Manager, Manufacturing Operations Technology

Manager, Manufacturing Operations Technology

The Manager, Manufacturing Operations Technology leads Operations Technology (OT) vendor management, partner strategy, and site coordination across LGI’s US-based manufacturing footprint. This position is responsible for aligning OT infrastructure initiatives with organizational goals, ensuring consistent vendor performance, and supporting the long-term scalability and security of our OT systems. As a central liaison between IT, Operations, Plant Engineering, and external OT partners, this role will not only oversee day-to-day execution but also shape the strategic roadmap for vendor engagement, lifecycle management, and service delivery across our manufacturing sites.

• Define and drive the overarching OT vendor and support strategy in collaboration with IT and Operations leadership. Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies, standardization, and modernization across site-level OT systems.
• Provide thought leadership around OT lifecycle management, future capabilities, and industry trends (Industry 4.0, cybersecurity, system integration).
• Own all relationships with external OT vendors, solution providers, and service contractors. Negotiate and manage contracts, SLAs, licenses and renewals to ensure optimal performance and cost-effectiveness. Develop and track KPIs for vendor performance, compliance, and service delivery across all sites.
• Act as a senior liaison between Operations, Plant Engineers, and IT to align OT priorities, schedules, and outcomes. Facilitate strategic planning sessions, quarterly reviews, and incident retrospectives involving OT vendors and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with internal teams on OT/IT convergence strategies, especially around network segmentation, cybersecurity, and data integration.
• Ensure vendor activities align with corporate IT/OT governance, safety, compliance, and cybersecurity standards. Oversee documentation and reporting related to vendor scope, maintenance activities, site engagements, and lifecycle planning.
• Champion best practices in vendor access controls, change management, and service documentation across sites.
• Lead the coordination and execution of bi-annual maintenance and system upgrades with partners across 10 manufacturing sites. Develop playbooks, templates, and repeatable processes to streamline vendor-led work across locations. Drive consistent standards for systems such as Factory Talk, Ignition (Inductive Automation), and Allen‑Bradley PLC platforms.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in engineering, information systems, or a related field, or significantly relevant work experience. Master’s degree preferred. Project management or vendor governance certifications (PMP, ITIL, etc.) preferred.
• Experience:
  
  7+ years in OT, industrial automation, or IT/OT convergence roles; proven experience leading vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and multi‑site technology strategies.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and plant-level technology requirements.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross‑functional leadership skills.
• Preferred: experience in a manufacturing environment with OT/IT network segmentation. Working knowledge of cybersecurity practices in ICs/SCADA environments.
• Familiarity with Factory Talk, Allen‑Bradley PLCs, and Inductive Automation Ignition.

• Strategic thinker with operational discipline and influential communicator.
• Proactive, organized, and comfortable working in a matrixed, multi‑site environment.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities, with the ability to prioritize and manage tasks effectively.
• Collaborative spirit, strong customer service focus, and ability to travel domestically up to 30%.
• Ability to work daily and extended hours as necessary; maintain confidentiality and professionalism during peak periods.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality related to all duties and responsibilities.