IT Plant Manager - job 3 of 4

The IT Plant Manager at Piston Automotive is tasked with ensuring all IT systems—including software and hardware—are operational during production hours. This role also involves managing the budget for IT expenses, overseeing plant IT support staff, and ensuring data integrity across various systems. Additionally, the IT Plant Manager prepares infrastructure plans, manages hardware and software installations, and handles user workstation provisions.

To qualify for the IT Plant Manager position at Piston Automotive, candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field. A minimum of four years of experience in an IT Manager role in a manufacturing environment, particularly in the automotive industry, is essential. Familiarity with Manufacturing Execution Systems and ERP systems, as well as strong technical skills such as SQL and network management, are also required.

Piston Automotive not only offers competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans, but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork. As an IT Plant Manager, you’ll get to work in an environment that values innovation and encourages professional development, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals in the automotive IT sector to thrive.

The IT Plant Manager at Piston Automotive contributes to continuous improvement by managing the integration of systems and ensuring data integrity, which allows for informed decision-making and operational efficiencies. Through collaboration with cross-functional teams, you’ll drive initiatives that improve technology use on the shop floor and streamline IT operations to align with corporate objectives.

At Piston Automotive, the IT Plant Manager is encouraged to train and develop direct reports, fostering a culture of growth and learning. Opportunities for ongoing education and certifications in IT and leadership, as well as access to resources for professional development, are available to ensure that managers continuously enhance their skills in a rapidly evolving industry.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of your previous roles where you managed IT operations. Detail your responsibilities, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. Highlight your familiarity with manufacturing software systems and any relevant metrics that demonstrate your success.

Discuss your approach to data management, including any tools or protocols you use to maintain accuracy and reliability. Emphasize your knowledge of integration techniques between various IT systems, and provide examples of past experiences where you ensured data integrity in your previous roles.

Focus on your experience with budget management by discussing the techniques you employ to track spending, forecast expenses, and ensure cost-effectiveness. Share examples of your prior budget management experiences, illustrating your ability to allocate resources efficiently while meeting operational needs.

Provide a concise explanation of your hands-on experience with MES, mentioning specific systems you have worked with. Describe how you integrated MES with other applications, the benefits it brought to your previous organization, and any challenges you had to navigate.

Discuss the process you follow for successful installations, including planning, collaboration with other departments, testing, and training staff post-installation. Share a specific instance where your attention to detail ensured a smooth installation process.

Highlight your leadership style and strategies for developing and empowering your team. Discuss how you encourage professional growth, delegate tasks, and resolve team conflicts in a constructive manner, showcasing your ability to lead high-performance teams.

Emphasize the importance of transparent communication in your role as an IT Plant Manager. Discuss how you keep stakeholders informed, gather feedback and work collaboratively with teams to preemptively identify issues before they escalate.

Explain how you keep yourself updated through continuous learning, attending industry conferences, and participating in relevant courses. Mention specific resources, such as industry publications and online courses, emphasizing your commitment to staying informed about emerging technologies.

Detail your direct experience with managing a network, including setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting network configurations. Provide examples of situations where you successfully resolved network issues under pressure to ensure minimal downtime.

Describe your approach, which could involve assessing needs, gathering input from stakeholders, developing a project plan, and executing training. Use a specific example to illustrate the steps you would take and how you would measure the initiative’s success post-implementation.