Senior Technology Manager – Technology & Global Operations

Senior Technology Manager – Technology & Global Operations - Manufacturing (Rail, Auto, Aerospace, etc)

Direct Hire | $190K Target Base + Annual Incentive | Global Technology Leadership

Location: Albertville, AL (Strongly Preferred) | Southlake, TX | La Grange, IL

Work Arrangement: 100% Onsite, 5 Days Per Week – Non-Negotiable

Travel: Approximately 25% (Some National with occassional international potential)

We are seeking an experienced Senior IT Manager to lead a technical organization supporting complex industrial technology, enterprise applications, connected systems, and global customer operations.

This is a senior leadership position requiring a unique combination of technical knowledge, people leadership, business acumen, and executive-level customer engagement.

The ideal candidate has experience leading technical teams in a manufacturing, transportation, automotive, aerospace, defense, or similar industrial environment. They understand how software, hardware, networking, infrastructure, and enterprise data systems work together to support mission-critical operations.

This is not a traditional internal IT management position. A significant part of this role involves working directly with global customers, managing complex technical escalations, and representing the organization in high-level business and technical discussions.

We are looking for a leader who understands sophisticated technology, can confidently engage with executives and engineering teams, and has successfully led technology modernization initiatives.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Technology Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and develop technical teams responsible for enterprise applications, connected technology platforms, integrations, and critical operational systems.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight across software, infrastructure, networking, and technology delivery initiatives.
• Mentor and develop technical professionals while establishing accountability for performance, delivery, and operational excellence.
• Partner with engineering, commercial, and business leadership to align technology solutions with operational and customer requirements.
• Oversee multiple technology initiatives, including project planning, budgets, resource allocation, vendor management, and delivery commitments.

Customer-Facing Technical Leadership

• Serve as a senior technology representative for global customers and business partners.
• Lead technical discussions with customer executives, engineering teams, security professionals, and other key stakeholders.
• Manage critical customer escalations involving system performance, outages, service delivery, and technical concerns.
• Translate complex technical issues into clear business communications and actionable solutions.
• Navigate sensitive customer discussions involving cybersecurity, contractual requirements, proprietary technology, and intellectual property.
• Build strong relationships with customers while maintaining appropriate confidentiality and protecting company technology.

Technology Modernization & Enterprise Systems

• Lead modernization of legacy applications, enterprise technology platforms, and complex data integration environments.
• Oversee initiatives involving large-scale data acquisition, transmission, processing, storage, and distribution.
• Improve how connected equipment and operational systems communicate with enterprise and customer environments.
• Evaluate modern technology solutions involving cloud, networking, APIs, automation, and emerging technologies.
• Partner with technical teams to develop modernization strategies while maintaining uninterrupted business operations.
• Support cybersecurity, application reliability, and ongoing improvements to mission-critical technology systems.

Project, Financial & Vendor Management

• Manage complex commercial and technology implementation initiatives from planning through completion.
• Work with stakeholders to define business requirements, project scope, schedules, and deliverables.
• Develop comprehensive project plans and monitor performance against business and financial objectives.
• Manage budgets, project risks, resources, and vendor relationships.
• Provide regular updates to senior management and business stakeholders.
• Ensure successful delivery of technology solutions that support both customer and business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 10+ years of demonstrated success in technology management and leadership.
• Proven experience directly leading technical teams responsible for software applications, infrastructure, networking, cloud, enterprise integrations, or complex technology platforms.
• Strong technical foundation with the ability to understand sophisticated systems and communicate effectively with engineering teams.
• Demonstrated experience working directly with external customers, including senior executives and technical stakeholders.
• Experience managing high-priority customer escalations, complex technical issues, or mission-critical service environments.
• Experience leading technology modernization, system upgrades, enterprise integrations, or major technology transformation initiatives.
• Strong project management experience, including budgets, schedules, resources, risks, and vendor relationships.
• Ability to translate complex technical information into clear business discussions and executive-level communications.
• Willingness to work onsite at an approved company location and travel approximately 25%, including internationally.

Highly Desired Experience

• Background in rail, transportation, automotive, aerospace, defense, industrial manufacturing, or similar environments.
• Experience with industrial control systems, connected equipment, embedded technologies, or operational technology.
• Understanding of how software, hardware, networking, and back-office enterprise systems interact.
• Experience with high-volume data environments, data acquisition, integration platforms, or distributed systems.
• Leadership of legacy application modernization initiatives involving cloud, APIs, automation, or AI-enabled solutions.
• Experience supporting globally distributed customers and technical teams.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity, intellectual property protection, and contractual technology obligations.
• Experience overseeing business-critical systems requiring high availability and ongoing production support.

Compensation & Benefits

This direct-hire opportunity offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 401(k) with up to 6% company match, immediate eligibility, and vesting
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
• Paid vacation, holidays, and PTO
• Employee assistance and education assistance programs
• Additional employee recognition and incentive programs

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