Smart Factory Manager / Digital Manufacturing Transformation Manager / IT-OT Integration Manager, 26-15023

Smart Factory Manager / Digital Manufacturing Transformation Manager / IT-OT Integration Manager, 26-15023

The Short Scoop

This is one of those roles that doesn’t come along very often.

Our client is a financially strong, family-owned global manufacturer that is making a significant investment in Industry 4.0 across its manufacturing network. They’re looking for someone who can help build the Smart Factory strategy, not just maintain what’s already in place.

If you enjoy connecting manufacturing with technology, helping plants become more data-driven, and influencing the direction of digital manufacturing, I think you’ll find this role interesting.

Location: Racine, WI

Work Arrangement: Hybrid after a 90-day onboarding period (one work-from-home day each week)

Compensation: $150,000-$170,000 plus Bonus, Long-Term Incentives and Relocation Assistance

Here’s What Caught My Attention About This Role

There are a lot of Smart Factory jobs out there; here is why this one stands out.

• You’re not walking into someone else’s roadmap. You’ll have the opportunity to help create it.
• This isn’t about supporting one manufacturing facility. You’ll help influence manufacturing operations across a global organization.
• You’ll work closely with manufacturing, engineering, and IT leaders because this role sits right in the middle of all three.
• The company is investing in digital manufacturing and wants someone who can help determine where those investments should go.
• If you enjoy stepping back, looking at the big picture, and helping shape where manufacturing is headed over the next several years, I think you’ll appreciate what this role offers.

Why You Should Apply

• Lead high-visibility Smart Factory initiatives with direct exposure to executives.
• Join a privately held, family-owned company that thinks long-term and continues to invest in its people and technology.
• Help shape the future of digital manufacturing across a global enterprise.
• Work with talented manufacturing, engineering, and IT teams.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package, bonus opportunities, and excellent benefits.

Benefits Include

• Annual bonus plus long-term incentives
• Profit sharing and 401(k) with matching
• Retirement plan
• Relocation assistance
• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage
• Healthcare Flex Account
• Wellness Dollars
• Paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• Parental Leave
• Paid sabbaticals (after set duration of time – kind of cool)
• Flexible work arrangements
• On-site fitness center and wellness programs
• Professional development and training
• Legal assistance
• Pet insurance
• Domestic partner benefits
• Short & Long term disability
• Paid Holidays – 15 days

Having recruited for many companies over the years, we can confidently say this is a premium benefits package. This company truly cares about its employees and invests in the health and wellness of each team member.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Define and maintain the Smart Factory vision, roadmap, and multi-year digital manufacturing strategy.
• Lead digital maturity assessments across manufacturing sites and prioritize investment opportunities.
• Oversee IT-OT integration involving MES, ERP, SCADA, historians, PLCs, edge computing, and connected factory technologies.
• Lead Smart Factory initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Evaluate Industry 4.0 technologies including Industrial IoT (IIoT), AI/ML, digital twins, predictive maintenance and advanced analytics.
• Partner with business leaders and technology vendors to establish enterprise digital manufacturing standards.
• Communicate progress and strategy with executive leadership and plant management.

We’re Looking For Someone Who Has Most Of The Following

• Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
• Seven or more years of experience in Smart Manufacturing, Digital Manufacturing, Manufacturing Transformation, IT-OT Integration, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Automation, or similar environments.
• Experience with MES, SCADA, PLCs, Industrial IoT (IIoT), automation systems, historians, and ERP/MES integrations.
• Experience leading Smart Factory, Connected Factory, or Industry 4.0 initiatives.
• Strong understanding of IT-OT convergence.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Understanding of cybersecurity principles within OT environments.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

One quick note: If your background is primarily as a Controls Engineer or PLC Programmer, this probably isn’t the right fit. This role is right for someone who has stepped back from the technology and helped lead Smart Factory or digital manufacturing initiatives across an organization.

If you’ve read this far and you’re thinking, “This sounds a lot like what I’ve been doing,” I’d encourage you to apply.

How To Apply

The easiest way to get started is by applying through the normal LinkedIn application process.

If your resume isn’t completely up to date, don’t let that stop you. Apply anyway.

If you have a question about the role before applying, feel free to email me directly at teambradley123 (at) gmail (dot) com. I’m always happy to chat.

From The Recruiter’s Desk

I’ve been recruiting in technology for quite some time, and one thing I’ve learned is that you can usually tell when a company is looking to hire someone for a job versus looking for someone to build a career with them.

They’re looking for the right person who brings expertise to the table and has the drive to grow alongside the company.

Setting Expectations

We’d truly love to personally respond to everyone who applies. Unfortunately, due to the volume of applications we receive, that isn’t always possible. If your background appears to be a strong match, we’ll be in touch as quickly as we can.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship is not available for this position.
• This is not a remote role.
• Hybrid schedule available after the 90-day onboarding period (one work-from-home day per week).
• Domestic relocation assistance is available.
• Equal Opportunity Employer.