Director of Technology Operations

Seneca Foods is one of North America's leading providers of packaged fruits and vegetables with facilities located throughout the United States.  Our high quality products are primarily sourced from over 1,400 American farms. Seneca holds the largest share of the retail private label, food service, and export canned vegetable markets, distributing to over 90 countries. Products are also sold under the brands of Libby’s®, Aunt Nellie’s®, READ®, Seneca Farms®, Green Valley®, Green Giant (Shelf-Stable)®, CherryMan®, Paradise®, Pennant®, and Seneca labels, including Seneca snack chips. Seneca also provides vegetable products to other companies under various co-pack arrangements.

Seneca Foods offers an excellent benefit package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life insurance, 401K, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Paid Time Off and more!  Help us make our Farm Fresh Goodness Great!  Come join the Seneca Foods team – Apply now!

Summary

• Senior leadership role responsible for the strategic direction, management, and continuous improvement of the organization's core IT operational functions.
• Role oversees Data Center operations, Cloud Operations, DR Operations, Servers Operations, DB administration, Enterprise Network Operations, Desktop and LAN Administration, Help Desk services, and the execution of key IT General Controls (SOX 404 / ITGC). 
• Ensures performance, high availability, cybersecurity, and compliance of IT infrastructure while delivering exceptional end-user support.
• Requires a strong blend of technical expertise, operational excellence, team leadership, and a focus on risk management and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

IT Operations Leadership and Management

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all day-to-day IT operations, ensuring 24/7 reliability and performance of critical systems and infrastructure.
• Manage and optimize Data Center operations, including facilities management, power, cooling, hardware lifecycle, and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Manage Cloud Services, Infrastructure, storage, security.
• Manage all Virtualization platforms, servers, SAN, DB administration, and backup/recovery/DR.
• Direct Enterprise Network Operations, including WAN, LAN, wireless, firewalls, VPN, and network security infrastructure.
• Oversee PCs, other IT devices, Printers, and LAN Administration, including endpoint deployment, configuration, patching, and device/asset management.
• Lead the Help Desk / Service Desk function to deliver timely, high-quality technical support to end users across the organization.

Compliance & Controls

• Own and maintain effective SOX IT General Controls including change management, access controls, computer operations, and program development controls.
• Ensure all operational processes are documented, audited, and compliant with regulatory requirements.

Strategy, Budget & Team Management

• Develop and execute the IT Operations strategy aligned with overall business objectives.
• Manage the IT Operations budget, including capital expenditures, operating expenses, and vendor contracts.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of managers and technical professionals.
• Drive operational excellence through metrics, KPIs, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee vendor relationships and managed service providers that support IT operation functions.

Risk & Security

• Collaborate with the Information Security team to implement and maintain Cybersecurity controls across infrastructure and operations.
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery planning and testing.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or related field required.

Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong knowledge of data center technologies, server technologies, networking, cloud infrastructure (AWS/Azure), and endpoint management.
• Demonstrated success implementing automation, monitoring tools, and service management systems.
• Excellent understanding of information security principles and regulatory compliance.

Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead and develop technical teams.
• Strong project management, budgeting, and vendor negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact effectively with executive leadership.
• Strategic thinking with a hands-on approach when needed.

Experience

10+ years of IT experience, with additional experience in a senior leadership role managing IT Operations.

Proven track record managing Data Centers, enterprise networks, and service desk environments.

Direct experience with SOX 404 / IT General Controls.

This is an on-site position at our Corporate office in Fairport, NY. Wage range based on skills, abilities, and experience from $170k - $185k annual salary.

Seneca Foods Corporation is committed to providing equal opportunity for all, through a positive and continuing affirmative action program. No employee or applicant will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, military and/or veteran status or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. Seneca Foods Corporation will make reasonable accommodations for known physical or mental limitations of otherwise qualified employees and applicants with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you are interested in applying for an employment opportunity and feel you need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact us at ADA@senecafoods.com or call 585-495-4100.