Sr. Director Digital & IT (food & beverage manufacturing) at Baldwin Richardson Foods (BRF)

WHO WE ARE

Baldwin Richardson Foods is focused on enriching the flavor of life. As a full-service liquid products supplier and strategic partner to the food and beverage industry, Baldwin Richardson Foods combines its formulation expertise and unique packaging options with robust processing capabilities to produce high-quality sauces, toppings, syrups, fillings, and shelf-stable beverages for the world's most iconic Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) brands, and food service companies. Its state-of-the-art Innovation & Culinary Center transforms trends and culinary inspiration into legendary products through an award-winning commercialization process. The company also manufactures and markets Mrs. Richardson's dessert sauces and Nance's mustards/condiments in addition to producing finished goods for the private label sector. BRF maintains its headquarters and a manufacturing facility in Macedon, New York; with a Culinary Innovation Center in Westmont, Illinois; and offices and manufacturing facilities in Williamson, New York; Pennsauken, New Jersey; and Corona, California. This role reports into our Macedon, NY headquarters (can be hybrid with 50% travel).

WHAT WE NEED

The Sr. Director Digital & IT, reporting to the President & CEO, will serve as a visionary leader responsible for shaping and executing BRF’s digital and information technology strategy in alignment with the company’s ambitious growth trajectory—from $700M to $2B by 2030. This executive will lead enterprise-wide digital transformation, drive innovation, build an infrastructure of sound data architecture and governance, and ensure operational excellence across all technology domains.  As a key architect of BRF’s digital future, the member of the executive leadership team will shape a technology vision that not only supports operational excellence but also fuels innovation, customer intimacy, and scalable growth. This leader will be instrumental in building a digital culture that empowers teams, accelerates decision-making, and positions BRF as a technology-forward leader in the food and beverage industry.

This role is a key member of the executive leadership team, fostering cross-functional collaboration and building a high-performing, future-ready digital organization. This position will require travel to manufacturing facilities, culinary innovation center and other sites as needed to support business objectives (including future M&A).

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute a forward-looking digital and IT strategy that supports BRF’s business objectives and growth ambitions.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team, translating complex digital strategies into business value.
• Champion innovation and digital transformation initiatives that enhance customer experience, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage.
• Represent the digital and IT agenda in board-level discussions and investor communications, articulating the value of technology investments and transformation initiatives.

Talent Development and Organizational Leadership:

• Accountable for effectiveness of digital and IT organizations’ talent strategy by obtaining and retaining high-caliber talent, with capability to develop and adapt at the same pace as the business and it’s strategy.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and collaborative business partnership.  
• Leverage our Talent Strategy framework of evaluating competency and deliverable need and then aligning to best option to acquire talent for specific business need (i.e. FT, Contract, Consultant, AI).
• Implement full-cycle talent development and succession planning strategies to ensure long-term organizational capability.
• Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in team leadership and talent practices. 
• As senior leader, identify opportunities to provide mentorship cross-functionally. 

Technology and Digital Acumen:

• Oversee enterprise architecture, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and enterprise business solutions (primarily SAP).
• Drive the adoption of smart manufacturing technologies, IoT, and automation to enhance production efficiency and product quality.
• Lead data and analytics initiatives to foster a data-driven culture and enable strategic decision-making.
• Partner with commercial and innovation teams to co-create digital solutions that enhance customer engagement, product innovation, and market responsiveness.

Operational Excellence:

• Manage digital and IT project portfolios, ensuring alignment with business priorities and successful delivery.
• Oversee IT financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and investment optimization.
• Establish robust IT governance frameworks, vendor management practices, and performance measurement systems.
• Define and track KPIs for digital transformation, including ROI, adoption rates, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

Change Management and Communication:

• Lead change management initiatives to ensure successful adoption of new technologies and processes.
• Develop and execute effective communication strategies that engage stakeholders and support organizational transformation.
• Act as a cultural catalyst for digital adoption, fostering a mindset of agility, experimentation, and continuous improvement across the organization.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL 

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field required.  Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• Fifteen (15+) years of progressive experience in the digital and IT space.
• Five (5+) years in a senior leadership role in a high growth, transformative environment. 
• Demonstrated experience in identifying, leading, and managing large-scale change initiatives.
• Strong understanding of ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), cybersecurity frameworks, and data architecture.
• Demonstrated success in leading digital transformation, building high-performing teams, and aligning technology with business strategy.
• Experience in a company that has an aggressive growth trajectory, including through merger and/or acquisition activities.
• Senior leadership level knowledge of enterprise systems, cybersecurity, infrastructure, data analytics, and emerging technologies.
• Manufacturing experience required; Food and beverage industry experience is highly preferred.

 At BRF, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. Your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

You’ll also receive a comprehensive benefits package including a low premium and out of pocket cost medical, dental and vision coverage, 401k with company match, generous sick and vacation time, 9 paid holidays, birthday and floating holidays, volunteer time and more!

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