Head/Deputy General Manager - Information Technology - Manufacturing

IT General Manager / DGM Manufacturing

Location: Singadivakkam, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu

Department: Information Technology

Employment Type: Full-Time

Level: Senior Management

Role Overview:

We are looking for an experienced IT General Manager / DGM to lead the overall IT function for a large manufacturing organization. The role will have end-to-end responsibility for IT Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, IT/OT Security, SAP, MES, Business Applications, IT Projects, Plant IT and Vendor Management. The ideal candidate should have strong experience working in a manufacturing/plant environment, with the ability to align technology strategy with business and manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. IT Infrastructure & Plant IT:

• Lead IT infrastructure across corporate and manufacturing/plant locations.
• Manage servers, networks, data centers, storage, cloud, end-user computing and connectivity.
• Ensure high availability, reliability and scalability of IT systems.
• Develop infrastructure architecture, technology roadmap and lifecycle plans.
• Drive disaster recovery, business continuity, backup and system availability initiatives.
• Lead cloud adoption and infrastructure modernization initiatives.
• Ensure effective IT support for plant operations with minimum downtime.

2. IT/OT Security & Cybersecurity:

• Develop and implement the organization's overall cybersecurity strategy.
• Lead IT/OT security across manufacturing plants and enterprise environments.
• Manage network security, endpoint security, IAM, DLP, cloud security and vulnerability management.
• Lead cybersecurity incident response and risk mitigation.
• Ensure compliance with relevant security standards such as ISO 27001, NIST and CIS Controls.
• Coordinate security audits, penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
• Drive cybersecurity awareness across the organization.

3. SAP, MES & Business Applications:

• Own the strategy and management of enterprise applications including SAP, MES and other business applications.
• Ensure effective integration between SAP, MES and shop-floor/OT systems.
• Manage SAP landscape, upgrades, enhancements and application support.
• Oversee MES systems supporting production planning, shop-floor data collection, quality and OEE.
• Partner with Manufacturing, Finance, Supply Chain, HR and other business functions to identify technology requirements.
• Ensure application availability and SLA adherence.
• Drive automation and digital transformation initiatives across manufacturing operations.

4. IT Project & Digital Transformation:

• Lead large-scale IT implementation and digital transformation projects.
• Manage project scope, timelines, budgets, resources and risks.
• Establish IT project governance and PMO practices.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, system integrators and technology partners.
• Ensure successful implementation, adoption and post-go-live support.
• Identify opportunities for process automation and technology-led productivity improvements.

5. Vendor & Commercial Management:

• Manage strategic relationships with IT OEMs, system integrators, MSPs and technology vendors.
• Lead vendor selection, negotiations, contracts and SLA management.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure delivery against agreed KPIs.
• Manage IT budgets, licensing, AMC and technology procurement.
• Drive cost optimization without compromising service quality or security.

6. IT Leadership & Governance:

• Lead and mentor teams across infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, plant IT and project management.
• Define the IT strategy and technology roadmap aligned with business objectives.
• Prepare and manage the annual IT budget.
• Establish IT policies, SOPs and governance frameworks.
• Present IT performance, risks, projects and technology initiatives to senior management.
• Drive a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Candidate Requirements:

• 20- 25+ years of overall IT experience, with significant experience in senior IT leadership roles.
• Experience in a large manufacturing organization is mandatory/preferred.
• Should have managed IT operations supporting manufacturing plants/shop-floor environments.
• Strong exposure to SAP and MES.
• Strong understanding of IT Infrastructure, Cybersecurity and IT/OT environments.
• Experience managing large IT teams and multiple technology functions.
• Strong experience in IT project/program management.
• Proven experience in vendor management, contract negotiations and IT budgeting.
• Strong stakeholder management and business partnering skills.

Education:

• Full-time BE/B.Tech from a reputed engineering institution is mandatory.
• Preferred backgrounds: Computer Science, Information Technology, Electronics, Electrical or related engineering disciplines.
• MBA / Master's degree will be an added advantage.

Preferred Certifications:

• PMP / PRINCE2
• CISSP / CISM
• ITIL
• SAP certifications
• AWS / Azure / GCP certifications