Chief Information Officer
Chief Information Officer

Chief Information Officer

Full-Time 120000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Finatal

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead technology strategy and integration for a growing pharmaceutical manufacturing business.
  • Company: Dynamic private equity-backed pharmaceutical firm focused on innovation.
  • Benefits: Remote work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a fast-paced team with a focus on operational excellence and compliance.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact in a critical leadership role driving transformation.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience as a CIO in a PE-backed environment with a strong manufacturing background.

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

Candidate Profile

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.

Highly Desirable

  • Exposure to pharma manufacturing systems (ERP, MES, LIMS, QMS)
  • Experience scaling businesses ahead of exit events
  • Familiarity with OT/IT convergence in manufacturing environment

Location & Travel

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 employer: Finatal

As a Chief Information Officer at our Private Equity-owned pharmaceutical manufacturing business, you will be part of a dynamic and innovative team that prioritises technology as a key driver of value creation. Our remote-first culture fosters flexibility and work-life balance, while regular travel to our Midlands sites ensures you remain connected with our operations. We are committed to your professional growth, offering opportunities to lead transformative projects in a fast-paced environment, all while contributing to the critical mission of modernising our systems and enhancing operational efficiency.
Finatal

Contact Detail:

Finatal Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Information Officer

✨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-stakes role like CIO.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company's recent acquisitions and their tech integration strategies. Show us that you understand their challenges and how you can turn technology into an EBITDA lever. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience in similar situations.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just talk about your past roles; focus on your impact! Use metrics and specific outcomes to demonstrate how you've improved operational efficiency or reduced risks in previous positions. We want to see how you can bring that same energy to our team.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our journey in transforming the pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Information Officer

Enterprise IT Management
Operational Technology (OT)
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Cyber Security
Digital Transformation
Regulatory Compliance
Manufacturing Systems (ERP, MES, LIMS, QMS)
Data Management
Integration Strategy
Risk Management
Automation and Digitisation
Team Leadership
Commercial Acumen
Stakeholder Engagement
Performance Management

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 you've turned tech into a business driver!

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 Skills: As a core member of the executive team, we need to see your leadership chops. Include examples of how you've built and led teams, managed stakeholders, and operated with urgency and accountability in complex environments.

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, we love seeing applications come in directly!

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 Experience

Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've executed transformation projects at pace. Highlight your ability to balance speed, risk, and compliance, especially in regulated environments like pharmaceuticals.

✨Understand the Business Side

This role is about turning technology into an EBITDA lever. Make sure you can articulate how your tech strategies have positively impacted financial performance in previous positions, particularly in a PE-backed context.

✨Prepare for Board-Level Discussions

Since you'll be interacting with PE sponsors and board members, practice discussing complex technical concepts in a way that resonates with non-technical stakeholders. Show that you can operate as a commercial executive, not just a functional specialist.

Chief Information Officer
Finatal

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