Job Description

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) will serve as a strategic executive leader and key member of the executive team, responsible for aligning technology initiatives with the company’s business objectives and driving digital transformation across the organization. Overseeing all aspects of IT strategy, infrastructure, operations, security, and innovation, the CIO will shape and execute the firm's enterprise-wide technology strategy to support $1B revenue growth and operational excellence in the optical distribution sector. This dynamic leader will balance visionary thinking with hands‑on operational excellence, delivering strategic technology direction while driving accountability, team performance, and stakeholder trust. The CIO will play a central role in leading the organization’s efforts to raise awareness and adoption of new technologies (e.g. AI) and to leverage data, analytics and technology to drive higher business performance.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Define and implement a forward-looking technology vision aligned with ABB Optical’s goals.
• Stay abreast and raise internal awareness of emerging technologies and industry trends, evaluating their strategic relevance and potential impact.
• Drive innovation to enhance internal efficiencies, client engagement, and competitive differentiation.
• Participate in overall business strategy, ensuring technology is a central enabler of growth and operational agility.
• Lead and grow a distributed technology team of 100+ professionals across U.S. and Slovakia
• Foster a high-performance culture through effective talent acquisition, retention, compensation strategy, and leadership development.
• Encourage cross-functional collaboration to align technology initiatives with organization priorities.

3. Operational Excellence & Service Delivery

• Deliver high-quality IT services to customers, employees and partners.
• Implement and manage performance dashboards and scorecards based on Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Drive process excellence using best-in-class IT service management (ITSM) practices.

4. Program Execution & Change Management

• Deliver large-scale IT initiatives with measurable business impact in a matrixed, multi-stakeholder environment.
• Champion technology adoption and change management to support business transformation.
• Oversee the development and optimization of a scalable, secure, and reliable technology infrastructure.
• Rationalize applications to reduce complexity and improve ROI, while ensuring system interoperability.
• Drive leading approaches in enterprise data management and analytics to both optimize internal communication and performance as well deliver differentiated commercial offerings and results.

6. Cybersecurity & Risk Management

• Lead the firm’s cybersecurity strategy and ensure comprehensive protection of sensitive data and digital assets.
• Build and mature a robust cybersecurity function to meet regulatory and industry expectations.
• Proactively manage risk and compliance across all technology platforms.

7. Technology Deployment & Productization

• Oversee the deployment of internal technology solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Lead the entire project lifecycle—from discovery to launch—with a focus on automation, efficiency, and digital transformation.

8. Strategic Partnerships & Ecosystem Leadership

• Cultivate strong relationships with key technology vendors, industry partners, and peer firms.
• Ensure vendor accountability and performance to support long-term firm growth and innovation.

9. Budgeting & Resource Optimization

• Develop and manage the technology budget with a focus on strategic investment, cost control, and ROI.
• Leverage offshore and automated delivery models to maximize resource efficiency.

10. Executive & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with C-suite peers—including the CEO, CFO, President, and business line leaders to align technology priorities with enterprise goals.
• Act as a trusted advisor and strategic thought leader across all levels of the organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• 10–15+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior executive or CIO role in similarly sized or complex organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading IT strategy, digital transformation, and large-scale technology initiatives that directly support business growth and operational efficiency.
• Experience managing IT in a distribution or supply chain environment is highly advantageous, given the industry focus.

1. Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field is essential.
• An advanced degree (MBA or relevant master’s) is highly desirable

2. Technical Expertise

• Deep understanding of enterprise IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data management, and emerging technologies such as AI and automation.
• Proven experience implementing and integrating ERP systems, data management, eCommerce platforms, D365, and business intelligence tools—critical for distribution and optical sectors.
• Strong portfolio management and project delivery skills, with a track record of delivering business initiatives on time and within budget.

3. Leadership and Management

• Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and mentor high-performing, cross-functional IT teams.
• Experience collaborating with C-suite executives and business leaders to align IT with organizational strategy and goals.
• Skilled in change management, fostering innovation, and driving cultural transformation within the IT function.

4. Business Acumen

• Strong understanding of business operations, financial management, and the ability to translate business objectives into technology strategies.
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, business process optimization, and regulatory compliance.

5. Communication and Interpersonal Skills

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and influence at all levels of the organization.
• Customer-centric mindset, understanding how technology impacts both internal and external customer experiences.

Desired Qualifications

1. Industry-Specific Experience

• Direct experience in the optical, distribution, or supply chain sectors, with knowledge of industry-specific challenges, regulatory requirements, and best practices.

2. Strategic and Innovative Mindset

• Track record of leveraging technology for business model innovation, operational efficiency, and competitive differentiation.
• Commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of technology trends relevant to optical and distribution businesses.

3. Other Desirable Qualities

• Visionary leadership with the ability to inspire teams and drive a culture of accountability, learning, and agility.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and risk management skills, especially in fast-changing or high-growth environments.

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