IT Business Relationship Manager

First Quality was founded in 1989 and has grown to be a global privately held company with over 4,000 employees. Its corporate offices are located in Great Neck, New York, with manufacturing facilities and offices in Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Georgia, and Canada. First Quality is a diversified family of companies manufacturing consumer products ranging from Absorbent Hygiene (adult incontinence, feminine care, and baby care), Tissue (bath and towel), and Industrial (print and packaging materials), serving institutional and retail markets throughout the world. First Quality focuses on private label and branded product lines.

Our core business philosophy is built on a proud culture driven by safety and quality, respect, humility, integrity, customer focus, and teamwork. With leading edge manufacturing technologies and processes and visionary leadership, First Quality is positioned to continue significant growth in the coming years. We are seeking an experienced IT Business Relationship Manager for our facility located in Anderson, SC.

The First Quality Print & Packaging IT Business Relationship Manager serves as the liaison between the Information Technology department and the First Quality Print & Packaging business, a leading manufacturing company. This role is responsible for aligning IT solutions and services with the business’s goals, driving digital transformation, and fostering collaboration to optimize operational efficiency, innovation, and growth. The IT Business Relationship Manager will proactively identify technology needs, manage stakeholder relationships, and ensure the successful delivery of IT services & initiatives that enhance manufacturing processes, product development, or customer engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership: Act as the primary point of contact for the First Quality Print & Packaging leadership team, building strong relationships to understand business objectives, challenges, and opportunities within the manufacturing environment. As a member of the IT Leadership Team the Operating Unit Lead is also responsible for ensuring the IT strategic roadmaps are aligned with the needs of the business.

Business Needs Analysis: Collaborate with business stakeholders to assess current processes, identify pain points, and translate business requirements into actionable IT strategies and solutions.

Strategic & Tactical Prioritization: As the bridge between the business and IT the Operating Unit Lead is on point to ensure the right prioritization is assigned to all work needed by IT. From strategic projects to day-to-day incidents the Operating Unit Lead ensures the appropriate prioritization is assigned and understood.

Technology Advocacy: Promote the adoption of innovative technologies (e.g., IoT, automation, ERP systems, data analytics) to improve manufacturing efficiency, supply chain visibility, or consumer insights, aligning with industry trends.

Project Oversight: Partner with IT project teams to ensure the successful execution of initiatives, including system implementations, upgrades, and integrations, while managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations.

Change Management: Facilitate smooth transitions during IT deployments by providing training, communication, and support to business employees, minimizing disruption to manufacturing or business operations.

Performance Metrics: Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of IT solutions on business goals, such as production uptime, cost reduction, or time-to-market for new products.

Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks related to IT services and projects, ensuring compliance with industry regulations (e.g., FDA, GMP) and company policies.

Continuous Improvement: Gather feedback from business stakeholders to refine IT services, address emerging needs, and drive ongoing process optimization.

Critical Incident Management: Ensure excellent communication and mobilization of business resources needed during a critical incident to minimize business impact and decrease time to resolution.

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

3+ years of experience in IT operations management, IT project management, or a similar role.

3+ years working in or supporting a manufacturing or CPG environment (preferred).

Proven track record of bridging IT and business functions to deliver measurable outcomes.

College degree of equivalent work experience required.

Technical understanding of IS & IT concepts and systems

Familiarity with IT systems commonly used in CPG manufacturing, such as SAP, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems), or AI/ML/Analytics systems.

Knowledge of emerging technologies like AI, machine learning, or Industrial IoT.

Basic understanding of cybersecurity principles and data governance.

Certifications (Preferred): ITIL Foundation and/or PMP.

Key Competencies:

Strategic thinking and business acumen specific to manufacturing.

Collaborative mindset with a customer-service orientation.

Adaptability to evolving technology and industry trends.

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Broad and deep business and industry knowledge

Process mindset (Knowledge of six-sigma lean manufacturing preferred)

First Quality is committed to protecting information under the care of First Quality Enterprises commensurate with leading industry standards and applicable regulations. As such, First Quality provides at least annual training regarding data privacy and security to employees who, as a result of their role specifications, may come in to contact with sensitive data.

First Quality is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identification, or protected Veteran status.

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