Head of IT / CIO (m/f/d) | Private Equity | International Industrial Carve-Out
Location: Düsseldorf / Cologne
Employment: Permanent or Interim (12–18 months)
Start Date: As soon as possible
Industry: Industrial Manufacturing / Automotive
About the Opportunity
For an international, private equity-backed industrial company, we are looking for an experienced Head of IT / CIO (m/f/d) to lead the establishment of a fully independent IT organization following a corporate carve-out.
The company is being separated from a large, publicly listed industrial group and will operate as a standalone business under private equity ownership. With manufacturing and commercial operations across Europe, North America, and Asia, the business serves international customers, particularly in the automotive and industrial sectors.
This position offers the opportunity to build an IT function from the ground up, take full ownership of the IT separation process, and establish a scalable technology infrastructure to support the company's future growth.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will join the extended management team and play a central role in the company's transformation.
The position is open to both permanent candidates and experienced interim executives, with the possibility of transitioning from an interim assignment into a permanent leadership role.
Key Responsibilities
- IT Carve-Out & Separation: Lead the IT separation from the former parent company, including Day 1 readiness, transition planning, TSA governance, and the eventual TSA exit.
- Build the IT Organization: Establish a standalone IT function, including the target operating model, governance structures, and recruitment of a lean internal IT team.
- IT Infrastructure & Architecture: Oversee the implementation of independent IT infrastructure, including cloud environments, Microsoft 365, identity management, networks, and cybersecurity.
- ERP & Application Management: Lead international ERP transformation and migration initiatives, including SAP and other manufacturing-related enterprise applications.
- Vendor & Partner Management: Select and manage external IT service providers, negotiate contracts and software licenses, and establish an efficient outsourced delivery model.
- International Stakeholder Management: Work closely with the CEO, private equity investor, carve-out PMO, external partners, and international manufacturing sites.
- IT Strategy & Value Creation: Develop a scalable and cost-efficient IT strategy aligned with the company's operational requirements, digital transformation initiatives, and long-term value creation plan.
Your Profile
- 10+ years of professional experience in IT, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership position such as Head of IT, IT Director, or CIO.
- Proven experience in an international, multi-site industrial or manufacturing environment, ideally within the automotive supplier industry.
- Demonstrated ability to build, restructure, or significantly transform an IT organization.
- Strong understanding of IT infrastructure, cloud technologies, ERP systems, cybersecurity, and outsourced IT delivery models.
- Experience managing complex international IT transformation projects and external service providers.
- Ideally, hands-on experience with IT carve-outs, M&A separations, TSA management, or post-merger IT integration projects.
- Strong commercial awareness, cost discipline, and the ability to operate effectively in a private equity-backed environment.
- Entrepreneurial, pragmatic, and hands-on leadership style, with the ability to make decisions under tight deadlines.
- Fluent English is required; German or Italian is an advantage but not mandatory.
- Based in, or willing to be based in, the Düsseldorf / Cologne or Milan region, with flexibility for international travel.
What We Offer
- A senior leadership position with direct reporting to the CEO and significant strategic responsibility.
- The opportunity to establish and shape an international IT organization from the ground up.
- Direct exposure to a private equity investor and an international management team.
- Ownership of a complex, international carve-out and IT transformation program.
- Significant autonomy, entrepreneurial decision-making, and the opportunity to contribute to the company's long-term value creation strategy.
- Flexible engagement options: Permanent employment or a 12–18-month interim assignment, potentially transitioning into a permanent position.
Interested?
If you are an experienced IT leader with a strong background in industrial environments and enjoy building organizations, managing complex transformations, and taking ownership in a dynamic private equity environment, we would be pleased to hear from you.