IT Site Lead at Kruger Inc.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The IT Site Lead is a strategic leader within the plant, responsible for ensuring the efficient, secure, and continuous operation of all IT systems, processes, and digital initiatives on site. Reporting into the divisional IT Business Partner organization and working in close partnership with the Plant General Manager, this role serves as the primary conduit between Plant Operations and Enterprise IT, overseeing both day-to-day technology enablement and long-term digital transformation.
As the IT face of the plant, the Site Lead takes care of leading the IT-OT integration, ensures compliance with cybersecurity and infrastructure standards, supports local execution of enterprise programs, and advocates for plant needs within broader IT governance forums. This position plays a critical role in supporting manufacturing efficiency, operational excellence (OPEX), safety, and innovation by driving digital maturity on the shop floor and beyond.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITITIES
Strategic IT Leadership at the Plant
Serve as the primary IT point of contact at the plant, bridging enterprise IT strategy with operational execution.
Represent IT in daily plant leadership meetings, safety huddles, and capital planning discussions.
Participate in long-term plant strategy, OPEX planning, and digital transformation initiatives.
IT Operations Management
Ensure the reliability, availability, and security of all on-site IT infrastructure, applications, and end-user services.
Oversee the local IT environment including PCs, printers, HMIs, SCADA, network connectivity, and shop floor technology.
Coordinate with corporate IT and vendors to manage system upgrades, lifecycle management, and patching.
IT-OT Integration & Shop Floor Support
Provide functional oversight of key plant systems such as GE Proficy, OSI PI, SCADA, and SAP PM/QM.
Support automation teams and engineering with technology that integrates with OT environments.
Lead and participate in troubleshooting complex incidents that impact production or maintenance operations.
Cybersecurity, Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with corporate IT security policies, backup strategies, and recovery procedures.
Conduct periodic audits and risk assessments related to IT infrastructure and OT systems.
Act as the first line of defense in cybersecurity events or escalations at the site.
IT Project Execution
Support rollout of enterprise or local IT initiatives — MES upgrades, mobile enablement, predictive maintenance, etc.
Track project progress, escalate blockers, and coordinate end-user training and communications.
Provide input into business cases for local or divisional IT investments.
End-User Enablement & Collaboration
Guide and coach end users on IT tools, digital best practices, and support processes.
Coordinate deskside support technicians (on-site or remote) and ensure timely incident resolution.
Escalate user issues appropriately while maintaining a high level of customer service and plant awareness.
Plant Leadership Partnership
Build trusted relationships with Plant Managers, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Engineering leaders.
Provide reporting, metrics, and updates on IT health, incidents, and upcoming changes.
Champion a “one team” mindset between local and central IT.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following:
Information Systems
Engineering
Computer Science
Operations Management

Advanced certifications are assets:
ITIL, CompTIA, or Cisco (CCNA) for IT operations
SAP (PM/QM) or MES/SCADA platforms (e.g., GE, OSI PI)
Lean Six Sigma, if participating in OPEX programs

EXPERIENCE
Minimum 7-10 years experience in a similar position.
Understanding of business operations within the plant.
Deep understanding of hardware, software, and network systems.
Strong knowledge of IT tools (e.g., ServiceNow), platforms, and operational processes.
Awareness of cybersecurity principles and compliance standards.
Familiarity with IT service management tools.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Leadership and team coordination.
Strong problem-solving and critical thinking.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Technical proficiency across IT infrastructure.
Ability to work independently and make decisions.
Stress management and adaptability under pressure.
Conflict resolution and influencing ability.
Some site locations require written and spoken English and French communication.

Knowledge of English is required for this specific position as Kruger deals with partners across North America and the successful candidate will be required to communicate frequently with them. Kruger has taken all reasonable steps to avoid imposing English language requirements, including assessing the actual language needs associated with the duties to be performed, ensuring that the language skills already required of other employees were insufficient for the performance of those duties, and limiting as much as possible the number of positions with duties requiring English language skills.

A job at Kruger means :

Competitive Compensation

Stimulating Work Environment

Wide Range of Benefits

Numerous Growth Opportunities