IT Section Leader - Topeka

As an IT Section Leader
, you are responsible for leading the plant IT function to ensure the availability, reliability, and continuous improvement of manufacturing systems that support business objectives. This role partners closely with manufacturing leadership, business stakeholders, and global IT teams to drive standardization, operational excellence, and technology innovation across the plant. The position oversees IT infrastructure, end‑user support, project execution, budget management, and service delivery while building a high‑performing team that supports both local and global strategic priorities.

The IT Manager Manufacturing plays a critical role in enabling business continuity, digital transformation, and efficient manufacturing operations.

• Ensures the stability, availability, and performance of manufacturing IT systems that are critical to plant operations and business success.
• Drives the adoption of regional and global IT standards, processes, and technologies to improve efficiency, reduce complexity, and optimize total cost of ownership.
• Partners with business and IT leaders to prioritize and implement technology initiatives that support manufacturing and organizational strategic goals.
• Develops a high‑performing IT organization by fostering talent growth, knowledge sharing, succession planning, and continuous improvement.

• Lead and manage the manufacturing IT team, ensuring reliable support of plant systems, achievement of service level commitments, and continuous process improvement.
• Drive the implementation and adoption of standardized systems, technologies, and processes aligned with regional and global IT strategies.
• Oversee end‑user support services and coordinate effectively with internal IT teams and outsourced service providers to deliver high‑quality support.
• Manage plant IT budgets, including Annual Operating Plan (AOP) and Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) planning, project execution, vendor management, and financial performance.
• Ensure compliance with IT governance, security, and operational standards, including Incident Management, Change Management, Configuration Management, and Disaster Recovery processes.
• Manage and monitor manufacturing infrastructure, factory server environments, and shop‑floor systems while providing technical expertise and recommendations to support business needs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field with 5 years of work experience; or at least 10 years experience in IT field/manufacturing.
• Experience leading IT operations and teams within a manufacturing environment, supporting plant systems, infrastructure, end‑user services, and shop‑floor technologies.
• Proven success managing IT budgets, capital projects, vendor relationships, and technology initiatives while partnering with business and manufacturing leadership.
• Strong knowledge of IT service management, infrastructure operations, and business continuity practices, with the ability to drive standardization, process improvements, and operational excellence.

Goodyear is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.