Role Overview for Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Industrial Distributor – Houston, 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 industrial distributor headquartered in Houston, TX. This is a pivotal executive leadership role reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the senior management team. Our client is a market leader in its niche, poised for significant expansion through both organic growth and a strategic, aggressive M&A strategy. The PE sponsor is committed to investing heavily in technology to create a scalable platform for future growth and value creation.
We are seeking a visionary technology leader who is not just an operator but a strategic business partner. The ideal candidate will be responsible for defining and executing an IT strategy that aligns with the company’s ambitious goals. This role is not about maintaining the status quo; it is about building a modern, secure, and scalable technology ecosystem from the ground up. You will be instrumental in driving digital transformation, integrating acquired companies seamlessly, and harnessing the power of data to provide a distinct competitive advantage. The CIO will be the architect of the company’s technological future, ensuring that IT becomes a primary enabler of business strategy, operational excellence, and profitable growth. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a dynamic organization and play a crucial role in its success story, culminating in a successful exit for the private equity investors.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Industrial Distributor – Houston, TX
Strategic Technology Leadership & Vision
Develop and implement a comprehensive, forward-looking IT roadmap that supports the company’s aggressive growth trajectory and value creation plan. Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the board, translating business objectives into actionable technology initiatives. Champion innovation and drive a culture of continuous improvement within the IT organization and across the company.
M&A Integration and Scalability
Lead all aspects of IT due diligence for potential acquisitions. Develop and execute a standardized, repeatable playbook for the post-merger integration of systems, applications, infrastructure, and teams. The ability to ensure successful M&A integration is paramount to unifying the platform and realizing synergies quickly and efficiently.
ERP and Core Business Systems Modernization
Oversee the entire lifecycle of the company’s core business applications, including a central ERP system. Evaluate the current systems landscape, identify gaps, and lead initiatives to select, implement, and optimize platforms (ERP, CRM, WMS, etc.) that will scale with the business. Ensure these systems provide a ‘single source of truth’ for critical business data.
Infrastructure, Cloud, and Operations
Modernize and manage the company’s IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, and end-user computing. Drive a cloud-first strategy where appropriate (Azure/AWS), ensuring a highly available, secure, and cost-effective environment. Guarantee exceptional IT service delivery and support for all business operations across multiple locations.
Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Establish and maintain a comprehensive, enterprise-wide cybersecurity program. Develop and enforce security policies, procedures, and controls to protect company data, systems, and intellectual property from internal and external threats. Ensure compliance with all relevant industry and data privacy regulations.
Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Champion a data-driven culture throughout the organization. Develop a robust data analytics and BI strategy to transform raw data into actionable insights. Oversee the creation of dashboards and reporting tools that provide the executive team with critical visibility into business performance and key metrics.
Digital Transformation and E-commerce
Partner with sales and marketing leaders to enhance the company’s digital capabilities, particularly its B2B e-commerce platform. Drive initiatives that improve the customer experience, create new revenue streams, and streamline online transactions.
Team Leadership and Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing IT organization. Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture that is aligned with business needs. Develop the skills and careers of team members, ensuring the IT department has the talent necessary to achieve its strategic objectives.
Budget and 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 contract negotiations with software, hardware, and service providers to optimize value and performance.
Requirements for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed Industrial Distributor – Houston, 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, IT Director) with broad responsibility for all aspects of IT.
Private Equity Environment
Demonstrable experience working within a private equity-backed company is highly preferred. The candidate must understand the pace, rigor, and metrics-driven focus of a PE environment, including the emphasis on rapid value creation, M&A, and preparing for a successful exit.
Industry Background
Significant experience in the industrial distribution, manufacturing, or logistics sectors is required. The candidate must have a deep understanding of the unique technological challenges and opportunities related to complex supply chains, inventory management, and B2B customer relationships.
M&A Expertise
Proven, hands-on experience leading IT due diligence and post-merger integrations is a critical requirement. Must be able to show a track record of successfully integrating disparate systems and teams from acquired companies.
Technical Acumen
Broad technical knowledge across ERP systems (e.g., Epicor, Infor, NetSuite, SAP), cloud infrastructure (Azure, AWS), cybersecurity frameworks (NIST), and modern data analytics platforms. While this is a strategic role, a strong technical foundation is essential for credibility and effective decision-making.
Business and Financial Acumen
Must be a business leader first and a technologist second. Possess a strong understanding of business operations and finance, with the ability to articulate the business value of technology investments in clear, financial terms.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is a significant plus.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills. A proven change agent with the ability to build consensus and lead teams through transformation. Must be a proactive, hands-on leader who can operate at both strategic and tactical levels.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation package designed to attract and retain a top-tier leader. This includes:
- A competitive base salary and an aggressive annual performance-based bonus.
A significant Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) with meaningful equity participation.
- Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Paid time off (PTO) and company holidays.
- Relocation assistance for the right candidate to Houston, TX.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive search partner for this critical hire. If you are a visionary IT executive with the required experience in a PE-backed, industrial distribution environment, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this confidential search, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications. For more information on our firm and similar opportunities, you can learn more by exploring our expertise in private equity executive search. We look forward to connecting with you.
