Group CIO (Industrial, ERP/MES/WMS)

About the role

We are conducting a confidential search for a Group CIO to lead IT across a multi-site industrial group headquartered in the Zürich area. The role owns enterprise systems (ERP, MES, WMS), IT/OT security, infrastructure, and the digital roadmap for manufacturing, logistics, and commercial operations. You’ll report to the CEO and partner closely with Operations, Finance, and Supply Chain.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the group IT strategy aligned with business objectives and cost discipline.
• Own the enterprise applications landscape: ERP (e.g., SAP/D365), MES, WMS, PLM/SCM, integration and data platforms.
• Lead multi-country ERP/MES/WMS roll-outs and upgrades, ensuring standard processes across plants and warehouses.
• Oversee IT/OT architecture in factories (network segmentation, SCADA/PLC connectivity, edge/IIoT).
• Ensure cybersecurity & compliance (e.g., ISO 27001, NIS2 readiness), disaster recovery and business continuity.
• Manage infrastructure & cloud (data centers, networks, workplace, identity) and service reliability (ITIL/SLAs).
• Build and lead a high-performing IT organization (internal teams + partners); drive vendor selection and governance.
• Establish budget, KPIs, and dashboards for value, performance, and risk; present regularly to the board.
• Enable data & analytics (BI, MDM), EDI with customers/suppliers, and integration with CRM/CPQ/eCommerce.
• Champion continuous improvement on the shop floor and warehouses (OEE, traceability, right-first-time, OT uptime).

What success looks like (12 months)

• Group-wide roadmap approved and funded; clear target architecture for ERP/MES/WMS and integrations.
• At least one plant/warehouse deployment completed on time, on budget, and to standard.
• Measurable improvements in stability, security, and service levels (reduced incidents/MTTR).
• Mature vendor model in place with clear SLAs and a rightsized run vs. change cost structure.
• Strong IT leadership bench and effective collaboration with Operations and Finance.

Qualifications

• Engineering or Computer Science degree (or equivalent); MBA is a plus.
• 15+ years in IT with 5+ years in a CIO / Head of IT / IT Director capacity in manufacturing/industrial environments.
• Proven ownership of ERP (SAP S/4HANA or MS Dynamics preferred) and deep exposure to MES (e.g., Siemens Opcenter, Rockwell, Aveva/Wonderware) and WMS (SAP EWM/WM, Manhattan, Blue Yonder).
• Demonstrated experience with factory IT/OT, cybersecurity, DR/BCP, and multi-site operations.
• Track record leading large programs and mixed teams (internal + system integrators) with clear KPIs and financial stewardship.
• Excellent communication with executive stakeholders; ability to influence, standardize, and deliver change.
• English fluent; German is a strong advantage.

Workplace & location

• On-site, Zürich Metropolitan Area (multi-site travel as needed).
• Relocation support can be discussed.
• This is a senior, on-site role with an attractive and competitive executive package and clear influence at group level.