We have partnered with our client in their search for an Interim IT Leader.
About the Role
We are seeking a senior technology executive to serve as a trusted business partner and strategic leader. This individual will play a critical role in shaping and executing the company's technology vision, ensuring that technology investments directly enable business growth, operational efficiency, and customer impact.
This is not a pure technologist role-we are looking for a commercially minded leader who understands how to apply technology to solve real business problems and drive measurable value.
Mission
Lead the development and execution of a technology strategy that accelerates business performance, modernizes systems, and builds a high-performing IT organization aligned to enterprise priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership
- Partner with executive leadership (CEO, CFO, and business unit leaders) to translate business priorities into a clear, actionable technology roadmap
- Develop and execute a multi-year technology strategy focused on growth, cost optimization, and scalability
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the business-bridging the gap between technical capabilities and commercial outcomes
- Ensure technology is embedded in all strategic initiatives and value creation plans
Technology & Digital Enablement
- Lead modernization of enterprise systems, infrastructure, and digital capabilities
- Drive innovation in customer-facing technologies, including eCommerce, digital platforms, and omnichannel experiences
- Oversee cybersecurity, data management, and IT governance to ensure resilience and compliance
- Evaluate and implement emerging technologies (including AI) with a pragmatic, ROI-driven approach
Operational Excellence
- Assess current IT capabilities, systems, and performance; identify opportunities for improvement and cost efficiency
- Ensure stability, scalability, and performance of core IT platforms
- Establish disciplined processes for prioritization, execution, and resource allocation
- Lead large-scale system transformations (e.g., ERP evolution, platform modernization)
Team Leadership & Talent Development
- Build, assess, and develop a high-performing IT leadership team
- Create a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Attract, retain, and develop top technology talent globally
- Drive strong engagement and alignment between IT and business teams
Key Outcomes (First 6-12 Months)
- Develop and align on a comprehensive technology roadmap within the first 6 months
- Establish strong executive partnerships and embed technology into business strategy
- Upgrade IT talent and organizational effectiveness to build a high-performing team
- Improve stability, security, and performance of core systems and infrastructure
- Identify and execute high-impact technology investments that drive business value
Qualifications & Experience
Required Experience
- 15+ years of progressive technology leadership experience, including executive-level roles
- Proven success aligning technology strategy with commercial business objectives
- Experience leading enterprise-wide IT transformations in complex organizations
- Strong background in commercial applications (e.g., customer-facing platforms, eCommerce, digital ecosystems)
- Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into scalable technology solutions
Technical & Functional Expertise
- Enterprise systems (ERP, business systems, data architecture)
- Cybersecurity, risk management, and compliance
- Digital and customer experience platforms
- IT operating models, governance, and vendor management
- AI/automation awareness with practical application mindset
Leadership Profile
- Trusted business partner: builds credibility with executives and influences decision-making
- Commercial mindset: understands how technology drives revenue, margin, and customer value
- Pragmatic operator: balances strategy with execution; focuses on outcomes over theory
- Strong communicator: able to simplify complex technology concepts for business stakeholders
- Hands-on leader: willing to engage at both strategic and operational levels
- High integrity: transparent, accountable, and principled in decision-making
Core Competencies
- Business acumen across core processes (Order-to-Cash, Procure-to-Pay, Hire-to-Retire)
- Executive communication and stakeholder alignment
- Talent development and team building
- Change leadership and transformation execution
- Data-driven decision-making and prioritization
Title: Interim IT Leader
Location: Portland, Oregon
Client Industry: Consumer
Compensation: $100-$175/hour
Ref ID
About Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry unleashes potential in people, teams, and organizations. We work with our clients to design optimal organization structures, roles, and responsibilities. We help them hire the right people and advise them on how to reward and motivate their workforce while developing professionals as they navigate and advance their careers. To learn more, please visit Korn Ferry at www.Kornferry.com
