Chief Information Officer

Description

Position Overview:

Rigaku, a global leader in analytical instrumentation, is seeking a strategic, experienced, and forward-thinking Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead IT functions for the majority of its international operations (excluding Japan). This executive leadership role is responsible for defining and executing the company’s global IT vision, strategy, and operational roadmap to enable scalable growth, innovation, and digital transformation across the U.S., Europe, Latin America, Israel, and Singapore.

The CIO will report to the CFO and serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, based in The Woodlands, Texas.

Duties Include the Following:

Strategy and Planning

• Define and execute global IT strategy aligned with business and growth objectives.
• Drive enterprise-wide digital transformation and innovation initiatives.
• Plan for scalable, secure, and efficient infrastructure across all regions.
• Collaborate with C-suite executives and business unit leaders to align technology with business needs.
• Develop and manage the annual IT budget and ROI-driven initiatives.

Leadership & Team Management

• Lead and mentor the global IT team, fostering skill development and performance.
• Build a collaborative, high-performance IT culture with a focus on service excellence.
• Set clear goals across ERP, cybersecurity, infrastructure, and support functions.

ERP Management

• Oversee and optimize ERP systems (preferably Infor Syteline) across multiple geographies.
• Lead ERP upgrades, integrations, and automation initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance, Sales, Operations, and Supply Chain to deliver ERP insights.

Cybersecurity & Risk

• Develop and implement global cybersecurity strategies and frameworks.
• Oversee risk assessments, incident response, and disaster recovery planning.
• Leverage third-party partnerships, including the Carlyle Group, to strengthen IT security.

Compliance and Audit Assessments

• Ensure adherence to global regulatory standards (e.g., GDPR, SOX).
• Manage audit readiness, documentation, and IT policy enforcement.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, and HR for effective data governance practices.

Communications

• Act as the technology ambassador to the board and executive team.
• Translate technical concepts into business language for cross-functional stakeholders.
• Maintain transparency and consistent communication on IT performance, risks, and opportunities.

Vendor Management

• Manage and optimize relationships with technology vendors and partners.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with SLAs.
• Review vendor performance and align procurement with strategic goals

Qualifications

Formal Education & Certification

• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field required.
• Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), Information Systems, or a related discipline preferred.
• Industry certifications such as PMP, ITIL, CISSP, CISM, or similar are a plus.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive IT leadership experience; 5+ years at the executive level.
• Demonstrated success leading IT in multinational, multi-site environments.
• Proven track record in managing enterprise systems, ERP platforms (Infor Sytline preferred), and IT operations.
• Strong background in cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital transformation.
• Experience with global compliance and data privacy regulations (U.S. and Europe).
• Prior experience in mid-to-large enterprise environments (600+ employees).
• Experience managing geographically dispersed teams.
• Successful track record of delivering enterprise-level IT projects on time and on budget.
• Experience working with both U.S. and European regulatory frameworks and data privacy laws.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with the ability to execute decisively.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with a global mindset.
• Highly collaborative, with the ability to influence across business units and cultures.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical capabilities.
• Resilient and adaptable in a fast-changing technology landscape.
• Committed to fostering innovation and continuous improvement.