Chief Information Officer (CIO)
About The Position
Our client is a vertically integrated aerospace and defense precision manufacturer with a multi-decade track record supplying mission-critical, high-tolerance machined hardware, large complex assemblies, and finished components to leading aerospace, space, and defense customers. Now backed by a global private-equity firm, the company is executing an ambitious growth and operational-excellence agenda and is investing in its people, systems, and capacity. This search is conducted on a confidential basis. The hiring company’s identity will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process. The Chief Information Officer leads the information-technology, cybersecurity, and digital strategy for the Company. Reporting to the CEO, the CIO is accountable for a secure, resilient, and compliant technology environment that supports a defense manufacturer operating under ITAR and pursuing CMMC readiness. This executive will set IT/OT strategy, own the enterprise ERP platform, modernize infrastructure, and build a cybersecurity program aligned to NIST SP 800-171 / CMMC—directly enabling the company’s growth and value-creation agenda.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
- 12+ years of IT leadership, including a senior IT executive role (CIO, VP IT, or IT Director) in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience building and running a cybersecurity / compliance program (NIST 800-171, CMMC, or equivalent).
- Executive ownership of an enterprise ERP implementation or operation.
- Strong leadership, budgeting, and vendor-management capabilities.
Nice To Haves
- Aerospace & defense industry experience and familiarity with ITAR/EAR and DFARS.
- Direct experience achieving or maintaining CMMC certification.
- Epicor (Kinetic) platform experience.
- Experience in a private-equity-owned or multi-site environment, including integrations.
- Relevant certifications (CISSP, CISM, PMP).
Responsibilities
- Define and execute the enterprise IT and digital strategy in alignment with business objectives and the value-creation plan.
- Own cybersecurity and compliance, building and maintaining a program aligned to NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC, including ITAR/EAR data-handling controls and DFARS 252.204-7012 requirements.
- Serve as executive owner of the enterprise ERP platform and the broader application portfolio, prioritizing the roadmap and major initiatives.
- Lead infrastructure modernization across network, servers, cloud, endpoints, and manufacturing/OT systems, ensuring uptime, security, and disaster recovery.
- Establish IT governance, policies, KPIs, budgeting, and vendor / managed-service relationships.
- Partner with operations and engineering to advance digital manufacturing, data, and shop-floor connectivity initiatives.
- Build, lead, and develop the IT organization; create scalable processes and a service-oriented support model.
- Manage IT risk, audit response, and incident response; report posture and initiatives to the executive team and sponsor.
Benefits
- medical
- dental
- vision
- 401(k)
- paid time off
- annual performance bonus
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Executive
