Role Overview for Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners is proud to lead the executive search for a visionary and transformative Chief Information Officer (CIO) on behalf of our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing manufacturer backed by a leading private equity firm. Located in the industrial heartland of Cleveland, OH, this is a career-defining opportunity for a technology executive to join the senior leadership team and drive significant value creation. The CIO will be the principal technology leader, responsible for the overarching vision, strategy, and execution of all information technology and digital initiatives across the enterprise.
In this pivotal role, you will be more than just an IT manager; you will be a strategic business partner, instrumental in shaping the company’s future. The PE-backed environment demands a leader who is both strategic and hands-on, with a relentless focus on operational excellence, scalability, and ROI. You will be tasked with transforming the company’s technology landscape to support aggressive growth targets, operational efficiency improvements, and a successful exit strategy. This includes modernizing legacy systems, harnessing the power of data and analytics, bolstering cybersecurity defenses, and championing a culture of digital innovation.
The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the manufacturing sector, with a proven track record of leveraging technology to optimize production, supply chain, and back-office functions. You will be responsible for building a high-performing IT organization, aligning technology investments with business objectives, and ensuring that the company’s IT infrastructure is robust, secure, and scalable. This role requires a leader who can effectively communicate complex technical concepts to the executive team and the board, influence decision-making, and drive change throughout the organization. You will be the architect of the company’s digital future, ensuring it has the technological capabilities to outpace the competition and achieve its ambitious goals.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Strategic IT Leadership & Vision
Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term technology strategy and roadmap that aligns with the company’s business goals and the value creation plan of the private equity sponsor. Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing expert counsel on technology trends, opportunities, and risks. Developing a robust IT roadmap requires staying ahead of industry shifts, leveraging insights from authoritative sources like Gartner for IT Leaders to inform strategic decisions.
Digital Transformation & Innovation
Champion and lead the company’s digital transformation initiatives. Identify and implement innovative technologies such as IoT, AI/ML, and advanced automation to create ‘smart factory’ environments, enhance product quality, improve operational efficiency, and create new revenue streams.
ERP & Business Systems Management
Oversee the entire lifecycle of the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system and other critical business applications. Drive optimization, integration, and potential future migrations or implementations to ensure these systems provide a single source of truth and effectively support manufacturing, supply chain, finance, and sales operations.
Cybersecurity & Risk Management
Establish and maintain a comprehensive enterprise-wide cybersecurity program. Develop and enforce policies, procedures, and controls to protect the company’s data, intellectual property, and IT assets from evolving cyber threats. Ensure compliance with all relevant industry and data privacy regulations.
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
Build and mature a robust data analytics and business intelligence (BI) capability. Champion a data-driven culture by providing the tools and insights necessary for informed decision-making across all departments, from the shop floor to the C-suite.
Infrastructure & Operations
Ensure the reliability, scalability, and performance of the company’s IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, cloud services, and end-user computing. Manage IT operations to provide seamless and efficient support to all employees and facilities.
M&A Due Diligence & Integration
Act as the technology lead for all merger and acquisition activities. Conduct thorough IT due diligence on potential targets and develop and execute detailed integration plans for acquired companies, ensuring a smooth and rapid consolidation of systems, processes, and teams.
Financial & Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual IT operating and capital budgets, ensuring investments are cost-effective and deliver maximum business value. Lead vendor negotiations, contract management, and relationship management to ensure strong partnerships and high-quality service delivery.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing, agile, and business-focused IT organization. Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the IT team and across the company.
Requirements for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree or MBA is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Information Technology, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CIO, VP of IT, IT Director) with significant strategic and budgetary responsibilities.
Manufacturing Industry Expertise
Demonstrable and deep experience within the manufacturing sector is mandatory. Must have a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chain logistics, and shop floor systems (MES, SCADA).
Private Equity Experience
Prior experience working in a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred. Must understand the pace, metrics, and value-creation focus inherent in a PE environment.
ERP System Mastery
Proven, hands-on experience leading at least one major ERP implementation, migration, or significant upgrade (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor) within a manufacturing context.
Technical Acumen
Broad knowledge of current and emerging technologies, including cloud computing (Azure/AWS), cybersecurity frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001), data architecture, business intelligence tools, and modern IT infrastructure.
M&A Integration Skills
Track record of successfully leading IT due diligence and post-merger integration projects is a significant asset.
Strategic & Financial Acumen
Ability to think strategically and link IT initiatives directly to business outcomes. Strong financial management skills with experience managing complex budgets and demonstrating ROI on technology investments.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills. The ability to articulate a clear technology vision and influence stakeholders at all levels, from the board of directors to factory floor employees.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent by offering a competitive and comprehensive compensation package. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary and Performance Bonus
An attractive salary and a significant annual bonus structure tied to company and individual performance.
Equity Participation
A meaningful equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity to share directly in the value created through a successful exit.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Full medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
A commitment to your ongoing growth with support for conferences, training, and certifications.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary, results-oriented technology executive with a passion for driving growth in the manufacturing sector, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. JRG Partners is managing this exclusive search. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments.
JRG Partners specializes in placing high-impact leaders in transformative roles within private equity, technology, and manufacturing sectors. To learn more about our dedicated expertise in recruiting C-suite technology executives, please visit our Technology Officers Recruiting practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can make a lasting impact with our client.
