digital employee experiences to drive productivity, quality, safety, and decision intelligence.
• Sponsor innovation pipelines, proofs‑of‑concept, and pilots, scaling successful initiatives into enterprise solutions.
• Define and govern enterprise‑level KPIs to measure the effectiveness, adoption, and financial impact of digital initiatives.
• Ensure transparent reporting of progress, value realization, and risks to executive stakeholders.
• Drive a continuous‑improvement mindset focused on outcomes, agility, and measurable business results.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing global organization of Digital Business Partners, Business Analysts, and Solution Architects.
• Build future‑ready capabilities across digital, data, and business domains.
• Mentor senior leaders and emerging talent, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance-based pay
• Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel
• medical, dental and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with an competitive company match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees