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.
