Role Overview for Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive search for a visionary and transformative Chief Information Officer (CIO) on behalf of our client, a multi-billion dollar global manufacturing leader headquartered in the greater Cleveland, OH area. This is a paramount executive leadership position for an individual poised to redefine the technological landscape of a complex, international organization. Our client is renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence, with a vast network of production facilities, distribution centers, and corporate offices spanning multiple continents.
The Chief Information Officer will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This role is not merely about managing IT infrastructure; it is about harnessing the power of technology to drive business strategy, create competitive advantage, and enable future growth. The successful candidate will be a strategic partner to the business, responsible for the vision, leadership, and execution of the company’s global information technology strategy. You will be at the forefront of the company’s digital transformation, leading initiatives that will modernize operations, enhance data-driven decision-making, and secure the enterprise against evolving cyber threats.
This position demands a leader with a profound understanding of the manufacturing sector’s unique challenges and opportunities. You will be tasked with architecting a robust, scalable, and secure technology ecosystem that supports everything from the shop floor to the top floor. This includes overseeing enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, manufacturing execution systems (MES), supply chain technologies, and the implementation of next-generation solutions like IoT, AI, and advanced analytics. You will champion a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the global IT organization, ensuring that technology is a powerful enabler of the company’s strategic objectives. This is a career-defining opportunity to make a significant impact on a global scale.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Strategic Vision & Executive Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term IT vision and strategic plan that aligns with and drives the overall business strategy.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive team, providing insights and recommendations on technology trends, opportunities, and risks.
- Champion and lead the company’s digital transformation journey, integrating modern technologies to enhance efficiency, product innovation, and customer experience.
- Lead IT strategic and operational planning to achieve business goals by fostering innovation, prioritizing IT initiatives, and coordinating the evaluation, deployment, and management of current and future IT systems.
- Oversee the technology integration strategy for mergers and acquisitions, ensuring seamless transitions and value realization.
Technology Operations & Infrastructure Management
- Direct the management of all global IT infrastructure, including data centers, cloud services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), networks, and telecommunications to ensure high levels of performance, security, and availability.
- Oversee the entire portfolio of enterprise applications, including the optimization and future roadmap for core systems like ERP (e.g., SAP, Oracle), CRM, PLM, and MES.
- Drive the adoption of modern manufacturing technologies and Industry 4.0 principles, including IoT, automation, and predictive analytics on the factory floor.
- Ensure the delivery of high-quality IT services across the global organization, implementing ITIL or similar frameworks to manage service levels and user satisfaction.
- Develop and implement a comprehensive data strategy, including data governance, analytics, and business intelligence, to transform data into a strategic asset.
Cybersecurity, Governance, and Risk Management
- Establish and lead a world-class enterprise-wide information security program to protect the company’s assets, data, and reputation from cyber threats.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards (e.g., GDPR, SOX, CCPA) related to information technology and data privacy.
- Develop and maintain a comprehensive disaster recovery and business continuity plan to minimize risk and operational disruption.
- Oversee the IT governance framework, establishing policies, procedures, and standards for the acquisition, implementation, and operation of technology systems.
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 IT vendors, partners, and service providers to ensure optimal performance and value.
- Drive cost-optimization initiatives through strategic sourcing, process improvements, and technology rationalization.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing, global IT organization, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
- Implement effective organizational design, talent management, and succession planning strategies for the IT department.
- Promote a business-first mindset within the IT team, ensuring a deep understanding of business processes and challenges.
Requirements for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a Global Manufacturer – Cleveland, OH
Educational & Professional Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS) is highly preferred.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in Information Technology, with at least 7-10 years in a senior IT leadership role (e.g., CIO, VP of IT, IT Director) for a large, complex organization.
Crucial
Demonstrable experience within a global manufacturing or industrial company is mandatory. A deep understanding of the technologies and processes that underpin modern manufacturing is essential.
- Proven track record of successfully leading large-scale digital transformation initiatives, including major ERP implementations or upgrades (e.g., SAP S/4HANA, Oracle Fusion).
- Extensive experience managing a global IT footprint, including supporting international operations, teams, and compliance requirements.
Technical & Leadership Competencies
- Broad technical expertise across infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics.
- Strong understanding of OT (Operational Technology) and its convergence with IT in a manufacturing environment.
- Exceptional business and financial acumen, with the ability to create compelling business cases for technology investments.
- Proven ability to lead and inspire large, diverse, and geographically dispersed teams.
- Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, from the board of directors to factory floor employees.
- A strategic and innovative thinker with strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Demonstrated experience in managing significant IT budgets and complex vendor negotiations.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
- Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
- Significant annual performance-based bonus potential.
- Long-Term Incentive Program (LTIP) with equity components.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for you and your dependents.
- Robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Executive-level professional development and continuing education support.
- Full relocation assistance package for the successful candidate and their family to the Cleveland, OH area.
- An opportunity to work with a world-class leadership team and make a lasting impact on a global industry leader.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and strategic vision. All applications will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment for the technology and industrial sectors. We invite you to learn more about our expertise by visiting our Technology Officer practice area. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can lead the technological future of this exceptional organization.
