IT Director

Kretek International is America’s #1 importer, marketer and distributor of specialty tobacco products, including high-end cigars, tobacco and alternative products, with such well-known brands as Djarum, Cuban Rounds and High Tea Herbal Wraps. Founded 38+ years ago, Kretek continues to grow and consistently seeks talented employees who can help the company do that. For more information, please visit:

We are seeking an experienced and strategic IT Director to lead our technology department, overseeing our IT team. In this role, you will be responsible for creating and executing IT strategies that align with our business goals, optimizing system performance, and managing the IT budget. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking leader who ensures robust technological operations and high user satisfaction.

We are looking for leaders that can move the organization forward and operate with autonomy.

• Strategic Leadership
  :
  Develop and execute a multi-year IT roadmap that supports business growth and competitive advantage.
• Infrastructure Management
  :
  Oversee the design, implementation, and maintenance of all IT systems, including networks, cloud services, and hardware.
• Team Development
  :
  Recruit, mentor, and supervise IT managers and staff, fostering a culture of high performance and professional growth.
• Cybersecurity & Compliance
  :
  Establish robust security protocols, manage risk assessments, and ensure compliance with relevant data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, FERPA).
• Budgeting & Procurement
  :
  Manage the annual IT budget, negotiate vendor contracts, and oversee capital expenditure for new technology acquisitions.
• Disaster Recovery
  :
  Develop and test business continuity and disaster recovery plans to minimize operational downtime.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  :
  Partner with other department heads to identify their technological needs and provide efficient solutions

• Education
  :
  Bachelor’s degree in computer science, IT, or a related field; a Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Information Systems) is preferred.
• Experience
  : 7–10+ years of progressive IT experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior leadership or supervisory capacity.
• Technical Skills
  :
  Deep knowledge of network architecture, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, WMS, Shopify), and cybersecurity frameworks.
• Soft Skills
  :
  Exceptional communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Certifications (Preferred): CISSP, CISM, ITIL, PMP, or vendor-specific certifications (e.g., Cisco, Microsoft, Azure).

• Ability to stand and walk.
• Ability to sit for extended periods.

The position currently has people supervisory responsibility

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be added at any time per business needs.

• The incumbent must be able to perform this job safely without endangering the health or safety of self or others.

SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy.

WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including tobacco smoke, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to  .

WARNING: Cigars contain many of the same carcinogens found in cigarettes, and cigars are not a safe substitute for smoking cigarettes. This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects and other reproductive harm.