Senior Specialist, Operational Technology

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

Overview of the role:

Saputo is seeking an OT Infrastructure Specialist for an existing opportunity within our organization to assess, design, implement, maintain, and continuously improve OT network infrastructure across its Canadian plants. Reporting to the OT Director, the incumbent will be responsible for the reliability, security, standardization, and lifecycle management of OT network environments and related interfaces. The successful candidate will work closely with OT, IT, engineering, automation, maintenance, vendors, and site teams to deliver secure, robust, and scalable infrastructure that supports critical industrial operations.

Travel requirement: Travel across Canada will be required based on project and operational needs.

How you will make contributions that matter:

•         Assess, design, implement, and maintain OT network infrastructure across the Canadian division, including industrial Ethernet networks, switches, firewalls, segmentation, secure remote access, and associated interfaces.

•         Develop and maintain OT network architecture, standards, guidelines, and deployment practices aligned with the Saputo OT blueprint, industry best practices, CPWE principles, and applicable regulatory requirements.

•         Manage OT network equipment throughout its full lifecycle, including specification, implementation, configuration, enhancement, maintenance, obsolescence planning, and retirement.

•         Actively identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks within OT environments by applying defense-in-depth principles and supporting alignment with IEC 62443 and corporate cybersecurity requirements.

•         Maintain an accurate and up-to-date inventory of OT network assets, including switches, firewalls, network appliances, communication links, and related infrastructure documentation.

•         Document and maintain OT network diagrams, change records, support procedures, configuration standards, maintenance practices, and knowledge-sharing material for OT and site teams.

•         Develop and communicate OT network infrastructure plans, in collaboration with site teams, to support capital planning, budgeting, project prioritization, and execution of the OT roadmap.

•         Lead or support the delivery of OT infrastructure projects at operational sites, including risk assessment, design reviews, vendor coordination, commissioning support, communication, and stakeholder documentation.

•         Coordinate with Corporate IT, IT Security, and network teams to ensure secure and reliable integration between OT and IT environments, including iDMZ, remote access, managed file transfer, and approved connectivity requirements.

•         Manage suppliers and service providers to ensure services are delivered according to agreed processes, standards, service levels, contracts, and scheduled performance reviews.

•         Support incident response, escalation, troubleshooting, and root cause analysis for OT network-related events, ensuring timely restoration of operations and documenting corrective and preventive actions.

•         Contribute to the development, documentation, and testing of Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BC/DR) plans for OT infrastructure, with a focus on operational resilience and safe recovery.

•         Work with project engineers, automation teams, engineering, maintenance, and operations to provide governance, technical guidance, and OT infrastructure deliverables for site capital projects and operational improvements.

You are best suited for the role if you have the following qualifications:

•         Bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, information technology, network infrastructure, automation, or another relevant field.

•         Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in industrial network infrastructure, OT environments, automation systems, or critical infrastructure support.

•         Strong knowledge of network infrastructure design, industrial Ethernet, VLANs, routing, switching, firewalls, segmentation, NAT, VPNs, and secure remote access.

•         Knowledge of OT cybersecurity principles and industrial best practices, including defense-in-depth, IEC 62443, CPWE, access control, vulnerability management, and change control.

•         Experience with Cisco industrial networking technologies or equivalent platforms; CCNA, CCNP, or relevant OT networking certification is considered an asset.

•         Good understanding of virtualization and server infrastructure in OT environments, including VMware, Azure Local, Hyper-V, Windows Server, backup systems such as Acronis or Commvault, and related infrastructure services.

•         Good understanding of automation systems and industrial applications, including HMI/SCADA platforms, PLCs, historians, OPC connectivity, and common industrial communication protocols.

•         Field experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment is preferred.

•         Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools; knowledge of Visio and AutoCAD is considered an asset.

•         Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with OT, IT, engineering, operations, maintenance, vendors, and site leadership.

•         High degree of autonomy, rigor, and accountability, with the ability to prioritize work, manage emergencies, and support critical operations.

•         Bilingual in English and French, both spoken and written.

•         Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.

•         Willingness to travel across Canada based on business and project needs.

As part of their duties, the position holder will be required to communicate and collaborate in English and French, both orally and in writing, with colleagues or other stakeholders located in Québec, elsewhere in Canada, or across North America.

We support and take care of our employees and their families by offering:

•         Generous and complete benefit coverage with group insurance

•         Group retirement plan with employer contribution

•         Telemedicine and assistance program for employees and their families

•         Employee Share Ownership Plan with an employer match

•         Paid Parental Leave program

•         Paid time off: Sick days, floater days and volunteer day off

•         Opportunity to contribute to a collective RRSP & TFSA

•         Training and development programs

•         Saputo Flex Program, flexible work environment (schedule/location/time off) according to department needs

•         Organized activities for employees and their families

•         Advantageous discounts on Saputo products

Salary: $106 870$ - $140 270

*Salary offers will vary commensurate with experience, education, skills, and training.

STATEMENT ON AI

All applications are carefully considered by our Talent Acquisition team.

Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in screening applications.

Artificial Intelligence is not used to assess or select applications.

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In Canada, Saputo is a leading cheese manufacturer and fluid milk and cream processor, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Dairyland, Armstrong, Neilson, Alexis de Portneuf, and many more. Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain management, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.    

The material contained herein is provided for informational purposes only. All open jobs offered by Saputo Inc. and all companies, corporations, partnerships, limited partnerships and other entities controlled by Saputo Inc. (collectively, “Saputo”) on Saputo's web site are subject to specific job skill requirements. The job skill requirements, qualifications, and preferred experience are determined by a Saputo subsidiary, office or department, and all positions are subject to local prevailing employment laws and restrictions. This would include immigration laws pertaining to work authorization requirements and any other applicable government permissions or compliance. The materials on this site are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained on this site or in any referenced links. While Saputo attempts to update this site on a timely basis, the information is effective only as of the time and date of posting. Strict confidentiality will be observed at all times. Saputo is an equal opportunity employer. The information on this site is for information purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon with legal consequence.

We support employment equity. Saputo strives to embed diversity and inclusion in its operations and invites candidates from all horizons to join its family. Saputo welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations up to the point of undue hardships, are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.