Role Overview for Chief Technology Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Milwaukee, WI
JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive search for a visionary and transformative Chief Technology Officer (CTO) on behalf of our client, a distinguished and forward-thinking leader in the industrial equipment manufacturing sector. Based in the vibrant industrial hub of Milwaukee, WI, this is a career-defining opportunity to join the executive leadership team and steer the technological direction of a company poised for exponential growth. Our client has a rich history of engineering excellence and is now embarking on a critical mission to integrate cutting-edge digital technologies into its products and operations, solidifying its position as an industry innovator for decades to come.
The Chief Technology Officer will be the principal architect of this transformation. This role is not simply about managing IT infrastructure; it is about fundamentally reshaping the company’s value proposition by embedding intelligence, connectivity, and data-driven insights into its core offerings. You will be responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive technology strategy that spans product innovation, research and development, software engineering, digital infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on leader with a profound understanding of both traditional manufacturing principles and the disruptive potential of modern technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing. You will be the bridge between the physical and digital worlds, leading the charge to create the next generation of smart, connected industrial equipment that delivers unparalleled efficiency, reliability, and value to customers worldwide. This executive position demands a unique blend of technical depth, business acumen, and inspirational leadership to build and mentor a world-class technology organization capable of turning ambitious vision into market-leading reality.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Technology Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Milwaukee, WI
The CTO will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, acting as the primary technology evangelist and strategist for the entire organization. Success in this role will be measured by the ability to drive innovation, enhance operational efficiency, and create new revenue streams through technology.
Strategic Technology Vision & Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a clear and compelling long-term technology roadmap that aligns directly with the company’s strategic business objectives. Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the organization. You will be tasked with identifying and capitalizing on emerging technological trends, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the Industry 4.0 revolution.
Product Innovation & R&D Excellence
Lead the entire Research & Development lifecycle for all new technology-enabled products and services. Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams, including hardware, software, firmware, and systems integration. Drive the integration of IoT sensors, connectivity protocols, and data analytics capabilities into the product portfolio to create intelligent, connected machinery.
Engineering & Software Development Oversight
Establish and enforce best practices for software development, including agile methodologies, CI/CD pipelines, and robust quality assurance protocols. Manage the development of embedded software, cloud-based platforms, and customer-facing mobile and web applications that enhance the user experience and provide actionable insights.
Digital Transformation & Enterprise Architecture
Spearhead the modernization of the company’s internal technology stack and enterprise systems (ERP, PLM, CRM). Develop and implement a comprehensive data strategy, building a scalable data analytics platform to harness insights from operational, product, and customer data to drive informed decision-making.
IT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity
Assume ultimate responsibility for the security, stability, scalability, and performance of all corporate IT infrastructure, both on-premise and in the cloud. Design and implement a proactive, multi-layered cybersecurity strategy to protect the company’s intellectual property, sensitive data, and critical operational technology (OT) systems from evolving threats.
Team Building & Talent Development
Attract, recruit, and retain top-tier technology talent. Build a high-performing, collaborative, and engaged technology organization. Provide strong mentorship, coaching, and career development opportunities for team members, fostering an environment where innovation thrives.
Financial Management & ROI
Develop and manage the annual technology budget, ensuring all investments are strategically sound and deliver a clear return on investment (ROI). Evaluate and negotiate with technology vendors, partners, and consultants to ensure the company receives maximum value and performance.
Executive Collaboration & Stakeholder Communication
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing expert counsel on all technology-related matters. Effectively communicate complex technical concepts, strategies, and results to the CEO, Board of Directors, investors, and other non-technical stakeholders.
Requirements for the Chief Technology Officer with an Industrial Equipment Co. – Milwaukee, WI
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished technology executive with a proven track record of leading technological innovation within a complex industrial or manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Educational Background
A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field is required. A Master of Science (M.S.) or an MBA is highly preferred.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology roles, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., VP of Engineering, Head of R&D, Director of Technology) managing large, cross-functional technology teams.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable experience in the industrial equipment, heavy machinery, automation, automotive, or a related manufacturing sector is essential. A deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of integrating hardware, software, and data in an industrial context is critical.
Technical Proficiency
Broad and deep expertise across a range of modern technologies, including:
- IoT platforms, sensor technology, and connectivity (e.g., MQTT, LoRaWAN).
- Embedded systems design and firmware development.
- Cloud architecture and services (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
- Data science, machine learning (ML), and predictive analytics.
- Modern software development lifecycle (SDLC) and DevOps practices.
- Enterprise systems architecture and integration.
- Comprehensive cybersecurity principles and frameworks (e.g., NIST).
Transformational Leadership
A proven history of successfully leading significant digital transformation or change management initiatives. The ability to inspire teams, challenge the status quo, and drive results in a dynamic environment.
Business & Financial Acumen
Strong understanding of business operations, P&L management, and financial modeling. The ability to build a compelling business case for technology investments and articulate their value in financial terms.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills. The ability to act as a technology evangelist and build consensus among executive peers, board members, and technical teams.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining the very best talent and offers a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation and benefits package, including:
- Highly competitive base salary and annual performance-based bonus.
- Significant long-term incentive plan (LTIP) with equity participation.
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your family.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- A comprehensive relocation assistance package to the Milwaukee, WI area.
- An annual allowance for professional development, conferences, and executive coaching.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), company holidays, and flexible work arrangements.
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact on a respected industry leader and shape the future of industrial technology.
How to Apply
This is a retained, exclusive search conducted by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications through our confidential application portal. We are committed to a thorough and discreet recruitment process. You can learn more about our dedicated expertise in this sector by visiting the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Technology Executive Search practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you.
