Virtual CIO

Impact Networking - Madison, WI

Full-time - Senior

Onsite - Madison, WI

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

Impact is seeking a Virtual CIO (vCIO) to serve as a strategic IT partner, driving business transformation through technology. This role involves owning the client lifecycle post-sale, aligning IT strategies with business goals, and leveraging technology to fuel growth. The vCIO will act as a trusted advisor, managing risk and delivering value through a holistic understanding of IT.

Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive IT strategies that directly support clients' business goals, ensuring technology investments align with operational and growth needs.
• Manage client onboarding and maintain a forward-looking technology plan that adapts to the client's evolving needs, keeping projects on track and anticipating future requirements.
• Conduct Periodic Business Reviews highlighting client IT status, quarterly performance, and actionable future planning aligned to organizational goals.
• Integrate into the client's operations, deeply understanding their business and technical landscape, to offer tailored, strategic technology advice and ensure cohesive system management.
• Identify potential risks in clients' technology stack, including third-party systems, and create budget plans that prioritize cost-effectiveness and technological stability.
• Provide leadership on the adoption of new technologies, ensuring that systems—both managed internally and externally—work cohesively to streamline processes and drive innovation.
• Work closely with engineering teams to ensure that implemented solutions align with business objectives and fit seamlessly within the broader technology environment.
• Oversee all aspects of the client's technology ecosystem, ensuring that systems are integrated effectively and operate in a cost-efficient manner, with a focus on continuous optimization.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in IT with a focus in leadership, technical account management, or strategy consulting, with a proven track record managing enterprise-scale environments and aligning technology with business goals.
• Strong communication skills, capable of conveying technology strategies to C-level executives and business stakeholders, translating complex technical concepts into actionable business plans.
• Working knowledge of enterprise-grade product stacks, including cloud platforms (Azure), virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V), and networking.
• Strong understanding of Microsoft 365, Azure, Windows Server, and virtualization/storage solutions, with a broad exposure to diverse technology ecosystems.
• Proven track record guiding digital transformation initiatives, helping navigate evolving technology landscapes to drive innovation, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
• Knowledge of security frameworks and tools (e.g., MDR/EDR platforms, multi-factor authentication, advanced threat detection, and vulnerability management).
• Proven success in strategic IT planning, conducting Quarterly/Periodic Business Reviews (QBRs/PBRs), and aligning IT roadmaps with business objectives.
• Expertise in IT budgeting, risk management, and vendor management, ensuring that technology investments are cost-effective and aligned with long-term goals.
• Exposure to IT governance frameworks like ITIL, with the ability to integrate best practices into service delivery.
• Client-focused mindset, capable of building trusted, consultative relationships with executive stakeholders and acting as a strategic advisor on long-term technology planning.

Benefits

• 20 days of PTO
• 12+ paid holidays
• Flexible Sick Day Policy
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Health, Disability Life, Dental and Vision Plans
• 401(K) discretionary match & retirement plans
• Continued education reimbursement
• On-going training & development opportunities