Director, Operational Technology

CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States that provides grain, food and energy resources to businesses and consumers around the world. We serve agriculture customers and consumers across the United States and around the world. Most of our employees are in the United States, but today we have employees in 19 countries.

At CHS, we are creating connections to empower agriculture. Summary CHS, Inc. has an exciting opportunity within our Pipelines and Terminal (P&T) division. We are looking for a Director, Operational Technology to provide strategic leadership and oversight for critical operational technology (OT) systems and networks that support pipeline and terminal operations. This role is responsible for ensuring that OT software and hardware are reliable, secure, and are in compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements.

Additionally, this position will drive operational continuity, technology standardization, and continuous improvement across the organization. Strong technical expertise in industrial control systems and OT environments, along with proven leadership skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, corporate IT functions, and external partners are necessary. This role requires a strategic thinker who can effectively balance operational needs, risk management, and future technology investments.

This position may be located in either McPherson, KS or Laurel, MT with approximately 25% travel. Responsibilities Direct the strategy, governance, and performance of OT systems and services supporting pipeline and terminal operations. Lead efforts to ensure OT system availability, reliability, resilience, and lifecycle performance. Oversee incident response, escalation, recovery efforts, and operational continuity for critical OT systems. Develop and manage OT support models, vendor support agreements, lifecycle replacement plans, and critical spare strategies.

Lead and develop the OT organization through workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and technical capability development. Establish priorities and governance for OT investments through the capital planning process. Align OT investments with operational risk, reliability priorities, lifecycle requirements, and business objectives. Provide leadership for OT cybersecurity, vulnerability management, access governance, and risk mitigation activities. Partner with Cybersecurity, IT, Operations, and Engineering teams to strengthen OT security and preparedness.

Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, Control Room Management requirements, and corporate standards. Oversee OT asset management, backups, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity readiness. Drive OT platform standardization, architecture improvements, and technology innovation initiatives. Sponsor and support OT-enabled operational improvements that enhance reliability, efficiency, and compliance. Lead strategic partnerships with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, project teams, and key vendors.

Manage vendor performance and service delivery supporting critical OT environments. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (required) High School Diploma or GED 7+ years of experience supporting SCADA systems, industrial control systems (ICS), terminal automation systems, or similar operational technology environments. Prior leadership experience with progressively advancing level of leadership responsibilities Additional Qualifications Experience supporting critical operational systems in a 24/7 industrial environment. Ability to communicate…