Chief Technology Officer

Chief Technology Officer (CTO)Private Equity–Backed Platform CompanyLocation: Austin Metro Area (Hybrid)Compensation: Competitive Base Salary + Annual Performance Bonus + Equity Participation
Company OverviewOur client is a private equity–backed platform company formed in late 2025 as part of a deliberate buy-and-build strategy. Now roughly nine months into the platform build, the company has completed its first acquisitions and maintains an active pipeline, with an aggressive growth and integration roadmap through 2028.
Headquartered in the Austin metro area, the organization is transitioning from founder-led, fragmented systems to a scalable, institutional technology environment capable of supporting rapid M&A, operational visibility, cybersecurity maturity, and exit readiness. Technology is a core value-creation lever, and the CTO will play a critical role in enabling scale, integration, and data-driven decision-making.
This is a hands-on, execution-oriented CTO role — not a pure strategy or architecture position. The ideal candidate has built and integrated technology platforms inside PE-backed, multi-entity, high-growth environments.
Position SummaryThe Chief Technology Officer will serve as a core member of the executive leadership team and a key partner to the CEO, CFO, CHRO, and PE sponsor. This leader will be responsible for designing, stabilizing, and scaling the company's technology ecosystem across the platform and all acquired businesses.The CTO will own:Technology strategy aligned to the investment thesisM&A technology diligence and integrationERP, data, and systems architectureCybersecurity, controls, and risk managementIT operations, vendors, and spend governanceTechnology readiness for audit, diligence, and exitThis role requires a leader who can set direction, make decisions quickly, and execute under pressure.
Key Responsibilities1. Technology Strategy & PE AlignmentPartner with CEO and PE sponsor to define a technology roadmap aligned to value creationTranslate investment thesis into systems strategy, integration sequencing, and data prioritiesServe as primary technology interface with the Board and Operating PartnersEstablish technology KPIs tied to uptime, scalability, integration velocity, and cost disciplineBalance speed vs. perfection in fast-moving, M&A-driven environments2. M&A Technology Diligence & IntegrationLead technology due diligence for all current and future acquisitions, including ERP and core systems evaluation, data quality and reporting maturity, cybersecurity posture and risks, and IT cost structure and vendor dependenciesOwn Day 1 and Day 100 integration plans from a technology perspectiveDesign and execute system migration, consolidation, or coexistence strategiesStandardize core platforms while minimizing disruption to operationsIdentify technical debt early and build remediation plans3. ERP, Systems & Data ArchitectureOwn selection, implementation, and optimization of ERP and core business systemsPartner closely with CFO on financial systems and reporting architecture; data integrity, controls, and automation; and close, forecasting, and KPI enablementEstablish a scalable data architecture supporting real-time operational visibility, Board and investor reporting, and advanced analytics over timeReduce manual processes and system fragmentation across acquired entities4. Cybersecurity, Controls & RiskEstablish and mature the company's cybersecurity postureImplement security policies, access controls, and monitoring appropriate for a PE-backed companyEnsure compliance with data privacy and regulatory requirementsPartner with CFO and external advisors on IT controls, audit readiness, and diligence and buyer scrutinyLead incident response planning and vendor risk management5. IT Operations & Vendor ManagementBuild and lead an internal IT organization capable of supporting a multi-entity platformDecide what to build vs. buy vs. outsourceRationalize vendors and software spend post-acquisitionNegotiate and manage third-party providers, MSPs, and SaaS vendorsEnsure reliable, cost-effective IT support for corporate and operating company teams6. Enablement, Change & AdoptionDrive adoption of new systems across acquired teamsPartner with functional leaders to ensure technology enables — not slows — operationsLead change management related to system upgrades and integrationsBuild credibility quickly with legacy teams and operatorsCreate clear communication around technology changes and timelines
Ideal Candidate ProfileRequired ExperiencePrior experience as a CTO, VP of IT, or senior technology leader in a private equity–backed environmentDirect experience supporting M&A integrations and platform buildsHands-on experience with ERP implementations and system integrationsStrong understanding of cybersecurity, controls, and audit requirementsExperience partnering directly with Boards, CEOs, CFOs, and PE sponsorsComfortable operating in imperfect, fast-paced environmentsBased in or willing to relocate to the Austin metro areaPreferred BackgroundExperience in buy-and-build strategies (services, industrials, healthcare, consumer, SaaS, etc.)Exposure to companies transitioning from founder-led systems to institutional scaleExperience preparing technology environments for exit or recapBlend of strategic leadership and operational executionLeadership AttributesExecution-first mindset — prioritizes progress over theoryPragmatic, decisive, and data-drivenStrong communicator with non-technical executivesComfortable making trade-offs in high-pressure environmentsTrusted partner to investors and operators alike
Why This Role Is CompellingOpportunity to build a technology platform from early inningsDirect impact on value creation, integration speed, and exit readinessHigh-visibility role with Board and sponsor interactionAbility to shape long-term systems and architecture from the ground up