Manager, IT & AI Innovation

Pet King Brands, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled, AI-forward technology leader to own and lead information technology, cybersecurity, software development, cloud infrastructure, and AI innovation across the organization. 

This is a conventional IT management role with a vision for the future. The ideal candidate is a hands-on builder and technology strategist who can move confidently between enterprise infrastructure, software development, website development, cybersecurity, and AI-powered automation. This leader will keep critical systems secure and reliable while creating tools that make every team faster and more effective. 

The role offers significant ownership and the opportunity to shape how a fast-growing consumer products and manufacturing organization uses modern technology to operate, scale, and compete. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:  

AI Innovation, Automation & Digital Transformation 

• Lead Pet King Brands' enterprise-wide adoption of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. 
  Identify opportunities across departments to improve efficiency through AI, automation, and digital workflows. 
• Design, build, and deploy AI-powered tools, agents, automations, and internal applications that increase organizational productivity. 
• Use low-code, no-code, and full-code approaches to deliver fit-for-purpose solutions quickly. 
• Integrate AI capabilities into existing business systems and processes. 
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend solutions that provide measurable business value. 
• Continuously identify manual, repetitive, or inefficient processes and replace them with scalable automated solutions. 

Software Development & Systems Integration 

• Design, develop, maintain, and support custom business applications and internal software solutions. 
• Develop and maintain APIs and integrations between enterprise applications. 
• Build dashboards, reporting solutions, and lightweight applications that provide timely business visibility. 
• Integrate and optimize the company's technology ecosystem, including CRM, ERP, CPQ, eCommerce, and channel partner platforms. 
• Maintain sound development practices, including version control, testing, documentation, and deployment processes. 
• Troubleshoot and resolve application performance, integration, and data-flow issues. 

Cybersecurity & Risk Management 

• Develop, implement, and maintain cybersecurity controls that protect company networks, systems, applications, and data. 
• Conduct security assessments, vulnerability reviews, and risk-mitigation activities. 
• Lead incident response and coordinate remediation when security events occur. 
• Develop and enforce information security policies, procedures, access controls, and user-awareness programs. 
• Maintain alignment with applicable security standards, regulatory requirements, and recognized best practices. 
• Maintain business continuity and disaster recovery plans and validate organizational readiness. 

IT Infrastructure & Cloud Operations 

• Own and administer the Microsoft environment, including Microsoft 365, Azure, Exchange Online, Teams, Entra ID, Intune, Defender, and endpoint management. 
• Manage cloud and on-premises infrastructure, including servers, storage, networks, connectivity, backups, and lifecycle activities. 
• Ensure the availability, reliability, performance, and scalability of technology systems. 
• Administer enterprise networking, Wi-Fi, telecommunications, access control, and surveillance platforms. 
• Develop and maintain infrastructure standards, technical documentation, and operating procedures. 
• Protect data integrity and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity capabilities. 

IT Support & Business Operations 

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for corporate IT services. 
• Deliver responsive support for software, hardware, networking, communications, printers, phones, peripherals, and endpoint devices. 
• Monitor system performance, conduct regular technology assessments, and proactively address issues. 
• Manage technology vendors, contracts, licensing, and third-party service providers. 
• Contribute to technology budgets, planning, roadmaps, and investment decisions. 
• Stay current on emerging technologies and recommend improvements that support growth, productivity, and security. 

Required Skills & Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent professional experience will be considered. 
• Multiple years of progressive experience across IT infrastructure, systems administration, software development, cybersecurity, DevOps, or technical leadership. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead an enterprise technology environment while remaining hands-on in implementation and support. 
• Proven experience building or deploying AI-powered tools, automations, workflows, agents, or business applications. 
• Strong full-stack software development capability with modern programming languages, frameworks, databases, and APIs. 
• Extensive knowledge of Microsoft 365 and Azure cloud platforms. 
• Strong understanding of networking, systems administration, cloud architecture, identity, endpoint management, and IT operations. 
• Working knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks, security best practices, and incident response. 
• Experience integrating business platforms such as CRM, ERP, CPQ, eCommerce, or partner management systems. 
• Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. 
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and execute with minimal oversight. 
• Demonstrated ability to learn and adopt new technologies rapidly. 

Preferred Qualifications & Certifications:

• Experience in manufacturing, consumer products, distribution, or related industry. 
• Experience developing internal business applications and workflow automation solutions. 
• Familiarity with AI development platforms such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, and comparable technologies. 
• Experience with Microsoft Power Platform, Power BI, Power Automate, or similar automation ecosystems. 
• Experience leading digital transformation or enterprise technology modernization initiatives. 
• Relevant certifications may include Microsoft Azure Administrator Associate, Azure Solutions Architect Expert, Cybersecurity Architect Expert, Endpoint Administrator Associate, CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+, or ITIL Foundation or higher. 

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to operate office equipment that requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination (such as a computer, keyboard, and mouse) while constantly viewing a monitor.  
• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist or crawl.  
• Occasionally required to lift/push/carry items less than 25 pounds.   
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential to exchange information effectively.  

Statement of Other Duties Provision:  

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.