At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology strategy and integration for a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing business.
- Company: Dynamic private equity-backed pharmaceutical company focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a team that values urgency, transparency, and accountability.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a critical leadership role within a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a CIO or senior tech leader in regulated industries.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 150000 £ per year.
We are supporting a Private Equity–owned pharmaceutical manufacturing business entering a critical phase of value creation and operational scaling. The CIO will be a core member of the executive leadership team, owning the end to end technology agenda across enterprise IT, OT, ERP, data, cyber security, and digital transformation.
This is not a caretaker role. The CIO will be accountable for turning technology into an EBITDA lever, enabling buy and build integration, reducing operational and compliance risk, modernising legacy platforms, and building scalable, exit ready systems.
The successful candidate will combine PE grade commercial instinct, deep experience in manufacturing and regulated operations, and a proven ability to execute transformation at pace under sponsor scrutiny.
Key Responsibilities- Full accountability for IT, OT, ERP, data, cyber security, and digital risk
- Establish PE appropriate governance, investment discipline, and reporting
- Lead post acquisition technology integration across manufacturing sites and back office functions as they embark on an aggressive buy and build strategy.
- Rapidly assess acquired IT/OT estates, identify synergies, and execute harmonisation
- Balance speed, risk, and compliance in integration decisions
- Partner with Operations and Quality to improve OEE, throughput, batch release, and traceability
- Ensure regulatory compliance without over engineering or slowing execution
- Modernise ERP, MES, LIMS, QMS, and data platforms where required
- Retire technical debt while maintaining operational continuity
- Build scalable architecture aligned to growth and exit narratives
- Elevate data maturity to support performance management, pricing, forecasting, and M&A
- Drive automation and digitisation with clear ROI cases
- Strengthen cyber security posture across IT and OT environments
- Build and lead a fit for purpose internal team and external vendor ecosystem
- Act as a commercial executive, not a functional specialist
- Operate with urgency, transparency, and accountability
This role requires a battle tested PE CIO, comfortable operating in ambiguity, complexity, and regulated environments.
- Prior experience as CIO or equivalent senior technology leader in a PE backed business
- Direct experience supporting buy and build strategies and multi site integration
- Strong manufacturing background; pharmaceutical or highly regulated sectors strongly preferred
- Demonstrated ability to translate technology into EBITDA impact
- Board credible operator with experience working directly with PE sponsors
- Exposure to pharma manufacturing systems (ERP, MES, LIMS, QMS)
- Experience scaling businesses ahead of exit events
- Familiarity with OT/IT convergence in manufacturing environment
Remote first role within the UK. Regular travel to Midlands based manufacturing sites. Attendance at Board meetings and ad hoc sponsor sessions as required.
Chief Information Officer in Birmingham employer: Finatal
Contact Detail:
Finatal Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Information Officer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience in private equity or pharmaceutical sectors. A personal introduction can make all the difference when you're aiming for a high-level role like CIO.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company's recent acquisitions and technology strategies. Show them you understand their business model and how you can drive EBITDA impact through tech integration. We want to see that you've done your homework!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just talk about your past experiences; frame them in terms of results. Use metrics to showcase how your previous tech initiatives improved operational efficiency or compliance. Numbers speak louder than words, especially in a data-driven role like this.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Information Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of CIO. Highlight your experience in technology transformation, especially in manufacturing and regulated environments. We want to see how your skills can turn tech into an EBITDA lever!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led technology integration and improved operational efficiency in previous roles.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a core member of the executive team, we need to know how you lead. Share your approach to building teams and managing vendor ecosystems. We’re looking for someone who operates with urgency, transparency, and accountability!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Finatal
✨Know Your Tech Inside Out
As a CIO, you'll need to demonstrate a deep understanding of IT, OT, ERP, and cyber security. Brush up on the latest trends and technologies in these areas, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully implemented them in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Transformation Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've executed transformation projects at pace, especially in regulated environments. Highlight your ability to balance speed with compliance, as this will be crucial for the role.
✨Understand the Business Side
This isn't just about tech; it's about turning technology into an EBITDA lever. Be prepared to discuss how your tech strategies have positively impacted the bottom line in previous positions, particularly in a PE-backed context.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to integration and risk management. Think through your approach to assessing IT/OT estates and harmonising systems quickly while maintaining operational continuity.