Sr. Director Global Operations Digital Partner

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Westchester, IL

Workplace type: Hybrid

The Sr. Director, Global Operations Digital Partner is a top‑tier technology and business leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the global digital strategy for Ingredion’s Operations ecosystem, including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Quality, and EH&SS. This role operates as a strategic advisor and thought partner to executive leadership, contributing directly to enterprise and functional business planning. The Sr. Director ensures that current and future information technology opportunities, risks, and capabilities are fully integrated into business strategy discussions and long‑range planning. This leader owns the regional and global Operations digital vision, translates business priorities into actionable technology roadmaps, and drives enterprise‑scale transformation initiatives that deliver sustained competitive advantage. This role will report to the Vice President, Digital Technology Solutions and Global Innovation and have 6 Direct Reports.

What you will do:

Enterprise & Global Digital Strategy Leadership

• Develop, own, and continuously evolve a global Operations digital and IT strategy aligned with Ingredion’s enterprise vision, P2W strategy, and long‑term business objectives.
• Lead region and market‑zone technology strategies while ensuring global standardization, scalability, and architectural integrity.
• Serve as a core contributor to enterprise business planning at the executive level, ensuring technology implications, investment tradeoffs, and innovation opportunities are incorporated into strategic decisions.
• Anticipate future technology and operational trends, proactively identifying opportunities and risks that may impact Ingredion’s global Operations strategy.

Executive Business Partnership & Influence

• Act as a trusted strategic advisor to Executive Leadership, Global Operations leadership, and Functional Presidents on digital, data, and technology‑enabled transformation.
• Partner with senior leaders to define multi‑year transformation roadmaps and investment strategies that balance growth, productivity, resilience, compliance, and sustainability.
• Influence and align stakeholders across regions, functions, and corporate teams in a highly matrixed global environment.

Technology Portfolio & Investment Governance

• Provide executive oversight of the global Operations technology portfolio, including platforms such as SAP (MM, PP, WM, QM, SD), Blue Yonder Planning, Transportation Management Systems, GCP AI/ML, Manufacturing Execution & Automation (PLC, Data Historians), and Microsoft 365.
• Govern a multi‑million‑dollar global portfolio, ensuring strong financial stewardship, value realization, and prioritization aligned with business outcomes.
• Establish and mature governance models that link technology investments to measurable business value, risk mitigation, and operational excellence.

Global Collaboration & Operating Model Leadership

• Ensure tight alignment between global digital strategies and regional execution, balancing global standards with local business needs.
• Partner with Architecture, Cybersecurity, Data & Analytics, and Infrastructure leaders to ensure secure, resilient, and future‑ready solutions.
• Strengthen global operating models and ways of working across Operations, Digital Technology Solutions, and external partners.

Strategic Partner & Supplier Management

• Establish and manage executive‑level relationships with strategic technology vendors, integrators, and industry partners.
• Influence vendor roadmaps and ensure supplier strategies align with Ingredion’s long‑term digital vision and operational needs.
• Oversee contract strategy, commercial negotiations, and performance management to optimize cost, quality, and innovation outcomes.

Digital Transformation & Innovation

• Lead large‑scale, cross‑functional digital transformation initiatives spanning global Manufacturing and Supply Chain operations.
• Champion the adoption of advanced technologies such as AI/ML, advanced analytics, automation, RPA, and digital employee experiences to drive productivity, quality, safety, and decision intelligence.
• Sponsor innovation pipelines, proofs‑of‑concept, and pilots, scaling successful initiatives into enterprise solutions.

Performance Management & Value Realization

• Define and govern enterprise‑level KPIs to measure the effectiveness, adoption, and financial impact of digital initiatives.
• Ensure transparent reporting of progress, value realization, and risks to executive stakeholders.
• Drive a continuous‑improvement mindset focused on outcomes, agility, and measurable business results

Talent, Leadership & Organization Development

• Lead and develop a high‑performing global organization of Digital Business Partners, Business Analysts, and Solution Architects.
• Build future‑ready capabilities across digital, data, and business domains.
• Mentor senior leaders and emerging talent, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration.

What you will bring:

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, human resources, computer science, or a related field; advanced degree (e.g., MBA) preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in digital strategy, enterprise IT, or technology‑enabled transformation, preferably in manufacturing, supply chain, or industrial environments.

• Deep understanding of digital technologies and platforms including SAP, Blue Yonder Planning, TMS, LIMS, and a good understanding of manufacturing systems, AI/ML, RPA, and data analytics
• Proven experience driving digital transformation initiatives.
• Proven track record of leading global, multi‑year transformation programs with measurable business outcomes.
• Strong strategic thinking, business acumen, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate technology trends and opportunities into actionable business strategies and outcomes.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus across all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to operate at the executive and board‑adjacent level, influencing strategy and investment decisions.
• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing complex technology portfolios, driving innovation, and delivering measurable business value.
• Deep expertise across enterprise platforms (SAP, planning systems, manufacturing systems), data & analytics, and emerging digital technologies.
• Experience working in a global environment, with the ability to navigate cultural differences and collaborate effectively with diverse teams across geographies.
• Results-oriented mindset, with a focus on continuous improvement, agility, and delivering tangible business results.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing large technology portfolios and investment governance
• Minimum of 10 - 15 years’ experience leading global transformation initiatives and working with outsourced partners.

Who you are:

• Experience working in a matrixed environment, with the ability to influence and negotiate effectively for resources that are not in direct control of this role.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain Digital Technology concepts and technologies to business leaders.
• Handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability and willingness to travel.

Why Join Ingredion? 

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
• Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
• Flexible Work Arrangements– We value flexibility to support you both professionally and personally
• Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

Pay Range:

This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Incentive Compensation:

As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.