Role Overview for Chief Integration Officer with an Automation & Controls Roll-Up – Atlanta, GA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, high-growth private equity-backed platform company specializing in the automation and controls sector. Our client is executing an aggressive roll-up strategy, acquiring best-in-class businesses to build a national leader in industrial and building automation solutions. We are seeking a visionary and execution-focused Chief Integration Officer (CIO) to be a cornerstone of the executive leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to architect and lead the post-merger integration (PMI) function from the ground up, ensuring the successful fusion of acquired companies into a cohesive, scalable, and highly profitable enterprise.
Based in Atlanta, GA, the CIO will be the central figure responsible for realizing the full value of each acquisition. This executive will develop and implement a standardized, repeatable integration playbook that covers all functional areas, including operations, finance, IT, HR, and sales. Working in close collaboration with the CEO, CFO, the executive team, and the private equity sponsor, the CIO will drive synergy realization, cultural alignment, and operational excellence across the growing portfolio of companies. The ideal candidate is a seasoned M&A integration leader with a deep understanding of the automation and controls industry and a proven track record of success within a fast-paced, private equity environment. This role is not just about managing projects; it’s about strategic value creation and building a lasting, integrated enterprise.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Integration Officer with an Automation & Controls Roll-Up – Atlanta, GA
The Chief Integration Officer will be accountable for the end-to-end success of all post-merger integration activities. This includes strategic planning, hands-on execution, and rigorous performance tracking.
Integration Strategy & Playbook Development
Design, build, and continuously refine a comprehensive M&A integration framework and playbook. This playbook will serve as the master guide for all future acquisitions, ensuring a consistent, efficient, and effective integration process.
Cross-Functional Leadership
Lead and mobilize dedicated, cross-functional integration teams composed of leaders from finance, operations, human resources, IT, sales, and marketing. Foster a collaborative environment to ensure alignment and accountability across all workstreams.
Synergy Identification & Realization
Partner with the corporate development team during due diligence to identify and quantify potential cost, revenue, and operational synergies. Post-close, you will own the plan to capture these synergies, establishing clear metrics, tracking progress, and reporting on performance to the executive team and the board.
Operational & Systems Integration
Oversee the complex process of merging disparate business systems and processes. This includes the integration of ERP systems, financial reporting standards, supply chain logistics, engineering standards, and project management methodologies. Drive the adoption of best practices in automation and controls integration to standardize service delivery and operational efficiency.
Cultural & Organizational Alignment
Act as the primary change agent, developing and executing a strategic plan to merge distinct company cultures into a single, high-performance organizational identity. Implement robust communication plans to ensure transparency, manage employee concerns, and foster a sense of shared purpose and values.
Performance Management & Reporting
Establish a rigorous governance and reporting structure for all integration projects. Develop and maintain detailed integration plans, budgets, and timelines. Provide regular, transparent, and insightful updates to the CEO, executive leadership, and private equity partners on integration milestones, risks, and financial performance.
Risk Mitigation
Proactively identify potential integration risks and challenges. Develop and implement mitigation strategies to address issues related to technology, operations, personnel, and customer retention before they impact business performance.
Pre-Close Involvement
Actively participate in the final stages of the due diligence process to validate synergy assumptions, assess integration complexity, and begin preliminary integration planning to ensure a seamless transition from deal close to integration launch.
Requirements for the Chief Integration Officer with an Automation & Controls Roll-Up – Atlanta, GA
We are seeking a candidate with a unique blend of strategic acumen, operational expertise, and leadership presence. The following qualifications are essential for success in this role:
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive professional experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role specifically focused on corporate development, M&A, or post-merger integration.
M&A Integration Track Record
Demonstrable, hands-on experience leading multiple successful, full-cycle integrations of acquired businesses. Experience within a private equity-backed, buy-and-build or roll-up environment is critically important.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience in the automation and controls industry or a closely related technical field (e.g., specialty contracting, systems integration, industrial services). A deep understanding of the business models, competitive landscape, and operational nuances of this sector is highly preferred.
Functional Breadth
Strong functional knowledge across finance, operations, human resources, and IT. Must be able to ‘speak the language’ of each department and understand the intricacies of integrating these functions.
Financial Acumen
Sophisticated financial skills, including the ability to model synergies, manage integration budgets, and interpret financial statements to track performance against deal theses.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional executive presence and proven ability to lead through influence. Must be skilled at building consensus, managing conflict, and driving change across all levels of an organization, from the C-suite to the front lines.
Strategic & Analytical Mindset
Ability to toggle between high-level strategic planning and granular, tactical execution. Must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills to dissect complex issues and make data-driven decisions.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related discipline is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Logistics
Ability and willingness to travel frequently (estimated 30-50%) to acquired company sites across the country. Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Atlanta, GA metropolitan area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a compensation package designed to reward performance and long-term value creation.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary and an attractive annual performance-based bonus plan.
Equity Participation
A significant and meaningful equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for substantial wealth creation tied to the success of the platform.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to company-paid holidays.
Professional Development
Support for executive coaching, industry conferences, and continued professional education.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm retained for this critical executive search. If you are a results-oriented integration leader with the experience and drive to excel in this pivotal role, we encourage you to apply. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant M&A integration experience. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. You can learn more about our expertise by connecting with Industrial Automation & Robotics Integrator Executive Search Firm. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you.
