IT Manager

Job Title: IT Manager 

Location: Manaus, Brazil 

About the Role

We are seeking a Local IT Manager to lead the end-to-end IT operations for our newly established manufacturing facility in Manaus, Brazil. This role will be pivotal in building and scaling IT infrastructure from the ground up, ensuring seamless alignment with business goals, and driving digital transformation. Reporting directly to the Factory General Manager, you will oversee a team of 2-4 IT professionals and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver robust, secure, and compliant IT solutions. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy & Planning

2. Develop and execute the factory's IT strategy in line with corporate objectives, ensuring IT initiatives support operational efficiency and growth.

3. Evaluate existing systems, propose optimizations, and lead digital transformation efforts to enhance productivity.

4. Infrastructure & Operations Management

5. Manage IT infrastructure (servers, networks, databases, hardware) to ensure stability, security, and high availability.

6. Oversee deployment and maintenance of core systems (ERP, MES, OA, etc.) critical to manufacturing operations.

7. Team Leadership & Collaboration

8. Lead, mentor, and manage a small IT team (2-4 members), including task allocation, performance evaluation, and skill development.

9. Recruit and train team members to build a capable, results-driven IT function.
10. Collaborate with cross-functional departments (production, logistics, finance, etc.) to deliver tailored IT support and resolve technical issues.

11. Manage relationships with external vendors (software, hardware, services) to ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.

12. Project Delivery

13. Lead end-to-end IT projects (e.g., infrastructure setup, system implementations), ensuring on-time delivery, budget adherence, and alignment with business requirements.

14. Oversee vendor selection, management, and performance evaluation for project-specific partnerships.

15. Spearhead the IT build-out for the new factory, ensuring all IT functions are operational as scheduled.

16. Security & Compliance

17. Develop and enforce information security policies to prevent cyber threats, data breaches, and security incidents.

18. Ensure compliance with global standards (ISO 9000, ISO 27001, GDPR) and local Brazilian regulations (e.g., LGPD data protection law).
19. Implement data backup, disaster recovery plans, and conduct regular security audits, backups, and recovery drills.

20. Deliver regular employee training on information security awareness to mitigate risks.

21. Budget & Cost Control

22. Prepare and manage annual IT budgets, controlling procurement costs and optimizing resource allocation.

23. Evaluate IT investments to ensure strong ROI and minimize waste.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Information Management, or a related field.
• 5+ years of IT experience in manufacturing, with at least 2+ years in a managerial role.
• Familiarity with electronics manufacturing processes is preferred; experience in manufacturing operations is required.
• Prior experience in IT setup/management for multinational companies or local Brazilian manufacturing facilities is a plus.
• Strong technical expertise in network architecture, database management, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
• Proven experience in implementing and maintaining ERP, MES, OA, and other enterprise systems.
• Knowledge of IT frameworks and compliance requirements (ISO 27001, GDPR, Brazil's LGPD, etc.).
• Fluent in Portuguese and English (verbal and written). Proficiency in Mandarin is a plus.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate cross-functionally and explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.