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# Chief Digital Officer with an Industrial IoT Company – Chicago, IL


Role Overview for Chief Digital Officer with an Industrial IoT Company – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering force in the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) sector, located in the vibrant tech hub of Chicago, IL. Our client is at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution, developing cutting-edge solutions that connect physical industrial assets—from factory floors to sprawling energy grids—with advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing. They empower legacy industries to unlock unprecedented levels of efficiency, safety, and sustainability. We are conducting an executive search for a visionary and transformative Chief Digital Officer (CDO) to join their executive leadership team and architect the next phase of their digital evolution.
As the Chief Digital Officer, you will be the central figure driving the company’s digital strategy and vision. This is not merely a technology leadership role; it is a business transformation role with technology at its core. You will be responsible for reimagining how the company leverages digital technologies to create new business models, generate novel revenue streams, enhance customer experiences, and create a sustainable competitive advantage.
You will own the entire digital ecosystem, from the underlying IoT platform architecture to the data monetization strategies and the development of next-generation digital products and services. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) landscape, a proven track record of leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, and the executive presence to inspire change across the organization, from the boardroom to the engineering teams. This role requires a unique blend of technical acumen, commercial savvy, and inspirational leadership.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Digital Officer with an Industrial IoT Company – Chicago, IL
The Chief Digital Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate, with responsibilities that span strategy, technology, product, and leadership. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to drive tangible business outcomes through digital innovation.
Digital Strategy & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, forward-looking digital strategy that aligns with and accelerates the company’s overall business objectives. Champion a digital-first culture throughout the organization.
Technology & Platform Leadership
Oversee the architecture, development, and scalability of the company’s core IIoT platform. Ensure the technology stack is modern, secure, and capable of supporting future growth and innovation in areas like edge computing, AI/ML, and digital twins.
Product & Service Innovation
Lead the ideation, development, and launch of new digital products, services, and solutions. Utilize market insights, customer feedback, and technology trends to build a robust and profitable digital product portfolio.
Data Monetization & Analytics
Establish and lead a sophisticated data strategy. Implement advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities to extract actionable insights from vast datasets. Develop and execute strategies to monetize data assets through new services and business models.
Customer Experience (CX) Transformation
Reimagine and optimize the end-to-end digital customer journey. Leverage digital tools and platforms to deliver a seamless, personalized, and value-added experience for all clients, driving adoption, satisfaction, and retention.
Ecosystem & Partnership Development
Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with technology vendors, cloud providers, system integrators, and other ecosystem players to enhance the company’s digital capabilities and market reach.
P&L Management & Commercial Ownership
Assume full P&L responsibility for the digital business unit. Develop business cases for digital investments, manage budgets, and drive revenue growth and profitability from digital offerings.
Cybersecurity & Data Governance
In partnership with the CISO, ensure the highest standards of cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory compliance across all digital platforms and products, particularly given the critical nature of industrial infrastructure.
Leadership & Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a world-class team of digital talent, including product managers, data scientists, software engineers, and UX/UI designers. Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous learning.
Executive Collaboration
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, collaborating closely with the CEO, CTO, CRO, and other leaders to ensure cohesive strategy and execution. Effectively communicate the digital vision and progress to the Board of Directors and investors.
Requirements for the Chief Digital Officer with an Industrial IoT Company – Chicago, IL
We are seeking an accomplished executive with a demonstrable history of driving digital transformation and delivering significant business results in a technology-centric environment.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of professional experience, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., CDO, VP of Digital, Head of Digital Transformation) overseeing digital strategy, product development, and technology teams.
Industry Expertise
Deep experience in the B2B technology sector is essential. Specific expertise in IoT/IIoT, industrial automation, manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, or enterprise SaaS is highly desirable.
Technical Acumen
Strong foundational knowledge of modern technology landscapes, including cloud computing (AWS, Azure, GCP), big data architectures, AI/ML applications, microservices, and cybersecurity principles. Must be able to engage in substantive technical discussions with engineering teams.
Commercial & Financial Acumen
Proven experience managing a P&L, developing complex business models, pricing strategies, and demonstrating a clear ROI on digital investments.
Transformational Leadership
A track record as a change agent, with the ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization. Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills are paramount.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and long-term, anticipating future trends and competitive threats, while also being able to translate that vision into a concrete, actionable roadmap.
Customer-Centric Focus
A relentless focus on the customer, with experience using design thinking and agile methodologies to build products and experiences that solve real-world problems.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a compensation package that reflects the strategic importance of this role.
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Equity Participation
A substantial long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options) that provides a meaningful stake in the company’s success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with wellness programs and a health savings account (HSA).
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Generous Paid Time Off
A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company holidays, to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and certifications to keep you at the forefront of your field.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for exceptional candidates moving to the Chicago area.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this Chief Digital Officer position. If you are a visionary digital leader with a passion for transforming industries through technology, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this pivotal role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and your vision for digital innovation in the Industrial IoT space. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
For more information about our expertise in this area or to explore other executive opportunities, please visit our Technology Executive Search practice page. We look forward to connecting with you.