JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering and rapidly scaling Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) company based in the technology hub of Pittsburgh, PA. Our client is at the forefront of the digital transformation of traditional industries, delivering integrated hardware and software solutions that provide unprecedented insights, efficiency, and safety for their enterprise customers. With a strong foundation of innovative technology, a robust customer base, and significant venture backing, they are poised for explosive growth. To spearhead this next phase of expansion, we are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join their executive leadership team.
This is a rare opportunity to step into a critical leadership role within a company that is fundamentally changing how industries operate. The COO will be the strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer, responsible for translating the company’s vision and strategy into world-class operational execution. You will be the engine of the company, ensuring that all internal systems, processes, and teams are optimized for scalability, quality, and profitability. If you are a seasoned operational leader with a passion for technology and a proven track record of scaling complex hardware and software businesses, we invite you to apply for this career-defining position.
Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer with an Industrial IoT Company – Pittsburgh, PA
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will assume responsibility for the company’s entire operational apparatus. This executive will be a key member of the C-suite, reporting directly to the CEO, and will have broad authority over the day-to-day operations of the business. The ideal candidate is a master of execution, capable of managing complexity and driving efficiency across a diverse set of functions, including manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, professional services, customer success, quality assurance, and internal business operations. You will be tasked with building the operational infrastructure required to support the company’s aggressive growth targets while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and customer-centricity.
Success in this role requires a unique blend of strategic thinking and hands-on management. You will not only design the operational roadmap but also roll up your sleeves to ensure its flawless implementation. As the Industrial IoT market continues to expand, this role is critical to capturing market share by ensuring our client’s products are manufactured to the highest standards, delivered on time, and supported by an exceptional customer experience. You will be the architect of scale, ensuring that as the company grows from 1,000 to 100,000 deployed units, our operational capabilities evolve and strengthen. This position demands a leader who can balance the demands of a fast-paced, innovative environment with the discipline required for operational excellence and financial rigor.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer with an Industrial IoT Company – Pittsburgh, PA
The COO will have a wide range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and team development. Key duties include:
Strategic Leadership & Execution
Collaborate closely with the CEO and other C-level executives to develop and refine the company’s strategic plan. You will be responsible for translating high-level strategic goals into actionable, measurable operational plans and key performance indicators (KPIs) for all departments under your purview.
Operational Excellence & Process Optimization
Lead a comprehensive review of all current operational processes, from supply chain management to software deployment. You will identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement, implementing best practices such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to drive continuous improvement and enhance productivity.
Supply Chain & Manufacturing Management
Oversee the end-to-end supply chain, including strategic sourcing, procurement, inventory management, and logistics. You will manage relationships with contract manufacturers (CMs) and key component suppliers, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and supply chain resilience.
Financial & P&L Management
Take ownership of the operational budget and P&L. You will be responsible for forecasting, resource allocation, and cost control to achieve profitability targets. This includes developing sophisticated models for cost of goods sold (COGS) and operational expenditures (OpEx) to guide strategic decisions.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a world-class, multi-disciplinary operations team. Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. You will be responsible for setting clear goals, providing regular feedback, and developing career paths for your direct reports and their teams.
Product Delivery & Quality Assurance
Ensure the seamless and on-time delivery of the company’s integrated hardware and software solutions. You will oversee the entire order-to-cash cycle and implement rigorous quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) programs to maintain the highest product standards and customer satisfaction.
Customer Success & Support
Oversee the professional services, implementation, and post-sales customer support functions. You will be responsible for developing scalable processes to ensure a world-class customer experience, from onboarding to ongoing technical support, driving customer retention and expansion.
Scalability & Infrastructure
Design and implement the systems, tools, and infrastructure necessary to support the company’s rapid growth trajectory. This includes selecting and deploying ERP systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and other business-critical software to automate processes and provide data-driven insights.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as the primary operational liaison between Engineering, Product, Sales, and Marketing. Ensure tight alignment and communication across departments to facilitate smooth product launches, accurate sales forecasting, and effective go-to-market strategies.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer with an Industrial IoT Company – Pittsburgh, PA
We are seeking a candidate with a distinguished track record of operational leadership and a deep understanding of the technology landscape. The specific qualifications for this role are:
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive operational role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, General Manager) within a technology company.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience in a company that designs, manufactures, and sells integrated hardware and software products. Direct experience in the IoT, industrial automation, robotics, or a related technology sector is strongly required.
Proven Scaling Success
A documented track record of successfully scaling a company through a significant growth phase (e.g., from $20M to $100M+ in revenue). You must be able to provide specific examples of the systems and processes you implemented to manage this growth.
Financial Acumen
Deep experience with P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial modeling. You must be highly analytical and data-driven in your decision-making processes.
Supply Chain Mastery
Extensive experience managing global supply chains, including working with contract manufacturers in Asia and other regions, negotiating with suppliers, and implementing inventory control strategies like JIT (Just-In-Time).
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and people management skills. You must be an inspiring and motivational leader who can attract, develop, and retain top talent.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate a clear vision and effectively engage with a wide range of stakeholders, from the board of directors to factory floor technicians.
Location
The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to the Pittsburgh, PA metropolitan area. This is an in-office leadership role critical to the company’s culture and operational cadence.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus.
Equity Ownership
A substantial equity stake (stock options or RSUs) in the company, providing a meaningful opportunity to share in the value you help create.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A budget for continuing education, executive coaching, and industry conferences to support your growth.
Impactful Work
The opportunity to be a pivotal leader in a company that is revolutionizing major global industries and making a tangible impact.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative operational leader who meets the qualifications outlined above and are ready to take on the challenge of scaling a leader in the Industrial IoT space, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments. Applications should be directed to the JRG Partners’ Industrial Technology executive search team for immediate and confidential review. We look forward to learning more about how your experience can help shape the future of our client’s success.
