Head of Digitalization & Automation

Role Summary:

A strategic leadership role responsible for defining and driving the digital transformation, automation, and IT/OT integration strategy across the integrated steel plant. The role involves establishing an AI-first operating model, modernizing plant automation and control systems, and building enterprise-wide digital capabilities to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and competitiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and lead the enterprise-wide digitalization, automation, and AI strategy for the integrated steel plant, aligned with overall business objectives.
• Drive integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems across plant operations, including process control, MES, ERP, and enterprise data platforms.
• Champion the adoption of an AI-first operating model, identifying and implementing AI/ML use cases across operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain functions.
• Lead the design and implementation of advanced plant automation systems, including distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, PLC networks, and industrial IoT platforms.
• Develop and execute a digital transformation roadmap covering data infrastructure, analytics, cybersecurity, and digital tools for plant and business operations.
• Partner with plant operations, engineering, and business leadership to identify digitalization opportunities that improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
• Build and lead a high-performing digitalization and automation team, including IT, OT, data science, and automation engineering professionals.
• Establish governance frameworks, standards, and best practices for digital and automation initiatives across the organization.
• Evaluate and select digital technology partners, automation vendors, and system integrators.
• Ensure robust cybersecurity practices across IT/OT environments, protecting critical plant infrastructure and data assets.
• Drive change management initiatives to support digital adoption across the organization.
• Present digital transformation strategy, progress, and business impact to executive leadership and the board.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline; advanced degree (MBA or technical masters) preferred.
• Extensive senior leadership experience (typically 25+ years) in IT/OT strategy, digital transformation, and plant automation, preferably within the steel or heavy manufacturing industry.
• Strong background in steel plant automation, IT/OT integration, digital transformation, and AI adoption.
• Proven experience leading enterprise-wide digital transformation programs at a CIO or equivalent senior leadership level.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing execution systems (MES), industrial automation, industrial IoT, and enterprise data platforms.
• Strong knowledge of AI/ML applications in industrial and manufacturing environments.
• Excellent executive presence, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience building and leading cross-functional digital, IT, and automation teams.
• Capable of driving an AI-first operating model across the organization.

Working Conditions

• Based in the United States, leading digitalization and automation strategy for the Mesabi ISP Project and the broader organization.
• Travel to plant sites, technology partner locations, and corporate offices as required.

Preferred Experience

• Prior CIO or equivalent senior digital leadership role within a steel or heavy industrial organization.
• Experience leading greenfield plant digitalization and automation design from the ground up.
• Track record of successfully scaling AI adoption across an industrial operating environment.