Director, Operational Technology
McPherson, KS, US, 67460-9402
CHS Inc. is a leading global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers and cooperatives across the United States that provides grain, food and energy resources to businesses and consumers around the world. We serve agriculture customers and consumers across the United States and around the world. Most of our employees are in the United States, but today we have employees in 19 countries. At CHS, we are creating connections to empower agriculture.
Summary
CHS, Inc. has an exciting opportunity within our Pipelines and Terminal (P&T) division. We are looking for a Director, Operational Technology to provide strategic leadership and oversight for critical operational technology (OT) systems and networks that support pipeline and terminal operations. This role is responsible for ensuring that OT software and hardware are reliable, secure, and are in compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements. Additionally, this position will drive operational continuity, technology standardization, and continuous improvement across the organization. Strong technical expertise in industrial control systems and OT environments, along with proven leadership skills and the ability to build collaborative relationships across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, corporate IT functions, and external partners are necessary. This role requires a strategic thinker who can effectively balance operational needs, risk management, and future technology investments.
This position may be located in either McPherson, KS or Laurel, MT with approximately 25% travel.
Responsibilities
- Direct the strategy, governance, and performance of OT systems and services supporting pipeline and terminal operations.
- Lead efforts to ensure OT system availability, reliability, resilience, and lifecycle performance.
- Oversee incident response, escalation, recovery efforts, and operational continuity for critical OT systems.
- Develop and manage OT support models, vendor support agreements, lifecycle replacement plans, and critical spare strategies.
- Lead and develop the OT organization through workforce planning, performance management, succession planning, and technical capability development.
- Establish priorities and governance for OT investments through the capital planning process.
- Align OT investments with operational risk, reliability priorities, lifecycle requirements, and business objectives.
- Provide leadership for OT cybersecurity, vulnerability management, access governance, and risk mitigation activities.
- Partner with Cybersecurity, IT, Operations, and Engineering teams to strengthen OT security and preparedness.
- Ensure compliance with applicable regulatory requirements, Control Room Management requirements, and corporate standards.
- Oversee OT asset management, backups, disaster recovery planning, and business continuity readiness.
- Drive OT platform standardization, architecture improvements, and technology innovation initiatives.
- Sponsor and support OT-enabled operational improvements that enhance reliability, efficiency, and compliance.
- Lead strategic partnerships with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, IT, project teams, and key vendors.
- Manage vendor performance and service delivery supporting critical OT environments.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications (required)
- High School Diploma or GED
- 7+ years of experience supporting SCADA systems, industrial control systems (ICS), terminal automation systems, or similar operational technology environments.
- Prior leadership experience with progressively advancing level of leadership responsibilities
Additional Qualifications
- Experience supporting critical operational systems in a 24/7 industrial environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with cross-functional teams, vendors, and stakeholders.
- Bachelor's degree preferred in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, or a related discipline.
- Experience in pipeline, terminal, refining, petrochemical, bulk-liquid storage, or other highly regulated industrial environments.
- Experience with DTN terminal automation platforms.
- Experience troubleshooting communications systems, industrial networks, hardware/software integrations, and software upgrades.
- Experience administering Microsoft Windows-based OT environments.
- Knowledge of industrial cybersecurity, firewall administration, network segmentation, and secure remote access solutions.
- Experience leading OT projects, change management initiatives, and lifecycle management programs.
- Working knowledge of pipeline and control room industry standards and recommended practices.
- Pre-employment screening is based on the job requirements and industry guidelines and may or may not be required for the position. If required, selected candidates must pass pre-employment screenings to include all or a combination of drug, criminal, motor vehicle check, physical requirements and FMCSA Clearinghouse.
CHS offers a competitive total rewards package. Compensation includes base wage and, depending upon position, may include other earnings such as bonus, incentives and commissions. Actual pay offered will vary based on multiple factors which may include, without limitation, experience, education, training, specialized skills and certifications, minimum wage/salary requirements under local law.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, wellness programs, life insurance, health and dependent care spending accounts, paid time off, 401(k), pension, profit sharing, short- and long-term disability, tuition reimbursement and adoption assistance, subject to the eligibility requirements for each benefit plan.
CHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability.
Please note that any communication from a CHS recruiter would be sent using a chsinc.com email address. In addition, a CHS recruiter will not ask for confidential information over the phone or in an email, or request money from a candidate involved in an offer process. If you have questions regarding an employment opportunity, please reach out to chscareers@chsinc.com; to verify that the communication is from CHS.