Role Overview for Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Services Co. – Dallas, TX
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to lead the search for a transformative Chief Information Officer (CIO) for a high-growth, private equity-backed services company headquartered in Dallas, TX. This is not merely an IT leadership role; it is a pivotal executive position designed for a strategic business partner who will leverage technology to create significant enterprise value, drive operational excellence, and fuel aggressive growth. Our client is at a critical inflection point in its journey, poised for substantial expansion through both organic initiatives and strategic acquisitions. The successful candidate will be a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, and will be instrumental in shaping the company’s future trajectory.
As the CIO, you will be the principal architect of the company’s technology vision and roadmap. You will be tasked with transforming the current IT landscape from a functional support center into a strategic enabler of business objectives. This requires a leader who is adept at operating within the fast-paced, results-oriented environment of a private equity portfolio company. You will be expected to quickly assess the current state of technology, people, and processes, and then develop and execute a comprehensive strategy that addresses scalability, security, data analytics, and digital innovation. Your primary mandate will be to build a robust and agile technology foundation that not only supports current operations but also seamlessly integrates future acquisitions and enables new service offerings. This role demands a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strong business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills to inspire a team and influence stakeholders across the organization, including the Board of Directors and the private equity sponsor.
The ideal candidate will thrive on the challenge of building and scaling a modern technology organization. You will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s technological infrastructure, including enterprise systems, cybersecurity, data management, and digital platforms. You will partner closely with other C-level executives to understand their strategic needs and deliver technology solutions that enhance productivity, improve customer experience, and provide a distinct competitive advantage. Success in this role will be measured by your ability to drive tangible business outcomes, such as improved operational efficiency, enhanced data-driven decision-making, successful M&A integrations, and ultimately, a significant contribution to the company’s EBITDA growth and overall valuation upon exit.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Services Co. – Dallas, TX
Strategic Technology Leadership & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a forward-thinking technology and digital roadmap that is directly aligned with the company’s strategic objectives and the PE sponsor’s value creation plan. Act as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the executive team on all technology-related matters, providing insights on emerging trends and their potential impact on the business.
IT Operations & Infrastructure Excellence
Oversee the entire IT infrastructure, including networks, data centers, cloud services (AWS, Azure), and end-user computing. Ensure the highest levels of system availability, security, performance, and scalability to support business operations 24/7. Implement ITIL best practices for service management and support.
Digital Transformation & Business Process Automation
Champion and lead initiatives to digitize and automate core business processes across the enterprise. Evaluate and deploy innovative technologies, such as AI, machine learning, and RPA, to enhance service delivery, reduce costs, and create a superior customer experience.
M&A Technology Integration
Play a critical role in the M&A lifecycle. Lead pre-acquisition technology due diligence to assess risks, costs, and synergies. Following an acquisition, develop and execute a detailed integration playbook to rapidly and seamlessly merge systems, applications, data, and IT teams, ensuring minimal disruption and maximum value realization.
Cybersecurity, Risk Management, & Compliance
Architect and maintain a comprehensive, enterprise-wide cybersecurity program to protect company assets, intellectual property, and customer data from evolving threats. Ensure compliance with all relevant industry regulations and data privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). Develop and test disaster recovery and business continuity plans.
Data Strategy, Analytics, and Business Intelligence
Foster a data-driven culture by establishing a robust data governance framework and implementing modern BI and analytics platforms. Empower business leaders with timely, accurate, and actionable insights to inform strategic decision-making and measure performance against KPIs.
Application & Enterprise Systems Management
Oversee the portfolio of enterprise applications, including ERP, CRM, and other core business systems. Drive a strategy for application rationalization, modernization, and integration to create a cohesive and efficient technology ecosystem that supports business needs.
Financial & Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual IT operating and capital budgets, ensuring investments are aligned with strategic priorities and deliver a strong return on investment (ROI). Lead contract negotiations and manage relationships with key technology vendors, partners, and service providers to optimize value and performance.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, agile IT organization. Attract, retain, and develop top talent. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the technology team.
Requirements for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Services Co. – Dallas, TX
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Information Technology, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., CIO, VP of IT, Head of Technology) with full budgetary and departmental oversight.
Private Equity Environment
Demonstrable and significant experience working within a private equity-backed company is strongly preferred. Must possess a deep understanding of the urgency, metrics, and value-creation mindset inherent in a PE environment.
M&A Integration Expertise
Proven, hands-on experience leading the technology track for multiple M&A transactions, from due diligence through post-merger integration. Must be ableto showcase a successful track record of integrating disparate systems, platforms, and teams.
Industry Background
Experience in a distributed services industry (e.g., business services, professional services, field services, healthcare services) is highly desirable.
Technical Breadth and Depth
Broad knowledge across all key areas of IT, including cloud infrastructure, enterprise architecture, business applications (ERP/CRM), data analytics, and modern cybersecurity frameworks. Must have a deep understanding of modern enterprise technology architecture and how to apply it for business value.
Business & Financial Acumen
Exceptional business acumen with the ability to understand complex business challenges and translate them into effective technology solutions. Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and developing ROI-based business cases for technology investments.
Leadership & Communication
Outstanding leadership qualities with the proven ability to build, motivate, and lead high-performing teams. Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, including the executive team and Board of Directors.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary and an attractive annual performance-based bonus plan.
Significant Equity Participation
A meaningful equity stake in the company, providing the opportunity for a substantial financial outcome tied directly to the value you help create.
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.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to company-paid holidays.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing professional development, including executive coaching, conference attendance, and continuing education.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a transformative, results-driven technology executive with a passion for building great companies and a proven track record of success in a private equity-backed environment, we strongly encourage you to apply.
To express your interest, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications for this unique opportunity. To learn more about our expertise in placing top-tier executives in high-growth companies, please visit our Technology Executive Search Practice page. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
