Head of IT

*Role is based in Richmond, VA or New Albany, IN with relocation support available*

Jewett Automation is a leading manufacturer of highly engineered custom automation solutions and filtration equipment. Founded in 1962 and headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, we serve global customers across automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical, HVAC, and industrial sectors.

With deep expertise in robotic assembly, vision-guided automation, and high-speed manufacturing systems, we are known for delivering reliable, high-performance solutions to complex engineering challenges.

Jewett Automation is backed by McNally Capital, a private equity firm focused on accelerating growth and operational excellence in industrial and technology-driven businesses.

The Opportunity

Jewett Automation is entering a pivotal phase of growth and transformation. We are investing in modernizing our technology landscape, including ERP, engineering systems, data platforms, and AI-driven capabilities to enable smarter, faster, and more scalable operations.

We are seeking a Head of IT to lead this evolution. This is a highly visible role reporting directly to the CEO, with full ownership of enterprise technology strategy, execution, and performance.

This is an opportunity to build and lead the IT function at a growing, private equity-backed industrial company and play a defining role in how the business scales.

What You’ll Do

Technology Leadership and Strategy

• Own the company’s end-to-end IT strategy, systems, and architecture
• Partner with executive leadership to align technology with business goals
• Build and scale an internal IT function over time

ERP and Systems Transformation

• Lead deployment and optimization of ERP and engineering systems
• Ensure integration across engineering, operations, and business functions
• Drive system stability, user adoption, and continuous improvement

Data and Analytics

• Oversee development of data and business intelligence capabilities
• Establish data governance, reporting standards, and KPI visibility
• Enable data-driven decision-making across the organization

AI and Digital Innovation

• Drive adoption of AI and automation solutions across key workflows
• Identify high-impact use cases to improve productivity and performance
• Partner with external providers to deploy scalable digital solutions

Vendor and Cost Management

• Manage technology vendors, contracts, and performance
• Optimize total cost of ownership while improving service quality
• Transition key capabilities in-house over time

Infrastructure and Security

• Ensure reliable, secure, and scalable IT infrastructure
• Lead cybersecurity strategy and risk management efforts

Business Partnership

• Work closely with engineering, operations, and commercial teams
• Identify opportunities to improve processes through technology
• Lead change management and user adoption initiatives

Role Priorities 

• Build a deep understanding of current systems, vendors, and active technology initiatives
• Establish credibility with leadership, engineering, and operations teams across both sites
• Take ownership of ERP and core systems stabilization and performance
• Assess vendor landscape, contracts, and delivery quality and implement governance cadence
• Define and align on a 12-month IT roadmap with clear priorities and milestones
• Identify quick-win improvements in reporting, data visibility, or system usability
• Begin transitioning key knowledge and ownership from external partners to internal control

What We’re Looking For

Required Experience

• 10 or more years of progressive IT leadership experience
• Strong background in manufacturing, automation, or industrial environments
• Proven success leading ERP implementations and system integrations
• Experience with engineering systems such as PDM, CAD, or electrical design tools
• Hands-on understanding of data architecture and analytics platforms
• Experience applying AI or automation technologies in business settings
• Strong vendor management and commercial acumen

Preferred

• Experience in a private equity-backed company
• Familiarity with scaling IT functions in growing organizations
• Background in industrial cybersecurity or manufacturing IT environments
• Technical fluency such as SQL, Python, or similar tools

Leadership Profile

• Hands-on and execution-oriented
• Technically credible with strong business judgment
• Collaborative and able to influence across all levels
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
• Clear communicator with strong stakeholder management skills

Why Join Jewett Automation

• Direct impact with reporting to the CEO and ownership of company-wide technology strategy
• Opportunity to be part of a private equity-backed organization investing in transformation
• Ability to build and scale the IT function from the ground up
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing, automation, and AI initiatives
• Clear path to a future CTO-level role as the company grows

Relocation and Travel

• Relocation support is available for candidates moving to Richmond, VA or New Albany, IN
• Flexible work arrangement with remote options and regular on-site presence
• Travel between locations is expected, particularly during initial system rollout and stabilization

Additional Details

Competitive compensation package based on experience