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# Chief Technology Officer with a Global Manufacturer – Detroit, MI


Role Overview for Chief Technology Officer with a Global Manufacturer – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative and visionary Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for a premier global manufacturing organization headquartered in the industrial heartland of Detroit, MI. Our client is an established industry leader with a rich history of engineering excellence and a forward-looking commitment to innovation. In an era of unprecedented technological change, they are seeking an executive leader to architect and execute a technology strategy that will redefine their operations, accelerate product innovation, and secure their competitive advantage for the next generation.
This is not merely an IT leadership role; it is a strategic business position critical to the company’s future. The CTO will be the principal architect of the company’s digital future, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the executive leadership team. You will be empowered to challenge the status quo, champion disruptive technologies, and foster a culture of relentless innovation across a complex, global enterprise.
Your vision will directly impact everything from the efficiency of the factory floor through smart manufacturing initiatives to the intelligence of the supply chain and the digital experience of the end customer. You will be responsible for harmonizing Operational Technology (OT) and Information Technology (IT), creating a seamless, data-driven ecosystem that drives efficiency, quality, and growth. This pivotal role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership to guide the organization through its most significant technological evolution.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Technology Officer with a Global Manufacturer – Detroit, MI
Strategic Technology Vision and Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-term technology roadmap that is deeply aligned with the company’s strategic business objectives. Act as the primary technology evangelist and strategist within the executive team, providing critical insights into emerging trends like AI, IoT, and advanced robotics and their potential impact on the manufacturing landscape.
Digital Transformation and Innovation
Spearhead enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives. Drive the implementation of Industry 4.0 principles, including smart factories, predictive maintenance, digital twins, and connected supply chains. Foster a culture of innovation by establishing R&D frameworks, exploring emerging technologies, and building partnerships with technology startups and academic institutions.
Global IT/OT Operations and Infrastructure
Oversee the entirety of the company’s technology infrastructure, ensuring its reliability, scalability, security, and performance. This includes managing global data centers, cloud strategy (public, private, hybrid), enterprise-wide network architecture, and critical business applications (ERP, PLM, MES). Ensure the seamless integration and security of both IT and OT environments.
Cybersecurity and Risk Management
Architect and implement a world-class, multi-layered cybersecurity strategy to protect the company’s most critical assets, including intellectual property, customer data, and industrial control systems (ICS). Ensure compliance with global data privacy regulations and industry-specific security standards, and lead the organization’s incident response planning and execution.
Data Strategy and Advanced Analytics
Champion the evolution towards a data-driven organization. Develop and govern the enterprise data strategy, including data architecture, governance, and quality. Build and scale a robust data analytics and business intelligence capability that provides actionable insights to drive operational efficiency, product quality, and strategic decision-making.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of technology professionals. Cultivate a high-performance, collaborative, and innovative culture. Attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent, ensuring the organization has the skills and capabilities required to execute its technology vision.
Financial and Vendor Management
Develop and manage the annual technology operating and capital budgets, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and a strong return on investment. Lead technology procurement and manage strategic relationships with key technology vendors, partners, and service providers to drive value and innovation.
Executive Collaboration and Governance
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board of Directors, and fellow executives. Clearly communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Establish and chair technology governance committees to ensure alignment, prioritize initiatives, and manage technology-related risks across the enterprise.
Requirements for the Chief Technology Officer with a Global Manufacturer – Detroit, MI
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree or an MBA is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology leadership roles, with at least 5-7 years serving in a senior executive capacity (e.g., CTO, CIO, VP of Technology) within a large-scale, global manufacturing or industrial organization.
Manufacturing and OT Expertise
Demonstrable, hands-on experience in a complex manufacturing environment is essential. Deep understanding of the convergence of IT and OT, including experience with Industrial Control Systems (ICS), SCADA, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
Digital Transformation Leadership
A proven track record of successfully leading large-scale digital transformation and Industry 4.0 initiatives from concept to execution, delivering measurable business outcomes such as increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved quality.
Technical Acumen
Broad and deep knowledge of modern enterprise technology, including cloud computing architectures (AWS, Azure, GCP), modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP S/4HANA), data analytics platforms, IoT technologies, and AI/ML applications in an industrial context.
Cybersecurity Proficiency
Extensive experience developing and managing comprehensive cybersecurity programs, particularly in protecting industrial environments (OT/ICS security). Familiarity with frameworks such as NIST, ISO 27001, and ISA/IEC 62443.
Leadership and Communication Skills
Exceptional leadership qualities with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a global team. Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build consensus among a wide range of stakeholders, from the boardroom to the factory floor.
Business Acumen
Strong financial and business acumen, with experience managing multi-million dollar budgets and a clear understanding of how technology investments translate into business value and ROI. Must be a strategic thinker who can connect technology initiatives directly to business goals and market dynamics.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is dedicated to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a compensation and benefits package commensurate with the strategic importance of this role. The package includes:

A highly competitive executive base salary.
A significant annual performance-based bonus program.
A long-term incentive plan (LTI) with equity participation.
A comprehensive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
Executive-level paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and sick leave.
A full relocation assistance package for the successful candidate and their family.
Opportunities for continued professional development, including executive coaching and attendance at industry-leading conferences.
The unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of a global manufacturing leader and leave a lasting legacy on the industry.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is proud to be the exclusive retained search firm for this confidential and critical leadership opportunity. We are committed to a thorough and discreet recruitment process.
To express your interest in this pivotal Chief Technology Officer role, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and your vision for technology in a modern manufacturing enterprise. For more information about our expertise in placing top technology executives, please visit our Technology Officers Practice Area page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exciting opportunity with you.