Associate Director IT-Applications, Analytics & AI

We are seeking a dynamic and seasoned Associate Director of IT to lead our Application Development, Analytics & AI team. This pivotal role will leverage Microsoft platforms, including Dynamics 365, Power Platform, Fabric, CoPilot Studio, and more, to drive innovation, enhance efficiency, and provide strategic insights across the organization. This leadership position requires both strategic vision and tactical expertise, excellence in business processes, and a deep understanding of Microsoft platforms

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy:

• Develop and implement IT strategies for application development, analytics, and AI in collaboration with key business partners to ensure alignment with business goals.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of solution architects, developers, analysts, and third-party providers.
• Foster a culture of customer focus, world-class quality, and effective communication, emphasizing decisive, fast-moving solutions, quick and constructive conflict resolution, and a "no barriers" mentality.

• Application Development:
• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of all applications that IT supports within Mizkan. This currently includes Microsoft platforms of D365, Power Platform, and CoPilot Studio, Fabric, and other tools such as Boomi, To Increase to support EDI and integrations to third party systems such as MercuryGate, Exceedra, Coupa, Blue Yonder, Dynaway, Fastpath, Boomi, To Increase, etc.
• Ensure best practices in software development, including agile methodologies and use of DevOps.
• Manage the lifecycle of applications, from concept, development, testing, delivery, and maintenance.
• Implement robust D365 security practices to ensure segregation of duties and effective license management using FastPath.
• Analytics and AI:
• Implement and manage analytics solutions to provide actionable insights.
• Utilize Power BI and other tools to create dashboards and reports.
• Drive data-driven decision-making across the organization.
• Support the AI strategy for the organization through implementation
• Project Management:
• Lead and manage IT projects, ensuring timely delivery and within budget.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project execution
• Monitor project progress and address any issues or risks.
• Document business requirements, identify and implement solutions to address
• Technology and Innovation:
• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies with focus on application development, analytics, and AI
• Evaluate and recommend new tools and technologies to enhance business and IT capabilities.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field or equivalent experience
• Proven experience in IT leadership roles, with a focus on application development and analytics.
• 6 years expertise in implementing or supporting Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance & Operations, Power Platform, and integration tools such as Boomi
• Strong knowledge of software development methodologies, including agile and DevOps, firsthand experience preferred
• Understand the concept and support of EDI transactions
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication and people skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A passion for learning, teamed with business sense and time management, and you know how to manage expectations effectively across stakeholders
• Experience managing and selecting external vendor partners
• Curiosity to seek out innovative technologies and industry standards, best practices, and trends and apply them to day-to-day delivery
• You know how to apply best practices in software architecture design and development to solve mission critical business opportunities
• Comfortable facilitating discussions with cross functional teams across business areas & processes; outline options, pros and cons of design decisions and know when to challenge ‘what is’ with what’s ‘better.
• Experience in CPG, Food Manufacturing environments.
  
  

The annual base salary for this position ranges from $185,300 to $210,000.

Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience. Short-Term Incentive and other forms of compensation may also be provided as part of a total compensation package.

A full range of medical, dental, vision, 401K plus up-to-four percent (4%) match, profit sharing, wellness program, paid parental leave, long-term-care insurance, critical accident insurance, short- and long-term disability and education assistance are also available.