Challenge Manufacturing · 5 hours ago
IT Operations Manager
Grand Rapids, MI
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
7+ years expChallenge Manufacturing is a leading tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies for the global automotive industry, committed to operational excellence. They are seeking an experienced IT Operations Manager to oversee and improve IT operations across their multi-plant environment, ensuring the stability and performance of enterprise systems.
AutomotiveIndustrialManufacturing
Responsibilities
Oversee enterprise and plant-level IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, virtualization (Hyper-V, Nutanix), networking, and backup systems
Ensure IT systems and data management practices comply with IATF 16949 and customer-specific audit requirements, including data retention and traceability
Direct ERP (Plex) operational support, including production reporting, label management, EDI transactions, and integration with Quality and Finance systems
Own business continuity and disaster-recovery planning; conduct semi-annual testing and validation
Develop, maintain, and track IT KPIs – system uptime, MTTR, incident closure rates, SLA adherence, and cost performance
Lead service-delivery operations using ITIL best practices: Incident, Problem, Change, and Configuration Management
Manage IT asset lifecycle, ensuring compliance with license renewals, warranties, and End-of-Life (EOL) schedules
Oversee vendor contracts, licensing, budgeting, and financial forecasting for IT operations
Support compliance and internal/external audits related to IATF 16949, SOX, cybersecurity, and data privacy
Maintain secure and reliable EDI and customer-portal connectivity with OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers
Drive IT process standardization, documentation, and continuous improvement across all facilities
Coach and mentor IT and Service Desk teams, fostering a high-performance, customer-focused culture
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related discipline
7–10 years of progressive IT experience, including at least 3 years in a leadership or managerial role supporting manufacturing operations
Proven track record in managing multi-plant networks, ERP systems, and enterprise infrastructure
Strong knowledge of Windows Server environments, Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, Group Policy, and Microsoft 365 administration
Experience with Azure AD, Intune endpoint management, and infrastructure/cybersecurity tools such as SentinelOne, Varonis, SolarWinds, Cisco ISE, or ManageEngine
Familiarity with compliance and audit frameworks including IATF 16949, ISO 27001, NIST 800-171, TISAX, SOX, and data privacy standards
Demonstrated success leading IT teams using ITIL service management principles
Experience in vendor management, IT budget control, and project delivery
Ability to lead cross-functional IT projects that enhance service delivery, reduce downtime, or support multi-plant standardization and infrastructure upgrades
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills, with a customer service mindset
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-volume automotive manufacturing environment
Preferred
Master's degree in IT Management, Business Administration, or related technical field
ERP systems (Plex ERP or similar platforms)
PMP, ITIL, or CISSP certification
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Health Savings Account with annual employer contributions
Flexible Spending Accounts
Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability options
Employer 401k Match
ESOP shares
Tuition reimbursement
Referral Bonus Program
Challenge Incentive Program
Paid time off
Company
Challenge Manufacturing
Challenge Manufacturing is an automotive company offering stamped and welded automotive assemblies.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Challenge Manufacturing has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (9)
2024 (11)
2023 (11)
2022 (13)
2021 (6)
2020 (7)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$100M2021-02-02Debt Financing· $100M
Leadership Team
Doug Bradley
President & CEO
Recent News
2025-08-05
Business Wire
2023-10-16
Company data provided by crunchbase