IT Manager

General Description

The IT Manager will own and oversee the company’s IT function, supporting a small but growing food manufacturing operation in San Leandro. This is a hands-on role responsible for keeping day-to-day technology running smoothly while also building the systems, processes, and infrastructure needed to support the company’s growth.

A key priority for this role will be taking ownership of our newly implemented ERP system. Working closely with Finance, Operations, Production, Supply Chain, and our external technology partners, the IT Manager will ensure the system is stable, well supported, and effectively integrated into our day-to-day operations. This role will also identify opportunities to improve workflows, reporting, integrations, and overall system utilization as the business grows.

This is a lean IT environment. The IT Manager will personally handle many day-to-day IT responsibilities while managing external vendors and partners as appropriate.

Essential Duties and Key Responsibilities

IT Function Ownership

- Own the company’s IT function, including infrastructure, systems, support, security, vendors, and technology planning.

- Establish practical IT processes, policies, documentation, and standards that can scale with the business.

- Serve as the primary IT resource for both the manufacturing facility and office environment.

- Evaluate technology needs and make recommendations that balance business requirements, cost, security, and scalability.

ERP & Business Systems

- Own the ongoing technical administration and support of the company’s ERP system.

- Manage system integrations, user access, data, upgrades, troubleshooting, and technical requirements.

- Work with external ERP and technology partners to resolve issues, implement enhancements, and continuously improve the system.

- Identify opportunities to optimize workflows, reporting, integrations, and system functionality as the business evolves.

Hands-On IT Support

- Provide day-to-day support for hardware, software, connectivity, cloud applications, and user access.

- Set up and maintain workstations, mobile devices, networking equipment, printers, and other technology used across the facility.

- Support technology needs on the manufacturing floor as well as in office environments.

- Manage IT asset inventory, procurement, licensing, and vendor relationships.

- Troubleshoot issues quickly and provide practical solutions that minimize disruption to the business.

Infrastructure, Security & Reliability

- Manage network infrastructure, cloud services, systems, backups, updates, and user access.

- Establish and maintain appropriate cybersecurity practices, including access controls, endpoint protection, backups, and security awareness.

- Monitor system reliability and proactively identify and address potential issues.

- Maintain appropriate documentation and controls around company systems and data.

- Support compliance with applicable data privacy, security, and food manufacturing requirements.

IT Projects & Continuous Improvement

- Own and manage IT projects from planning through implementation, including ERP, equipment and infrastructure upgrades, system integrations, and new technology deployments.

- Identify opportunities to automate, simplify, and improve business processes through technology.

- Prioritize projects based on business impact and manage timelines, resources, and external partners.

- Build a technology roadmap that supports the company’s growth and evolving operational needs.

Cross-Functional Partnership

- Partner closely with Operations, Production, Finance, Supply Chain, and other functions to understand business needs and translate them into practical technology solutions.

- Build strong relationships with employees and leaders, providing responsive and service-oriented IT support.

- Help the organization get the most value from its technology investments.

- Serve as the internal owner and point of contact for technology vendors, consultants, and service providers.

Qualifications and Experience

- 5+ years of progressive IT experience, ideally within a manufacturing, food & beverage, CPG, or other operationally complex environment.

- Experience supporting or implementing ERP systems such as Plex, NetSuite, SAP, or similar platforms.

- Strong hands-on experience with networking, hardware, cloud applications, user administration, and general IT infrastructure.

- Experience working in a lean IT environment where you are comfortable both setting strategy and troubleshooting issues yourself.

- Strong project management skills and ability to lead other technology initiatives.

- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.

- Highly organized, resourceful, and comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy.

- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Nice to Have

- Experience supporting IT in a food manufacturing or production environment.

- Experience working with technology on a manufacturing floor, including production equipment, warehouse systems, scanners, printers, or related technologies.

- Familiarity with food manufacturing requirements and frameworks such as FDA, SQF, or similar.

- Experience working in a high-growth, founder-led, or entrepreneurial environment.

- Experience managing external IT providers, consultants, and technology vendors.

- Project management certification or formal project management experience.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

- The work environment can vary from office settings to warehouses or transportation hubs, potentially exposing employees to noise, temperature changes, and other environmental factors.

- Involve extended periods of sitting, standing, and walking, with potential for occasional lifting, bending, and stooping, along with the ability to use hands and fingers for computer work.

- May be required to travel between Oakland and the San Leandro Plant.

- Lift objects up to 50 pounds or potentially heavier loads with assistance.

Schedule

- Monday – Friday

- Some weekends depend on business needs.