Chief Information Officer

Benesch•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Benesch is seeking a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the strategy, direction, and execution of our internal Information Technology organization. Reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer, the CIO will connect technology strategy to business strategy and ensure Benesch has the systems, infrastructure, security, data, applications, and technology capabilities needed to support both today’s business and future growth. The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking technology executive who combines strategic vision with strong operational leadership and a deep understanding of how technology can transform a professional services organization. This individual will lead Benesch’s internal technology strategy, advance responsible AI and digital transformation, strengthen cybersecurity and governance, and build trusted partnerships across the business to improve operational efficiency, project delivery, knowledge management, data-driven decision-making, and employee productivity.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Business, Computer Science, Information Technology, or another applicable field.
15+ years of progressive experience in Information Technology, with significant experience leading enterprise technology organizations and complex technology environments.
10+ years of experience developing and operating on-premises, hosted, and cloud-based applications, ERP systems, data platforms, business intelligence, infrastructure, and end-user technology platforms.
Proven experience developing or leading AI, automation, analytics, digital transformation, or technology modernization roadmaps, including governance, adoption, change management, vendor and tool evaluation, and measurable business outcomes.
Working knowledge of responsible AI practices, data governance, cybersecurity implications of AI-enabled tools, and practical approaches for scaling technology adoption within a professional services or engineering design environment.
Proven experience leading large, complex, and transformational initiatives in dynamic environments, with a demonstrated ability to leverage digital opportunities to innovate business operations.
Demonstrated experience developing and executing enterprise technology strategy, strategic planning, organizational design, and technology operating models.
Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor, and develop technical leaders and build high-performing, engaged teams.
Strong business acumen, including the ability to understand enterprise priorities, industry dynamics, regional business needs, and how technology can create measurable business value.
Deep understanding of current and emerging technologies and how organizations are leveraging them to drive digital transformation, including generative AI, applied machine learning, automation, data platforms, cloud services, cybersecurity modernization, and industry-specific digital delivery tools.
Strong financial management experience, including IT budget planning, investment prioritization, vendor management, and resource allocation.
Proven ability to identify and leverage internal and external resources, partnerships, and technology providers to expand capabilities and accelerate business outcomes.
Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, problem-solving, planning, and execution skills, with the ability to move from vision to practical implementation.
Strong influencing, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build alignment and drive outcomes across teams and resources that may not report directly to the role.
Ability to build trusted relationships and instill confidence with executive leadership, business stakeholders, technology teams, vendors, and strategic partners.
Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and executive communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technology concepts into clear business opportunities and explain business priorities to technology teams.

Responsibilities

Partner with the Technology Leadership Team and executive leadership to establish and execute a comprehensive technology vision that advances Benesch’s business strategy, long-term sustainability, growth, and competitive position.
Lead the day-to-day operations and performance of the IT organization, including applications, data, infrastructure, security, end-user technology, productivity platforms, collaboration tools, and support services, with a continuous focus on service excellence and business value.
Develop and execute the annual IT business plan, operational strategy, and budget while aligning technology investments, resources, and priorities with company-wide goals and evolving business needs.
Lead the development and execution of Benesch’s internal AI, automation, analytics, and digital transformation roadmap, identifying opportunities to improve operational efficiency, project delivery, knowledge management, automation, data-driven decision-making, and employee productivity.
Partner with business, operations, design, and technical leaders to responsibly deploy AI-enabled tools, automation, knowledge management capabilities, and workflow improvements while protecting quality, confidentiality, compliance, intellectual property, and client trust.
Establish and advance responsible AI and data governance practices, including standards for acceptable use, model and vendor evaluation, data quality, security, privacy, intellectual property protection, training, adoption, and change management.
Evaluate and implement technologies that support the unique needs of an engineering design firm, including digital delivery platforms, advanced analytics, cloud and hybrid infrastructure, collaboration tools, secure data environments, automation platforms, and emerging AI-enabled capabilities.
Lead information security, compliance, technology risk, and business continuity programs to protect company information and assets and maintain compliance with applicable regulatory and industry requirements.
Continuously evaluate IT processes, capabilities, and service delivery to identify opportunities for innovation, operational excellence, process improvement, and greater effectiveness and efficiency.
Establish metrics, standards, and governance across IT processes to measure service quality, completeness, accuracy, timeliness, cost, performance, and business impact.
Identify and prioritize business challenges and opportunities, evaluate solutions across technology, automation, operational excellence, and process design, and lead successful implementation.
Oversee relationships and contract negotiations with technology vendors, contractors, service providers, and strategic partners while maintaining strong executive-level relationships that support innovation, service quality, and Benesch’s competitive position.
Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure a cohesive approach to systems development, technology adoption, and business transformation.
Build and develop a strong technology leadership team by establishing succession plans, developing future leaders, managing performance, and fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Continuously evaluate organizational structure, talent needs, compensation, engagement, and retention to ensure the IT organization has the leadership, capabilities, and resources needed to support Benesch’s future.