The ideal CIO candidate is a strategic, business-minded, problem-solving technology leader with executive presence, operational discipline, and the ability to partner effectively across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, Marketing, Product, Human Resources, and Operations. Success in this role will be demonstrated through secure, resilient, scalable platforms; strong cyber and incident preparedness; disciplined ERP/application rationalization and data governance; responsible AI adoption; optimized vendor and contract value; effective M&A technology integration; and an IT organization recognized for service, accountability, partnership, and business impact.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Qualified individuals must have the ability (with or without reasonable accommodation) to perform the following duties:

Enterprise technology strategy and governance
- Define and mature the enterprise IT strategy, technology portfolio, governance model, and operating framework to support business priorities, manufacturing objectives, growth plans, and measurable value.
- Provide direction and accountability for infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity, risk, privacy, and service delivery leaders, with clear ownership, service levels, and performance expectations.
- Establish portfolio prioritization, investment governance, KPIs, and reporting for project delivery, system performance, cybersecurity posture, adoption, ROI, and business value.
Business partnership and executive alignment
- Partner across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Finance, Sales, Marketing, Product, Human Resources, and Operations to align technology priorities, timelines, and business goals.
- Present technology strategy, roadmaps, risk posture, investment priorities, and performance metrics to executives, investors, board members, and other stakeholders.
Cybersecurity, risk, privacy, and compliance
- Provide executive oversight for cybersecurity, enterprise risk, privacy, vulnerability management, incident preparedness and response, SOX compliance, third-party risk, and security governance.
- Strengthen cyber resilience across factory networks, enterprise systems, cloud platforms, and company data by reducing ransomware exposure, improving recovery readiness, and minimizing disruption.
- Serve as executive escalation point for major technology incidents, cybersecurity events, compliance issues, enterprise risks, and regulatory matters; translate lessons learned into stronger controls and readiness.
Enterprise applications, ERP, data, and analytics
- Oversee ERP, enterprise applications, data systems, reporting tools, and digital capabilities supporting manufacturing, supply chain, sales, finance, product, customer service, and corporate functions.
- Drive ERP/application rationalization, standardization, data governance, master data discipline, project execution, issue resolution, and continuous improvement.
Manufacturing technology / IT-OT resilience
- Integrate IT and OT across manufacturing environments to improve plant performance, system reliability, data visibility, and operational resilience.
AI, automation, and digital transformation
- Champion a technology-curious culture that encourages experimentation, learning, collaboration, and responsible adoption of emerging tools.
- Lead AI and automation initiatives that improve productivity, decisions, customer responsiveness, manufacturing performance, and back-office efficiency; establish responsible AI governance, use-case intake, risk review, vendor evaluation, data protection, adoption enablement, and value tracking.
Infrastructure, cloud, service delivery, and business continuity
- Maintain disaster recovery, incident preparedness, and business continuity plans that protect critical operations, strengthen recovery, and support site continuity.
- Modernize infrastructure and operations with scalable, secure, cost-effective cloud and enterprise technology solutions where appropriate.
People leadership, vendor management, budgets, and M&A integration
- Manage IT capital and operating budgets, technology investments, vendor relationships, contracts, service expectations, and outcomes; optimize vendor performance, contract value, renewals, and total cost of ownership.
- Lead, coach, and develop the IT organization by building capability, clarifying roles and decision rights, supporting succession planning, and fostering service, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Lead M&A technology due diligence, integration planning, TSA support, application rationalization, cybersecurity assessment, data migration, infrastructure evaluation, and process harmonization.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to clearly articulate technology strategy, risks, priorities, and business value to executive, board, operational, and functional audiences.
Strategic thinking and business acumen, including the ability to align technology investments with company priorities, operational performance, customer needs, and growth objectives.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide technology teams, influence across organizational lines, build consensus, and achieve business objectives through personal initiative, energy, and accountability.
Technology curiosity and innovation mindset, with the ability to inspire confidence in emerging technologies and translate AI, automation, data, and digital opportunities into practical business outcomes.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to analyze complex issues, question assumptions, assess risk, evaluate options, and make sound, evidence-based decisions.
Strong understanding of manufacturing technology environments, including ERP, IT/OT convergence, plant systems, supply chain visibility, data analytics, enterprise applications, and cybersecurity considerations.
Financial and operational discipline, including experience managing budgets, capital investments, vendor relationships, service delivery expectations, and ROI measurement.
Change leadership and organizational adoption skills, including the ability to drive technology-enabled transformation across plants, functions, and business teams.
Organizational skills and urgency, with the ability to handle high volumes of work in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment while maintaining strong delivery, quality, and stakeholder alignment.
Player / Coach mindset with the ability to relate to, influence, develop, and coach employees at all levels of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, Business, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred.
12+ years of progressive leadership experience in information technology, digital transformation, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, infrastructure, or related disciplines.
5+ years in a senior or executive technology leadership role, preferably within manufacturing, distribution, building products, consumer products, or another multi-site operating environment.
Proven success leading enterprise technology strategy, IT governance, large-scale system implementations, infrastructure modernization, cybersecurity programs, and technology-enabled business transformation.
Experience overseeing ERP, enterprise applications, cloud platforms, data analytics, automation tools, cybersecurity programs, and IT/OT environments.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex cross-functional initiatives, influence senior stakeholders, and build structure in a matrixed environment.
Strong analytical, financial, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate technology opportunities, risks, and investments into executive recommendations and measurable business outcomes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to lead change, communicate with clarity, and drive organizational adoption.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Push, pull, carry and lift 20 - 50lbs
Walking, stretching, bending, stooping, twisting, reaching, grasping and repetitive movements
Talk, hear, read, write and comprehend English
Must be able to work in a non-temperature-controlled environment
May require occasional travel

MENTAL DEMANDS:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Demonstrate intellectual curiosity with the ability to influence change across peer group
Think analytically
Make decisions
Develop options and implement solutions
Work with a team
Maintain regular and punctual attendance consistent with ADA and/or FMLA
Attention to detail
Communicate effectively
Multitask in a fast-paced environment
Work with a sense of urgency

Create Your FREE Profile When You Subscribe to Job Search

AHF jobs

Chief Information Officer