Role Overview for Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed SaaS Provider – Salt Lake City, UT
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a high-growth, private equity-backed Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) provider located in the vibrant tech hub of Salt Lake City, Utah. Our client is a market leader in their niche, delivering innovative solutions that transform their industry. Fueled by a significant investment from a top-tier PE firm, the company is poised for an aggressive phase of expansion, market consolidation, and product evolution. To spearhead this technological journey, we are seeking a transformative and business-oriented Chief Information Officer (CIO) to join their executive leadership team.
The CIO will be a strategic partner to the CEO and the board, responsible for the overarching technology vision, strategy, and execution that will enable the company to scale effectively and achieve its ambitious growth targets. This is not a traditional IT management role; it is a business-critical leadership position focused on value creation. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading technology organizations through periods of rapid growth, particularly within a PE-backed or similarly dynamic environment. You will be instrumental in all aspects of the company’s technology landscape, from internal business systems and data analytics to robust cybersecurity and infrastructure scalability. Your leadership will ensure that the technology function is a key enabler of business strategy, a driver of operational efficiency, and a cornerstone of the company’s competitive advantage. This role requires a leader who can seamlessly transition between high-level board discussions about technology ROI and deep-dive technical sessions with their teams, ultimately building a world-class IT organization that is secure, scalable, and aligned with the strategic objectives of the business and its investors.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed SaaS Provider – Salt Lake City, UT
Strategic Technology Leadership & Vision
Develop and execute a comprehensive, long-term technology roadmap that aligns with the company’s business goals and the value creation plan of the private equity sponsors. Serve as the primary technology advisor to the CEO, C-suite, and Board of Directors, effectively communicating technology strategy, investments, and risks.
IT Infrastructure & Operations at Scale
Oversee the design, implementation, and management of a secure, scalable, and highly available cloud-based infrastructure (AWS, Azure, or GCP). Ensure operational excellence through best practices in IT service management (ITIL), disaster recovery, and business continuity planning to support a 24/7 SaaS environment.
Cybersecurity, Governance, and Compliance
Architect and lead a comprehensive enterprise-wide information security program. Establish robust governance frameworks to manage risk, protect sensitive data, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA). Drive the organization towards key certifications, such as SOC 2 compliance, to build customer trust and meet enterprise requirements.
Business Systems & Process Automation
Lead the selection, implementation, and optimization of core business applications, including ERP, CRM (e.g., Salesforce), and HRIS. Champion process automation and integration across departments to enhance operational efficiency, improve data accuracy, and support rapid scaling.
Data Strategy & Business Intelligence
Foster a data-driven culture by developing and implementing a cohesive data strategy. Oversee data governance, data warehousing, and the deployment of business intelligence (BI) and analytics tools to provide actionable insights to all levels of the organization.
M&A Technology Integration
Play a pivotal role in the technology track of mergers and acquisitions. Lead technical due diligence on target companies and develop and execute detailed post-merger integration plans for systems, infrastructure, and teams to realize synergies and accelerate value creation.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global IT organization. Cultivate a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement. Develop talent and create clear career paths to attract and retain top-tier technology professionals.
Financial & Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual IT operating and capital budgets, ensuring investments are aligned with strategic priorities and deliver a clear return on investment. Lead vendor negotiations and manage key technology partnerships to optimize cost and performance.
Requirements for the Chief Information Officer (CIO) with a PE-backed SaaS Provider – Salt Lake City, UT
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). Demonstrable experience reporting to a C-suite and presenting to a Board of Directors.
SaaS & PE Environment Acumen
Significant experience within a high-growth B2B SaaS or technology company is essential. Prior experience working in a private equity-backed environment is strongly preferred, with a deep understanding of the pace, metrics, and value-creation mindset required.
M&A Expertise
Proven, hands-on experience leading the technology diligence and post-merger integration of at least one significant acquisition. Must be able to articulate a clear playbook for integrating disparate technology stacks, processes, and cultures.
Technical Breadth and Depth
Strong command of modern IT disciplines, including public cloud architecture (AWS/Azure/GCP), DevSecOps principles, enterprise security frameworks (NIST, ISO 27001), data architecture, and enterprise application strategy (ERP/CRM). While this is a strategic role, a strong technical foundation is critical for credibility and effective leadership.
Strategic & Business Acumen
Exceptional ability to translate business objectives into a clear technology strategy. Strong financial literacy, with experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, performing ROI analysis, and negotiating complex vendor contracts.
Leadership & Communication Skills
An inspirational leader with a proven ability to build and develop high-performing teams. Must possess outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, from engineers to investors.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent and offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
- A competitive executive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
- A significant equity stake in the company, providing a meaningful opportunity for wealth creation upon a successful exit.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
- A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy and paid company holidays.
- A dedicated budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and executive coaching.
- Relocation assistance for exceptional candidates moving to the Salt Lake City area.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and innovative work culture in a modern office space.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing this retained search. To be considered for this career-defining opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. We are looking for a leader who is ready to make a significant impact on a rapidly growing company. If you are a strategic technology executive with a passion for scaling SaaS businesses in a PE-backed environment, we encourage you to apply.
