Mesabi Metallics

Produces DR-grade pellets for EAF steel.

Head of Digitalization & Automation

IT OperationsConfirmed live in the last 24 hours

Full-timeIowa, USANo salary listed

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related discipline is required; an advanced degree (MBA or technical master's) is preferred.
Extensive senior leadership experience, typically 25+ years, in IT/OT strategy, digital transformation, and plant automation, preferably in steel or heavy manufacturing.
Strong background in steel plant automation, IT/OT integration, digital transformation, and AI adoption.
Proven experience leading enterprise-wide digital transformation programs at a CIO or equivalent senior leadership level.
Deep understanding of manufacturing execution systems, industrial automation, industrial IoT, and enterprise data platforms.
Strong knowledge of AI/ML applications in industrial and manufacturing environments.
Experience building and leading cross-functional digital, IT, and automation teams.
Prior CIO or equivalent senior digital leadership role within a steel or heavy industrial organization.
Experience leading greenfield plant digitalization and automation design from the ground up.
Track record of successfully scaling AI adoption across an industrial operating environment.

Responsibilities

Define and lead the enterprise-wide digitalization, automation, and AI strategy for the integrated steel plant, aligned with overall business objectives.
Drive integration of Information Technology and Operational Technology systems across plant operations, including process control, MES, ERP, and enterprise data platforms.
Champion adoption of an AI-first operating model, identifying and implementing AI/ML use cases across operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain functions.
Lead the design and implementation of advanced plant automation systems, including distributed control systems, SCADA, PLC networks, and industrial IoT platforms.
Develop and execute a digital transformation roadmap covering data infrastructure, analytics, cybersecurity, and digital tools for plant and business operations.
Partner with plant operations, engineering, and business leadership to identify digitalization opportunities that improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
Build and lead a high-performing digitalization and automation team, including IT, OT, data science, and automation engineering professionals.
Establish governance frameworks, standards, and best practices for digital and automation initiatives across the organization.
Evaluate and select digital technology partners, automation vendors, and system integrators.
Ensure robust cybersecurity practices across IT/OT environments, protecting critical plant infrastructure and data assets.
Drive change management initiatives to support digital adoption across the organization.
Present digital transformation strategy, progress, and business impact to executive leadership and the board.

Desired Qualifications

Prior CIO or equivalent senior digital leadership role within a steel or heavy industrial organization.
Experience leading greenfield plant digitalization and automation design from the ground up.
Track record of successfully scaling AI adoption across an industrial operating environment.

Role Summary:
A strategic leadership role responsible for defining and driving the digital transformation, automation, and IT/OT integration strategy across the integrated steel plant. The role involves establishing an AI-first operating model, modernizing plant automation and control systems, and building enterprise-wide digital capabilities to enhance operational efficiency, safety, and competitiveness.
Key Responsibilities

Define and lead the enterprise-wide digitalization, automation, and AI strategy for the integrated steel plant, aligned with overall business objectives.
Drive integration of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) systems across plant operations, including process control, MES, ERP, and enterprise data platforms.
Champion the adoption of an AI-first operating model, identifying and implementing AI/ML use cases across operations, maintenance, quality, and supply chain functions.
Lead the design and implementation of advanced plant automation systems, including distributed control systems (DCS), SCADA, PLC networks, and industrial IoT platforms.
Develop and execute a digital transformation roadmap covering data infrastructure, analytics, cybersecurity, and digital tools for plant and business operations.
Partner with plant operations, engineering, and business leadership to identify digitalization opportunities that improve productivity, quality, and cost performance.
Build and lead a high-performing digitalization and automation team, including IT, OT, data science, and automation engineering professionals.
Establish governance frameworks, standards, and best practices for digital and automation initiatives across the organization.
Evaluate and select digital technology partners, automation vendors, and system integrators.
Ensure robust cybersecurity practices across IT/OT environments, protecting critical plant infrastructure and data assets.
Drive change management initiatives to support digital adoption across the organization.
Present digital transformation strategy, progress, and business impact to executive leadership and the board.

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline; advanced degree (MBA or technical master's) preferred.
Extensive senior leadership experience (typically 25+ years) in IT/OT strategy, digital transformation, and plant automation, preferably within the steel or heavy manufacturing industry.
Strong background in steel plant automation, IT/OT integration, digital transformation, and AI adoption.
Proven experience leading enterprise-wide digital transformation programs at a CIO or equivalent senior leadership level.
Deep understanding of manufacturing execution systems (MES), industrial automation, industrial IoT, and enterprise data platforms.
Strong knowledge of AI/ML applications in industrial and manufacturing environments.
Excellent executive presence, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills.
Experience building and leading cross-functional digital, IT, and automation teams.
Capable of driving an AI-first operating model across the organization.

Working Conditions

Based in the United States, leading digitalization and automation strategy for the Mesabi ISP Project and the broader organization.
Travel to plant sites, technology partner locations, and corporate offices as required.

Preferred Experience

Prior CIO or equivalent senior digital leadership role within a steel or heavy industrial organization.
Experience leading greenfield plant digitalization and automation design from the ground up.
Track record of successfully scaling AI adoption across an industrial operating environment.

About the Company

Mesabi Metallics

Produces DR-grade pellets for EAF steel.

Mesabi Metallics is building a large-scale iron ore mining and processing plant in Nashwauk, Minnesota, to produce Direct-Reduction (DR) grade iron ore pellets for the Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel market. The plant aims to produce 7 million metric tons per year of high-iron, low-impurity DR-grade pellets, enabling domestic supply of feedstock for green steel production and reducing dependence on imported iron ore. The operation uses taconite ore beneficiation and direct-reduced iron processes in a modern pellet plant, serving the EAF segment that prefers energy-efficient, scrap-based steelmaking. The project, led by CEO Joe Broking and COO Larry Sutherland and financed by Essar Group, represents a major private investment in Minnesota and is intended to advance the region’s industrial development, support US steel supply chain security, and align with decarbonization goals through increased use of DR-grade pellets and potential green-steel pathways.

Company size: 51-200
Company stage: Debt Financing
Total funding: $1.4B
Headquarters: Minnesota, United States
Founded: 2008

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