Interim Director of Information Technology
6 months, potentially longer
Hybrid in Duluth
Overview
Seeking a Director of IT to lead technology strategy and operations across a global environment. The company designs and distributes consumer goods and accessories, provides digital tools and business solutions, and delivers high levels of quality and service to customers worldwide. It is a values-based organization focused on customer centric digital capabilities and continuous operational efficiency.
This is a hands on, relationship driven leadership role managing a small internal team while directing a largely outsourced IT operating model. As a player coach, this leader will enable the business through the right technology tools, strong vendor partnerships, and practical process improvement across global operations.
Current Team and Operating Model
• One internal IT Manager leads Help Desk and cybersecurity operations; the Director will mentor and develop this role.
• A long standing outsourced provider in India delivers global help desk support, application support, and development on the CRM platform, including homegrown tools for operations and supply chain.
• The environment spans North America and multiple global entities, some on AS 400. Global IT alignment is a key priority.
• The tech stack is primarily Microsoft: Azure, Outlook, Teams, Dynamics. AI adoption for call center tooling is under early exploration.
• Culture is high tenure, values driven, decisive, and lean, with fast decision making and close collaboration.
Strategic Context
• Current ERP is legacy; long term plans include migrating to a modern ERP with minimal retraining.
• IT spans five capability areas that must stay coordinated: infrastructure/network, end user services, applications/integrations, data/analytics, and cybersecurity.
• The Director will define the path forward, set priorities, and oversee a large footprint of third party and niche applications.
• Engagement may begin as interim, with strong potential for long term fit.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Team Oversight
• Lead and mentor the internal IT Manager.
• Provide guidance to outsourced partners managing infrastructure, app support, and cybersecurity.
• Foster a collaborative, service oriented culture across warehouses, sales, and corporate teams.
• Align work across the five IT capability areas.
Vendor and Partner Management
• Serve as primary point of contact for the India based MSP, cybersecurity partners, ERP/WMS vendors, CRM/ecommerce providers, and ByteWorks.
• Hold vendors accountable for SLAs and coordinated support.
• Work with parent company cybersecurity and internal audit to align standards and improve maturity.
Digital Experience, Websites, and Ecommerce
• Oversee global websites and ecommerce platform performance and evolution.
• Partner with Marketing, Sales, and Product on customer facing digital capabilities.
• Manage outsourced development and ensure secure, scalable, high quality digital experiences.
• Oversee integrations with ERP, CRM, and backend systems.
Hands On Technical Contribution
• Provide escalation support for complex technical issues.
• Participate in troubleshooting, system improvement, and technology decisions.
• Support ERP, WMS, CRM, ecommerce, and related integrations.
Operational Excellence
• Ensure stable, secure, efficient IT operations globally.
• Oversee IT asset management, licensing, and procurement.
• Maintain a strong cybersecurity posture with internal and outsourced partners.
Practical Planning and Project Execution
• Identify and prioritize improvements across operations, customer experience, and continuity.
• Lead projects such as system upgrades, hardware refreshes, cloud adoption, and process optimization.
• Partner with business stakeholders globally to scope and deliver initiatives.
Required Qualifications
• 8–12+ years progressive IT experience, including leadership.
• Experience managing MSPs.
• Strong technical foundation across infrastructure, networking, cloud, and enterprise applications (Microsoft shops with AWS and Azure)
• Background in distribution, manufacturing, or similar environments.
• Ability to balance leadership, vendor management, and hands on work.
• Strong communication and relationship skills.
• Experience working in Microsoft shops with AWS and Azure
Preferred
• Experience with mid market ERP/WMS systems, including legacy and AS 400.
• Experience with ecommerce and customer facing digital tools.
• Familiarity with cybersecurity frameworks and outsourced security models.
• ITIL, network/security, or cloud certifications.
What Makes This Role Appealing
• Player coach blend of leadership, vendor oversight, and hands on contribution.
• High visibility with minimal bureaucracy.
• Opportunity to modernize systems and unify global IT.
• Influence how internal and outsourced teams work together.
• Flexibility for interim engagement with potential for permanent placement.