CIO - Food Ingredients BU

IFF•St. Louis, MO

8d•$279,342 - $399,060•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking an accomplished Chief Information Officer to lead the technology separation, stabilization, and long-term transformation of a private equity-backed Food Ingredients company following a major carve-out. This is a unique opportunity to build a standalone IT organization from the ground up while establishing the digital, data, and AI capabilities that will accelerate growth, operational excellence, and value creation. Food Ingredients: Innovating improved nutritional profiles, better taste and texture, and greater cost efficiency to meet the needs of global food and beverage manufacturers. The role is based in one of our offices in the United States (hybrid role) and reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer of our Food ingredients Business Unit. As a key member of the executive leadership team, you will lead the separation and establishment of an independent technology environment while defining a scalable digital strategy that supports growth, operational excellence, and future acquisitions. Join a transformational, collaborative, and results-oriented leadership team where your expertise will help shape the future of a newly established standalone organization.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
Significant executive technology leadership experience as a CIO, Divisional CIO, SVP IT, or equivalent role.
Proven success leading carve-outs, separations, TSA exits, or standalone company creations.
Deep expertise across enterprise applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and IT service delivery.
Strong experience leading large-scale SAP transformation, modernization, or optimization programs.
Demonstrated track record of aligning technology strategy with business performance, growth, and value creation objectives.
Experience leading enterprise-wide digital transformation, data, and AI-enabled initiatives.
Strong financial acumen, including technology budgeting, vendor management, investment prioritization, and ROI analysis.
Exceptional executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership teams, boards, investors, and external partners.

Nice To Haves

Experience in private equity-backed organizations and value creation environments.
Experience supporting post-acquisition integrations and M&A-driven growth strategies.
Demonstrated success implementing enterprise AI capabilities and scaling data-driven decision-making across global organizations.

Responsibilities

Lead all technology separation activities, ensuring Day 1 operational readiness and business continuity across critical systems, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and support services.
Establish and execute the target-state technology strategy, operating model, and roadmap for a standalone global enterprise.
Direct TSA governance and exit activities, managing service levels, costs, risks, and transition milestones.
Develop a scalable enterprise architecture encompassing ERP, business applications, infrastructure, security, cloud, data, and collaboration platforms.
Define and implement the organization's long-term digital, data, and AI strategy to accelerate growth, innovation, and operational effectiveness.
Partner with leaders across Finance, Operations, Commercial, HR, and Supply Chain to integrate technology into key business processes and decision making.
Build a secure and resilient technology environment, including cybersecurity, disaster recovery, data governance, and risk management capabilities.
Lead technology investments, vendor partnerships, and IT financial management to ensure disciplined spending and measurable business value.
Build and develop a high-performing global technology organization capable of supporting future growth, transformation initiatives, and M&A activities.