Digital Transformation Director - Operations

Who we are:

IRCA Group, an Advent portfolio company, was founded in Italy in 1919, and it is a leading international B2B provider of high-quality semi-finished ingredients such as chocolate, decorations, creams, inclusions, nuts and pistachios, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other essential solutions for industrial clients or other independent artisanal producers.

With more than 2.400 employees, 19 production facilities worldwide, and €1.4 billion in revenues, IRCA Group has a solid track record of growth and international expansion.

What do we offer:

• A dynamic, international, and inclusive environment with exposure to global projects and stakeholders
• The opportunity to shape and lead the digital transformation agenda of a fast-growing international organization
• High visibility with executive leadership and the ability to influence strategic business decisions
• Professional development and international career opportunities
• The chance to drive innovation through emerging technologies, advanced analytics, AI, automation, and digital solutions

We are seeking an experienced Digital Transformation Director to define and drive IRCA's end-to-end Digital Transformation Strategy across the business.

The successful candidate will lead the identification, prioritization, and implementation of high-impact digital initiatives that enhance customer experience , improve operational performance , strengthen data-driven decision-making , optimize business processes, and support sustainable growth .

Working closely with business and functional leaders, this role will act as a bridge between strategy, technology, data, and people , accelerating the organization's digital maturity journey .

The Digital Transformation Director will serve as a key change leader , ensuring that digital capabilities are successfully embedded into daily operations while delivering measurable business value across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Commercial, Finance, Procurement, and Corporate Functions .

The position is preferably based in Italy, at IRCA Group's Headquarters , with regular interaction and collaboration across the Group's international operations.

Digital Strategy & Transformation Roadmap for E2E Supply Chain:

• Define and maintain the Group's E2E supply Chain digital transformation strategy aligned with business objectives and growth ambitions
• Develop and manage a multi-year digital roadmap, ensuring clear prioritization of initiatives and investments
• Identify opportunities to leverage digital technologies to improve efficiency, scalability, customer experience, and business performance
• Establish governance, standards, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms for digital transformation programs

Manufacturing & Supply Chain Digitization:

• Drive the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies across manufacturing facilities
• Partner with Operations and Supply Chain teams to improve visibility, productivity, quality, and service through digital solutions
• Support the deployment and optimization of MES, automation, predictive maintenance, digital performance management, and smart factory initiatives
• Lead initiatives that improve planning, inventory management, traceability, and supply chain resilience

Data & Analytics Excellence:

• Promote a data-driven culture across the organization
• Develop business intelligence capabilities and performance dashboards that support decision-making at all levels
• Improve data quality, governance, and accessibility across critical business processes
• Identify and implement advanced analytics opportunities to improve forecasting, operational performance, and business outcomes

Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technologies:

• Develop and execute the company's AI adoption strategy
• Identify practical use cases for AI, machine learning, automation, and generative AI across business functions
• Evaluate emerging technologies and assess their potential business impact
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to pilot, scale, and govern innovative solutions

Change Management & Capability Building:

• Lead organizational change required to successfully adopt digital solutions
• Foster a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement
• Develop digital capabilities through training, coaching, and awareness programs
• Build engagement among business leaders and functional teams to accelerate adoption and value realization

Program Leadership & Delivery:

• Manage a portfolio of strategic transformation projects, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and against business objectives
• Establish project governance frameworks and monitor benefits realization
• Partner with IT to ensure alignment between technology capabilities and business priorities
• Act as executive sponsor for key digital initiatives and transformation programs

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Supply Chain, Commercial, Finance, Procurement, HR, Quality, Engineering, and IT teams
• Build strong relationships with our CIO organization
• Support M&A integration activities by ensuring alignment of systems, processes, and digital capabilities

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Information Technology, Business Administration, Data Analytics, or a related field
• Additional certifications in Digital Transformation, Data Analytics, Project Management, AI, or Change Management are desirable

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience within manufacturing, operations, consulting, digital transformation, or technology roles
• Demonstrated success in delivering measurable business value through technology and process transformation

Professional Skills:

• Digital Transformation Strategy
• Industry 4.0 and Smart Manufacturing
• Business Process Optimization
• Artificial Intelligence and Automation
• Data & Analytics
• Project and Portfolio Management
• Change Management
• Business Case Development
• Stakeholder Management
• Financial and Operational Performance Improvement

Digital Skills:

• Strong understanding AI solutions, cloud technologies , automation platforms, and advanced analytics tools
• Strong understanding of ERP platforms (SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle or similar)
• Experience with MES, APS, Supply Chain Planning, Business Intelligence, and Data Platforms
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Language Skills:

• English proficiency is mandatory
• Additional languages are considered a plus

Softs Skills:

• Strategic and innovative mindset
• Excellent communication and influencing skills
• Ability to lead cross-functional and multicultural teams
• High level of curiosity, resilience, and adaptability
• Results-oriented with a strong focus on value creation and execution

Other Requirements:

• Availability to travel internationally up to approximately 25% of the time

Contract

CCNL Alimentare Industria

Level

Impiegatizio alto livello

Meal vouchers

€8 for each day spent in the office

Remuneration

starting from RAL 60.000 € / 70.000 €

Eligibility for variable bonus

IRCA fosters a dynamic environment, valuing different perspectives and international experiences, offering a stimulating context. We promote professional growth and career opportunities locally and internationally. With locations worldwide, we offer the chance to work on international projects, collaborate across cultures, and gain a global perspective. If you are looking for stimulating challenges and the chance to contribute your ideas for process improvement in an ever-growing company, IRCA is the right place.

We welcome applications from candidates of all genders, backgrounds, identities, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion, or belief. We believe in equal opportunities for all and ensure that our hiring process complies with the highest standards of non-discrimination and inclusivity. IRCA Group is dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone can be their authentic selves, reach their full potential, and feel a true sense of belonging. Join us in creating a workplace where diversity is valued, and everyone can thrive.

Il presente annuncio è rivolto ai candidati appartenenti a qualsiasi orientamento o espressione di genere, nel rispetto dei principi di diversità e inclusione e di non discriminazione ai sensi del D.lgs. 198/2006.