Chief Information Officer

At Johnson Outdoors, home to some of the world's most innovative and best-known outdoor recreation brands, we create amazing outdoor experiences - for adventurers, by adventurers. Check out each of the unique Johnson Outdoor brands in Fishing, Watercraft, Camping and Diving!

We are seeking a highly skilled Chief Information Officer (CIO) to provide IT leadership and vision. With 1,400 employees, 18 global facility locations and selling into over 80 countries, the CIO will work collaboratively with other senior managers to optimize our IT infrastructure for efficiency, security, and effectiveness. The CIO will report directly to the CEO of Johnson Outdoors.

Based in beautiful and affordable Racine, Wisconsin, at our Headquarters on the shore of Lake Michigan, you'll have incredible access to a variety of outdoor activities whether skiing and snowmobiling in winter, or kayaking, fishing, sailing, hiking or more in summer. Close to both Milwaukee and Chicago, the area boasts a wide variety of amenities including a vibrant arts and culture scene and a host of unique, creative dining options.

About the Role:

The person in this role provides strategic direction and leadership over the design, development and execution of Johnson Outdoors' information technology and services globally. Ensures the information technology objectives, goals and strategy align with and support the overall organization's strategy, mission, vision, and values.

What you will be doing:

• Leads the development of the information technology strategic plan for enterprise applications, information management, technology infrastructure, cybersecurity, and information services process development. Supports business growth through technology while embedding innovation and advanced digital strategies into Johnson Outdoors' future.
• Responsible for leading the IT PMO (project management office), ensuring a project management methodology and supporting best practices are utilized to manage large information technology projects.
• Oversees the strategy and direction of enterprise-wide application development, architecture, governance, information security and data management activities including analysis/design, implementation and maintenance of all business applications and systems.
• Oversees global cybersecurity which includes ensuring cybersecurity controls are in place protecting against enterprise-wide vulnerabilities, preventing against data breaches, and ensuring broader cybersecurity awareness amid growing threats.
• Collaborates with and supports the executive management team and business unit vice presidents on technology initiatives and priorities. Additionally, partners closely with management, staff, and stakeholders throughout the organization to develop technology strategies and an overall plan for implementation.
• Collaborates with informational technology leaders and externals sources to assess and integrate best practice solutions throughout the enterprise to ensure high-level effectiveness.
• Responsible for overall information technology governance and global policy development as well as Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and cybersecurity.
• Identifies emerging trends and evaluates/recommends tools and technologies that will contribute to ongoing system enhancements. Spearheads process improvement, re-evaluating existing business processes to determine how they may change to support streamlined workflows and overall technology operations.
• Defines and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of the IT function.
• Works effectively within a matrixed organization, collaborating across the full leadership team and leveraging functional expertise as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory/Management Responsibilities:

• Provides guidance, mentorship, and leadership to empower team members to achieve their objectives.
• Manages and reports on development plans; holds direct reports accountable for achievement of plans and takes corrective action where necessary to ensure the achievement of business objectives.
• In partnership with human resources, performs human resources responsibilities for staff, which includes but is not limited to the following: hiring and terminating employees, promotions/pay adjustments, staff development, performance evaluations, resolution of employee concerns and disciplinary counseling.
• Oversees the development of budgets and ensures budgets are managed within approved guidelines.
• Oversees the development and approval of departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines to meet business needs.

What you need to succeed:

• Typically requires a master's degree in Information Technology or equivalent
• Typically requires a minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible management experience which includes providing strategic direction and leadership over the information technology function complex global organization.
• Successful leadership experience in strategically directing enterprise planning, architectural planning, complex project management, application development and administration and information technology governance and cybersecurity.
• Advanced leadership skills and abilities to successfully lead diverse global teams across multiple businesses.
• Deep understanding of technology trends and their strategic impact of the business.
• Ability to think strategically and align technology with Johnson Outdoors' overall goals and strategies.
• Advanced understanding of and experience in identifying, driving, and sharing of best practices within and across business units to increase efficiency, decrease costs and increase overall quality.
• Extensive experience in financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and maximizing ROI on technology investments. Proven capability in negotiating and managing contracts with vendors and service providers to support business objectives.
• Mature judgment and strategic advisory skills, with the ability to provide practical, solutions-oriented advice and to make sound decisions in a complex business environment.
• A strong orientation towards innovation, with a history of leveraging emerging technologies and methodologies to drive business value. Agility in adapting to rapidly changing business environments and technology landscapes.
• Demonstrated experience effectively working with executive leadership team to prioritize information technology and organizational initiatives.

A few pointers about our culture:

• Entrepreneurial spirit and innovation are in our bones! We authentically innovate trusted equipment that gets people out in the great outdoors.
• We are laser-focused on our consumers, and passionate about providing superior solutions flexible to meet any event's needs or mission requirements.
• We strive to create meaningful, healthy change in the world as individuals and as a family of brands.
• We value team members who are willing to wear many hats; who take personal initiative, anticipating what needs to be done, and figuring things out to make them happen; but who are also willing to ask help, to assist others and work together.

What you will receive:

• Share in the company's success with competitive base salary with additional earning potential through participation in the management bonus program, eligibility for annual pay increases, and employee stock purchase plans.
• Find work/life balance with generous Paid Time Off and holiday benefits, a full benefits package, and broad range of employee support and fitness and wellness plans.
• Further your career with performance development and training opportunities, including our tuition assistance program.
• Have fun at work, enjoying a collaborative and casual work environment, participating in fun company events, and taking advantage of great employee discounts on all our outdoor recreational products.
• Plan for your future with our 401(k) with company match and deferred retirement contributions, Sons & Daughters Scholarship program, college savings program, life and LTD insurance, employee stock purchase plan, and more.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Johnson Outdoors (and all subsidiaries) without regard to race; creed; color; religion; national origin; sex; age; disability; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; genetic predisposition or carrier status; veteran, marital, or citizenship status; or any other status protected by law. Johnson Outdoors is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact Human Resources at HRSpecialAccommodations@johnsonoutdoors.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global innovator of outdoor recreation equipment and technologies that inspire more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft Recreation, Fishing, Diving and Camping. Johnson Outdoors' iconic brands include: Old Town canoes and kayaks; Ocean Kayak; Carlisle paddles; Minn Kota fishing motors, batteries and anchors; Cannon downriggers; Humminbird marine electronics and charts; SCUBAPRO dive equipment; Jetboil outdoor cooking systems; and, Eureka!camping and hiking equipment. Founded in 1970 by Samuel C. Johnson, the Company has delivered double-digit compound annual growth over its history, evolving from a single brand into a nearly $663 million global enterprise with around 1,300 employees across 20 countries.