Director, Operational Technology

From a small family business to a multi-billion-dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive.

Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.

Primary Responsibilities:

Formulate and Execute OT Strategies: Develop and implement OT strategies, policies, and procedures to align OT solutions with business requirements and IT objectives.

Technical Evaluation: Assist in the technical assessment of new OT investments and modifications to existing applications, translating these demands into an architectural blueprint.

Leadership: Provide leadership to IT and OT teams, ensuring they are well-trained and equipped to perform their roles.

System Oversight: Oversee the design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of industrial control systems and other IT and OT infrastructure components.

Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to enhance manufacturing processes by integrating and optimizing OT systems.

Data Analysis: Analyze data from OT systems to pinpoint bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.

Risk Management: Identify and manage risks associated with IT and OT infrastructure, including security, compliance, and operational risks. Ensure adherence to relevant IT and OT regulations and standards, such as NERC-CIP, NIST, and other pertinent frameworks.

Collaboration: Collaborate with Business Unit Leaders, engineering teams, production managers, quality assurance, IT, and other stakeholders to understand their OT needs and develop solutions that fulfill them.

Budget Management: Manage IT and OT budgets, ensuring expenditures align with business objectives and deliver value to the company.

Vendor Collaboration: Collaborate with vendors, system integrators, and internal teams to optimize the performance and reliability of OT systems.

Project Participation: Participate in cross-functional projects and initiatives to drive continuous improvement and innovation in the manufacturing environment.

Mentorship: Guide junior engineers and technicians, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and skill development.

Compliance: Ensure adherence to relevant industry standards, regulations, and safety guidelines in all aspects of OT system design, implementation, and operation.

Training: Develop and oversee training sessions and workshops for end-users to ensure they effectively understand and utilize OT systems.

Problem-Solving Skills: Demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills and strategic thinking and drive innovation and change.

Project Management: Show a track record of managing multiple projects with demonstrated results on a macro scale.

Team Collaboration: Exhibit diverse and global teaming and collaboration.

Knowledge & Skills Required:

Qualifications:

An advanced degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Management Information Systems, or a related field.

Experience:

A minimum of 15 years of experience in increasingly senior roles, working in manufacturing or with manufacturing operations leaders.

Strong emphasis on manufacturing operations technologies.

Expertise:

In-depth experience in at least two to three of the following processes and the technologies that support them:

Manufacturing Operations

Production Management

Manufacturing Engineering

Operations Excellence/Continuous Improvements

Production Automation

Production Logistics

Technical Skills:

Knowledge of OT technologies, such as SCADA, process control systems, MES, industrial networks, and related protocols (e.g., OPC, Modbus, TCP/IP).

Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, automation, data analytics, and optimization techniques.

Broad knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices, particularly as they apply to OT systems.

Some knowledge in programming languages commonly used in OT environments (e.g., PLC programming, ladder logic, HMI/SCADA scripting, PL/SQL, T-SQL, OOP).

Soft Skills:

Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.

Education Required:

University/College degree (AA, BA, BS)

Education Preferred:

Master’s Degree

Experience:

10+ years of experience in a leadership role managing large-scale IT projects; Excellent interpersonal and people skills; Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills; Ability to prioritize and display a high level of adaptability/flexibility while handling job responsibilities

At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. *Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services

Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family

Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance

Tuition reimbursement

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.

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