Job Description:
Company Overview
Smart Components North America (SCNA), a division of Illinois Tool Works (ITW) Automotive, manufactures innovative components for major automotive manufacturers. Our products include fuel housings, door and safety handles, Capless solutions, and EV charge ports. We operate manufacturing facilities in Mokena and Richton Park, Illinois, and Saltillo and Aguascalientes, Mexico.
The Opportunity
The Division IT Manager leads the Division’s IT function, delivering reliable, secure, and cost-effective technology services that support the business’s operational and strategic goals. Applying the ITW Business Model and 80/20 Front-to-Back process, this leader translates divisional business priorities into an actionable IT roadmap and leads its execution in alignment with Segment and enterprise IT standards, architecture, and governance.
Working in a decentralized environment, the IT Manager serves as the Division’s primary technology partner and key connection to Segment and enterprise IT. The role combines people leadership with hands-on technical involvement—leading a small team while directly supporting critical projects, implementations, and troubleshooting as needed.
The ideal candidate brings an open-minded, business-focused approach to technology, evaluating tools—including AI where appropriate—and recommending solutions that deliver the greatest value.
Key Responsibilities
Business Partnership & Planning
- Partner with the VP/GM and divisional leadership to understand business priorities and translate them into an annual IT plan and roadmap aligned with Segment IT strategy.
- Provide IT input into the Division’s annual operating plan, including capital and expense needs and priority initiatives.
- Apply ITW Toolbox methods, including 80/20 and Simplification, to analyze workflows, identify simplification and automation opportunities, and partner with end users to implement solutions.
- Evaluate AI alongside traditional technology options when addressing business problems, recommending its use where it delivers clear value.
- Demonstrate hands-on leadership by engaging directly with teams, systems, and processes as needed to remove roadblocks, accelerate delivery, and meet commitments.
IT Operations & Service Delivery
- Lead the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, upgrade, and support of the Division’s IT infrastructure, business applications, and plant-floor systems.
- Oversee ERP and other key business systems, including production support, implementations, and enhancements.
- Manage end-user support and service desk operations, with defined service levels and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Partner with stakeholders to define business and system requirements for new technology.
- Manage IT projects from initiation through completion, including scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder communication, and personally lead critical projects as needed.
- Manage the lifecycle of IT hardware, software, and licenses.
Cybersecurity & Risk
- Ensure the Division complies with ITW’s Cybersecurity Framework and Segment security standards.
- Drive security controls, vulnerability remediation, and user awareness programs, assessing risk and directing resources to the highest-priority areas.
- Ensure AI tools used within the Division comply with ITW’s AI Framework and acceptable-use policies, including requirements for protecting company and customer data.
- Support customer and regulatory security requirements.
Financial & Vendor Management
- Manage the Division’s IT budget within the approved plan, including purchasing, forecasting, and variance tracking.
- Prepare business cases and cost-benefit analyses for IT investments, including AI.
- Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts and service agreements within delegated authority.
People Leadership
- Lead the Division IT team, including hiring, task prioritization, goal setting, coaching, performance reviews, and discipline.
- Develop team capabilities in new areas, including AI, data, and cybersecurity.
Position Requirements
Formal Education & Certification
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Knowledge & Experience
- 8+ years of progressive IT experience, including 3+ years supervising IT staff or teams.
- IT experience in a manufacturing environment is required.
- 5+ years of ERP experience, including implementation and production support.
- Experience managing an IT budget and vendor relationships, including contract negotiation.
- Hands-on knowledge of network infrastructure, server and endpoint operating systems, cloud environments, and Microsoft 365.
- Experience applying cybersecurity frameworks and controls.
- Practical experience evaluating or using AI tools to solve business problems.
- A track record of delivering technology solutions that measurably improve business results.
Attributes
- Business-focused leader who uses technology to create measurable value.
- Curious and open to new approaches, with sound judgment about when AI is an appropriate solution.
- Willing to work alongside the team and engage in technical details to achieve results.
- Clear communicator who works effectively with business leaders, technical staff, and nontechnical users, explaining technical concepts in plain business terms.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and prioritization skills, including under pressure.
- Collaborative team player with a strong customer-service focus.
Compensation Information:
135,000 - 165,000
ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential.
As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
