IT Manager

Job Summary

At GKN Aerospace, we pioneer aerospace and defense manufacturing, dedicated to innovation, precision, and excellence. GKN is a global leader in military aircraft canopies and commercial aircraft passenger cabin windows. Join us in shaping the future of aerospace and defense.

The Senior Manager of Information Technology & Business Systems provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of IT infrastructure, enterprise applications, and business systems for a complex aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This role ensures compliance with industry regulations, cybersecurity standards, and export control requirements while delivering innovative technology solutions that enhance production efficiency, supply chain visibility, and overall business performance. The position oversees IT projects from concept through implementation and partners with cross‑functional teams to support mission‑critical operations.

• Define and execute IT strategy aligned with aerospace and defense manufacturing objectives, including compliance with DFARS, NIST 800‑171, and ITAR requirements.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and recommend adoption to improve manufacturing processes, engineering collaboration, and secure data exchange.
• Develop annual IT plans covering ERP, MES, PLM, and infrastructure to support production and quality assurance.
• Establish IT policies and governance frameworks ensuring cybersecurity, export control compliance, and adherence to corporate standards.
• Manage IT budgets and optimize technology investments for cost efficiency and scalability.

• Direct and manage IT projects end‑to‑end by defining scope, timelines, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams and stakeholders to drive consensus, mitigate risks, and deliver technology initiatives on time and within budget.
• Establish project governance and reporting frameworks that track progress, manage resources, and provide transparent communication to leadership and business partners.

• Lead design, implementation, and maintenance of secure network infrastructure across multiple manufacturing sites.
• Ensure high availability and redundancy for mission‑critical systems supporting production and defense programs.

• Implement and maintain cybersecurity programs aligned with CMMC, NIST, and DFARS standards.
• Protect sensitive defense‑related data against unauthorized access, loss, or modification.
• Develop and enforce backup, disaster recovery, and business continuity plans for regulated environments.
• Conduct regular audits and vulnerability assessments to ensure compliance with government and customer requirements.

• Collaborate with operations, engineering, and program management teams to identify technology needs and deliver secure, efficient solutions.
• Provide executive‑level reporting on IT performance, compliance status, and strategic initiatives.
• Manage vendor relationships and negotiate contracts for technology services and solutions within defense compliance frameworks.

• Act as the IT Business Partner for a site or site cluster, representing the IT function as a member of the Site Leadership Team.
• Support adherence to Global and Regional IT standards, ensuring they are adopted and that IT systems are utilized to their full potential.
• Coordinate with IT Functional Leads to ensure appropriate service levels for infrastructure, applications, security, and the service desk.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive IT experience, including 3+ years in a leadership role within manufacturing or aerospace/defense.
• Proven experience managing ERP and integrated business systems in a regulated environment.
• Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, CMMC), and compliance requirements (DFARS, ITAR).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills.