IT Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: IT Director (AI)

Location: Haimen, China

Reporting line: General Manager

About the company

Our client is a well-established global industrial manufacturing organization with a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence, innovation, and high-performance metal solutions serving diversified industries worldwide. With manufacturing and commercial operations across Europe, Asia, and North America, the company is recognized for its strong technical capabilities, operational quality standards, and commitment to continuous improvement.

As part of its strategic growth and operational transformation in Asia, the company is seeking an experienced IT Director (AI) to lead its technology strategy across manufacturing operations and corporate functions in Haimen, China. Reporting to executive leadership, this role will drive enterprise-wide IT initiatives, modernize technology infrastructure, and champion the adoption of AI, automation, and Industry 4.0 solutions to enhance operational excellence, business performance, and innovation. The successful candidate will serve as a strategic business partner, aligning technology investments with organizational objectives while building a future-ready digital ecosystem that supports sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

IT Strategy & Leadership

Develop and execute the company's overall IT strategy aligned with business objectives and global growth plans.

Lead enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives across manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, finance, sales, and corporate functions.

Serve as a trusted technology advisor to senior leadership, identifying opportunities where technology and AI can create measurable business value.

Build and lead a high-performing IT organization while fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

AI Strategy & Digital Innovation

Develop and implement the company's AI strategy, identifying practical use cases that deliver measurable business value.

Drive the adoption of Generative AI, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Intelligent Automation, and Computer Vision solutions.

Lead enterprise AI governance, ensuring responsible deployment, data quality, security, and compliance.

Collaborate with business leaders to translate operational challenges into scalable digital and AI-enabled solutions.

Manufacturing Technology

Lead digital manufacturing initiatives supporting Industry 4.0 transformation.

Improve manufacturing performance through smart factory technologies, IoT, automation, MES, predictive maintenance, and advanced production analytics.

Enhance integration between manufacturing systems and enterprise platforms to enable real-time operational visibility.

Enterprise Systems

Oversee the company's enterprise applications landscape, including ERP, CRM, BI, data platforms, and business applications.

Ensure seamless integration across business systems while optimizing scalability, reliability, and user experience.

Drive cloud transformation initiatives and modern enterprise architecture.

Infrastructure, Cybersecurity & Governance

Ensure secure, reliable, and scalable IT infrastructure across all business locations.

Develop cybersecurity strategies, disaster recovery planning, risk management, and IT governance frameworks.

Establish policies that ensure compliance with corporate standards and applicable regulations.

Vendor & Budget Management

Manage IT investments, budgets, and technology roadmaps to maximize business value.

Evaluate and manage strategic technology vendors, solution providers, and consulting partners.

Lead technology procurement, contract negotiations, and performance management.

Key Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related discipline; a Master's degree is an advantage.

12+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, including experience at IT Manager, Head of IT, or Director level.

Proven experience leading enterprise IT organizations within manufacturing, industrial, metals, automotive, chemicals, or similarly complex production environments.

Demonstrated success delivering enterprise digital transformation and AI initiatives with measurable business impact.

Strong knowledge of AI technologies, including Generative AI, Machine Learning, Predictive Analytics, Automation, and Data Analytics.

Hands-on experience with ERP platforms (SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, or equivalent), MES, cloud technologies, enterprise architecture, and systems integration.

Strong understanding of Industry 4.0, IoT, manufacturing technologies, and smart factory initiatives.

Solid background in cybersecurity, IT governance, infrastructure management, and digital innovation.

Excellent strategic thinking, business acumen, stakeholder management, and leadership capabilities.

Experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with regional or global stakeholders.

Strong English communication skills, both written and spoken.