Role Overview for Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Manufacturer – Grand Rapids, MI
JRG Partners is proud to lead the executive search for a visionary and results-driven Chief Information Officer (CIO) on behalf of our client, a high-growth, private equity-backed manufacturing company based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), designed for a technology leader who thrives in a fast-paced, transformative environment. The successful candidate will be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive IT strategy that aligns with the company’s aggressive growth objectives and the value creation plan set forth by its private equity sponsors.
This is not merely an IT management position; it is a strategic business partnership role. The CIO will be instrumental in modernizing the company’s technology landscape, driving operational excellence, and unlocking new opportunities through digital innovation. You will inherit a foundational IT infrastructure and be tasked with building a world-class, scalable technology organization that can support rapid organic growth and potential M&A activities. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and transformational leadership, with a proven track record of success within the manufacturing sector, preferably within a PE-backed context. You will be the catalyst for change, leveraging technology to enhance every facet of the business, from the shop floor to the C-suite, ultimately contributing to a successful exit for the investors. This role requires a leader who can think strategically about long-term goals while remaining hands-on and agile in executing short-term priorities to deliver immediate impact.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Manufacturer – Grand Rapids, MI
IT Strategy & Executive Leadership
Develop and implement a clear, forward-thinking technology roadmap and strategic plan that directly supports and accelerates the company’s overall business objectives and PE-driven value creation plan. Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, board, and executive team on all technology-related matters.
Digital Transformation & Innovation
Champion and lead enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives. Identify and deploy emerging technologies such as IoT, AI/ML, and advanced data analytics to optimize manufacturing processes, improve supply chain efficiency, and enhance customer experience. A deep understanding of implementing Industry 4.0 principles is crucial for driving competitive advantage.
ERP & Business Systems Management
Oversee the entire lifecycle of the company’s ERP system and other core business applications. Lead initiatives for ERP optimization, integration, or potential migration/implementation to ensure the system effectively supports business processes and provides actionable insights.
Cybersecurity & Risk Management
Establish and maintain a comprehensive enterprise-wide information security and cyber risk management program. Ensure the company’s data, assets, and intellectual property are protected through robust policies, controls, and incident response plans, compliant with all relevant regulations.
Infrastructure & Operations
Modernize and manage all IT infrastructure, including networks, data centers, cloud services, and end-user computing. Ensure high levels of system availability, performance, and scalability to support business operations 24/7. Develop and execute a cloud strategy that balances cost, performance, and security.
Data Management & Analytics
Develop a sophisticated data governance and analytics strategy. Build a ‘single source of truth’ for critical business data and empower the organization with business intelligence (BI) tools and dashboards to drive data-driven decision-making across all departments.
Team Leadership & Development
Lead, mentor, and build a high-performing, agile IT organization. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Attract and retain top talent to support the company’s growth trajectory.
Financial & Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual IT operating and capital budgets, ensuring investments are aligned with strategic priorities and deliver a strong ROI. Lead vendor negotiations and manage relationships with technology partners to ensure optimal service and value.
M&A Integration
Play a key role in the due diligence and integration of potential acquisitions from a technology perspective. Develop and execute a repeatable playbook for seamlessly integrating acquired companies’ systems, processes, and data.
Requirements for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Manufacturer – Grand Rapids, MI
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in IT, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CIO, VP of IT, IT Director) with broad responsibility for all aspects of information technology.
Manufacturing Industry Expertise
Demonstrable and deep experience within the manufacturing industry is mandatory. The candidate must understand the unique technological challenges and opportunities of a manufacturing environment, including shop floor systems (MES), supply chain management, and operations technology (OT).
Private Equity Experience
Prior experience working in a private equity-backed portfolio company is highly preferred. The candidate must understand the pace, metrics-driven culture, and value creation focus inherent in a PE environment.
Transformational Leadership
Proven track record of successfully leading significant technology transformations, including ERP implementations/upgrades, cloud migrations, and the deployment of digital manufacturing technologies.
Technical Proficiency
Broad technical knowledge across infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Deep expertise in modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Infor, Epicor) is essential.
Business Acumen
Strong financial literacy and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear business terms for non-technical stakeholders. Must be able to articulate the business value and ROI of technology investments.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS) is highly desirable.
Leadership & Communication Skills
Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. Proven ability to influence and build consensus across all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the boardroom. A collaborative and decisive leadership style is a must.
Location
The candidate must be willing to work on-site at the company’s headquarters in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area. Relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation package, including:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards for a CIO role of this scope.
Annual Performance Bonus
A significant annual bonus plan tied to the achievement of individual and company performance goals (e.g., EBITDA targets).
Equity Participation
A meaningful equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for significant wealth creation upon a successful exit.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
A budget for continued learning, executive coaching, and participation in industry conferences to stay at the forefront of technology trends.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package for qualified candidates and their families moving to the Grand Rapids area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this confidential search. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. We are committed to a transparent and efficient recruitment process.
If you are a transformative technology leader with a passion for driving growth in the manufacturing sector, we encourage you to apply. To learn more about our expertise in placing top-tier executives within private equity portfolio companies, please visit our Private Equity Executive Search practice page. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
