Company/Role Overview

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) Search has been retained by an Agriculture Client to identify an IT Manager to serve their team. The IT Manager will lead the organization’s technology function while remaining hands-on with daily user support, systems, security, and problem resolution. This person will guide technology and digital decisions, manage outside providers, and help the business transition from reactive support to a proactive, secure, and scalable IT environment. The role will also support a new ERP launch and improve connectivity, processes, reporting, and technology alignment across locations. Relocation assistance may be available.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the organization’s day-to-day IT operations and serve as the primary internal resource for technology needs.
• Provide hands-on support for computers, user accounts, business applications, network access, connectivity, and other routine issues.
• Maintain and improve networks, laptops, software, collaboration tools, phone systems, remote-access solutions, and related technology.
• Guide the implementation and ongoing support of the organization’s new ERP platform and associated business processes.
• Connect and align technology across the primary office, secondary facility, and remote workforce.
• Manage cybersecurity controls, user access, backups, updates, data protection, security awareness, and third-party security services.
• Evaluate current VPN and remote-access capabilities and recommend secure, reliable improvements.
• Manage outside IT providers, hosting partners, technology vendors, contracts, software licensing, service levels, and invoices.
• Create a regular communication cadence with leadership regarding technology priorities, risks, projects, issues, and opportunities.
• Partner with departments to improve workflows, reporting, data access, systems, and employee efficiency.
• Lead IT projects, system upgrades, technology implementations, and equipment or infrastructure refreshes.
• Manage the IT budget, establish priorities, document the technology environment, and develop practical short- and long-term plans.
• Evaluate emerging tools, including responsible uses of artificial intelligence, and support employee education and adoption.
• Provide occasional after-hours support when a critical system issue affects business or production operations.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, information systems, business, or a related field required.
• Progressive experience supporting and leading a broad IT environment; prior management experience is preferred, though a strong candidate ready to step into leadership will be considered.
• Experience with business applications or ERP systems, networks, cybersecurity, user administration, backups, remote access, and vendor-managed services.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on troubleshooting and day-to-day employee support.
• Experience managing technology vendors, contracts, licensing, budgets, and project delivery.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical topics clearly, educate users, and gain leadership buy-in.
• Proactive, service-oriented approach with sound judgment, organization, and follow-through.
• Experience in a cooperative, agriculture, food, manufacturing, distribution, or similar operational environment is preferred.
• Ability to work on-site in Traverse City and provide occasional after-hours support for critical issues.