Director IT & AI Innovation Conax Technologies - 2.9 Buffalo, NY Job Details $140,000 - $190,000 a year 8 hours ago Qualifications Optimizing workflow processes Technology purchasing Managing technical support teams AI use case identification Establishing vendor partnerships Systems integration Managerial strategic planning Strategic management Azure Business intelligence Bachelor's degree in information technology Computer Science Linux support Project management experience in technology Tooling IT transformation Team leadership 5 years Implementing cloud migration projects System performance optimization IT vision strategy Operations transformation Business intelligence report generation Software implementation Performance Reporting Process improvement NetSuite Enterprise solutions implementation Public Cloud AI platforms (beyond public GPTs) Full Job Description Technology Leader | Enterprise IT | AI-Enabled Business Transformation | Manufacturing Innovation We are seeking a hands-on, business-minded technology leader to lead enterprise IT operations and accelerate practical AI innovation across a multi-location manufacturing environment. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an IT leader who can operate strategically while staying close enough to the technology to drive execution, solve complex problems, and deliver measurable business value. The Director of IT & AI Innovation will serve as the company's technology catalyst by owning the reliability, security, and scalability of core systems while identifying and deploying AI-enabled solutions that improve business workflows, execution, visibility, effectiveness, and operational decision-making. The Opportunity Lead enterprise

IT:

Own global IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, systems administration, and technology support across manufacturing and corporate location.

Turn AI into business advantage:

Move beyond AI theory by building, selecting, and implementing practical tools that automate processes, improve reporting, and increase team productivity. Shape the digital backbone of manufacturing: Serve as the functional and technical leader for our Odoo ERP and related business systems spanning engineering, production, inventory, finance, and commercial teams.

Partner across the business:

Translate complex technical possibilities into clear business outcomes.

What You Will Lead IT Operations & Infrastructure:

Lead day-to-day and long-range IT operations, including systems administration, network security, uptime, user support, hardware/software lifecycle management, and multi-site technology readiness.

AI Innovation & Automation:

Identify, pilot, and deploy AI-enabled tools that reduce manual work, improve knowledge flow, accelerate engineering and sales cycles, and strengthen decision-making.

ERP & Business Systems:

Own the performance, adoption, optimization, and integration of Odoo MRP/ERP and related platforms across engineering, production, inventory, finance, and reporting functions.

Business Reporting & Analytics:

Build reliable, scalable reporting capabilities that give leaders clear visibility into performance, trends, risks, and opportunities.

Team Leadership:

Lead, mentor, and scale a lean, high-performing team of IT system administrators and ERP coordinators while maintaining strong service delivery standards.

Strategic Projects:

Plan and execute critical technology initiatives, including facility expansions, cloud migrations, security improvements, system upgrades, and vendor transitions.

Vendor & Budget Management:

Negotiate with ISPs, software providers, hardware partners, and technology vendors to maximize service quality, cost discipline, and return on investment. What Success Looks Like Enterprise systems are stable, secure, scalable, and responsive to business needs. AI and automation initiatives move from concept to measurable adoption, improving speed, accuracy, and productivity across departments. Odoo and related business systems become stronger engines for operational visibility, workflow discipline, and cross-functional alignment. Leaders have access to clear, trusted reporting that supports faster and better decisions. The IT team is respected as a proactive business partner, not just a support function. The Ideal Candidate You are a technically credible IT leader who earns trust through execution. You are equally comfortable discussing digital strategy with senior leadership, solving infrastructure issues with your team, evaluating ERP workflows with operations, and experimenting with AI tools that create immediate business value. Strategic thinker with a strong bias for action and practical implementation. Hands-on technical leader with broad infrastructure, security, cloud, ERP, and support experience. Clear communicator who can translate technology into business outcomes. Curious innovator who understands how to apply AI responsibly and effectively in real business environments. Collaborative leader who builds credibility across executive, operational, and technical audiences. Resilient problem-solver who thrives in fast-moving manufacturing or engineered-products environments. Preferred Background The strongest candidates will bring a blend of executive presence, technical depth, manufacturing fluency, and demonstrated success turning technology into competitive advantage. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field preferred; equivalent hands-on experience will be considered. 5+ years of progressive IT experience, including leadership responsibility in a manufacturing, engineered-products, or multi-site operating environment. Hands-on expertise with enterprise infrastructure, Windows/Linux server administration, cloud environments such as AWS or Azure, network security, and hardware/software troubleshooting. Direct experience managing and optimizing Odoo or a comparable mid-market ERP system such as NetSuite, Epicor, or Infor. Demonstrated ability to evaluate, implement, and scale AI or automation tools that improve business workflows and decision-making. Strong project management capability across system upgrades, cloud migrations, facility expansions, vendor transitions, and cross-functional technology initiatives. Why This Role Stands Out This is not a maintenance-only IT role. It is an opportunity to define how a manufacturing business uses technology, data, ERP discipline, and AI to work smarter, move faster, and compete more effectively. For a technology leader who wants ownership, visibility, and the ability to make a tangible impact, this role offers a rare combination of strategy, execution, and innovation. Ready to lead the next chapter of IT and AI innovation? We invite accomplished technology leaders to bring their vision, technical depth, and execution mindset to a role where their work will be visible, valued, and business-critical. Salary ranges for this position vary by job location and are determined based on experience, reflecting our commitment to recognizing individual expertise and contributions. Successful Candidate must be able to meet U.S. export control requirements (ITAR/EAR) to gain access to technical data. This position requires access to technology that is subject to U.S. export control regulations. Candidates must be eligible for employment in the US and meet the requirements of ITAR. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on any legally protected status. Qualified applicants will receive consideration based on merit and business needs, and reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. This job description is not intended to be all‑inclusive, and duties or requirements may change as business needs evolve. Employment is at will and may be terminated by either the employee or the company at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.