Operational Technology Manager Jobs in Washington, GA

RWDC is a rapidly growing biotechnology company transforming sustainable materials manufacturing through innovation, science, and operational excellence. As we continue to scale, we are looking for a hands-on Technology & Information Systems Manager to lead the evolution of our technology environment and help build the infrastructure, systems, and processes needed for our next stage of growth.

Why read further?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact in a growing company where technology is becoming increasingly critical to operational success. You'll have the autonomy to shape the technology roadmap, improve systems, support manufacturing operations, and build the capabilities needed for future growth. If you're a hands-on technology leader who enjoys building, improving, and solving complex business problems, we'd like to talk with you.

This is not a role for someone who wants to manage from behind a desk. We are seeking a technology leader who enjoys solving problems, improving systems, supporting users, and building practical solutions. You'll be equally comfortable troubleshooting a network issue, supporting an ERP upgrade, strengthening cybersecurity controls, evaluating new technologies, and partnering with business leaders to improve operations.

In addition to managing technology and information systems, this leader will be responsible for developing existing talent and creating the framework, processes, and organizational capabilities needed to build a scalable technology function that supports RWDC's long-term growth.

RWDC has built a functional technology environment that supports the business today. We have a clear understanding of where improvements are needed and are looking for someone excited by the opportunity to modernize, integrate, standardize, and scale our systems while maintaining reliable day-to-day operations.

This role serves as the primary technology leader for the organization and will be highly visible across manufacturing, operations, finance, supply chain, R&D, and corporate functions.

What You'll Do:

Lead Technology Operations

• Manage and maintain servers, networks, cloud platforms, storage systems, telecommunications, and end-user computing resources.
• Ensure reliable, secure, and scalable technology operations across manufacturing and corporate environments.
• Oversee maintenance, patching, backups, disaster recovery, and business continuity processes.
• Troubleshoot infrastructure and application issues and coordinate support with external partners when necessary.
• Establish monitoring, documentation, and operational best practices.

Own Business Systems & ERP

• Serve as the primary technical owner for ERP administration, support, upgrades, integrations, reporting, and vendor management.
• Evaluate and improve enterprise applications to enhance business performance and user experience.
• Support system integrations and data flows across business and manufacturing systems.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement.

Drive Cybersecurity & Data Integrity

• Lead cybersecurity efforts across the organization, including access control, network security, vulnerability management, monitoring, and incident response.
• Ensure data integrity, availability, governance, and protection across all business platforms.
• Manage website, domain, and related security administration.
• Develop and maintain security policies, standards, and recovery procedures.

Build for Growth

• Assess the current technology landscape and develop practical improvement plans.
• Partner with business leaders to align technology investments with organizational objectives.
• Develop and execute technology roadmaps that improve scalability, reliability, and efficiency.
• Evaluate emerging technologies, including automation, analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud-based solutions.

Manage Vendors & Resources

• Develop and manage the IT operating budget.
• Select, manage, and evaluate technology vendors and service providers.
• Oversee software licensing, contracts, renewals, and technology procurement.
• Ensure effective use of technology investments and resources.

What Success Looks Like

During your first 12–18 months, you will:

• Improve the reliability and stability of RWDC's technology environment.
• Strengthen cybersecurity and disaster recovery capabilities.
• Enhance ERP performance, usability, and integration.
• Modernize infrastructure and support processes.
• Establish trusted partnerships across the organization.
• Create a scalable technology foundation capable of supporting future expansion.

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

• 8+ years of progressively responsible IT, technology, or information systems experience.
• Experience supporting both manufacturing and corporate business environments.
• Strong hands-on technical administration and troubleshooting capabilities.
• Demonstrated success leading technology projects and system implementations.
• Experience managing external technology vendors and service providers.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance strategic planning with hands-on execution.

Technical Expertise

• Microsoft 365 Administration
• Microsoft Azure Administration
• Windows and Linux Server Administration
• Networking, including firewalls, VPNs, switching, and wireless infrastructure
• ERP administration and support
• Cybersecurity operations and best practices
• Cloud technologies and infrastructure management
• Manufacturing technology environments

Preferred Experience

• Oracle ERP
• Ignition Platform
• PLCs, SCADA, and industrial control systems
• Cisco networking technologies
• Fortinet security technologies
• Website administration
• Experience supporting high-growth manufacturing organizations

Education & Certifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Information Systems, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred Certifications

• Microsoft Azure
• Microsoft 365
• Cisco CCNA or CCNP
• Fortinet Certifications
• Microsoft Server Technologies

Work Authorization Requirement

Due to financial limitations and the need to protect proprietary trade secrets, we are unable to sponsor employment visas at this time. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States both now and for the foreseeable future (including the next five years).

We are a growing biotechnology company in Athens, Georgia. We manufacture bio-based polymers with a goal of replacing single-use petroleum-based plastics. Our biopolymers are bio-based and made from renewable resources that are biodegradable and compostable.