The Role
Leads enterprise digitalization, automation, AI, and IT/OT integration strategy for an integrated steel plant. Oversees plant automation, MES, ERP, industrial IoT, data infrastructure, cybersecurity, and AI/ML initiatives. Builds cross-functional digital and automation teams, establishes governance, manages technology partners, drives organizational change, and reports transformation progress to executive leadership and the board.
Summary Generated by Built In
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
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.
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline; advanced degree (MBA or technical master's) 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline
- Extensive senior leadership experience, typically 25+ years, in IT/OT strategy, digital transformation, and plant automation
- Experience 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 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
- Ability to drive an AI-first operating model across an organization
- Advanced degree such as an MBA or technical master's degree
- 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 scaling AI adoption across an industrial operating environment
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The Company
What We Do
Essar Group is an Indian multinational conglomerate founded in 1969, operating across sectors including Energy, Infrastructure, Metals & Mining, and Technology & Retail, with a diversified global business presence.
