Chief Information Officer

Ref: A000938 Global business, professional services environment. Broad, high‑impact ELT position Collaborative, forward-thinking culture Hybrid working arrangements with a CBD Location The Company Robert Half Executive Search has been retained to identify a professional, passionate and accomplished Chief Information Officer (CIO) to join a high-performing, growing multinational professional services business. Our client is a globally established organisation with a presence across more than 80 countries, offering unparalleled reach and capability to support complex, multi‑jurisdictional operations. In Australia, the firm operates across major capital cities and works with clients spanning financial services, real estate, resources, technology and retail. Combining deep local expertise with access to a truly global network, the organisation delivers integrated, high‑quality solutions to both domestic and international clients. The Role Reporting to the COO of the Australian business and dotted line to the internationally based Group CIO, as part of the Executive Leadership Team, the CIO will be tasked with establishing and executing the company's technology strategy, ensuring it is closely aligned with the firm's overall business strategy. With a strong focus on continuous improvement, the CIO will leverage technology to shape business models, enhance organisational capability, drive innovative product and service development, and build sustainable competitive advantage. Pivotal to success will be the ability to build strong, trusted relationships with external technology partners and internally with senior stakeholders. They will lead and develop an Information Technology function of approximately 30 professionals, driving innovative and secure technology solutions that protect and enhance business operations. Key responsibilities: Lead the firm’s information technology strategy, roadmaps and operating plans to support a partnership‑based professional services environment. Ensure the stability, performance and continuous improvement of enterprise IT and data systems, infrastructure and processes. Strengthen core IT capabilities to ensure platforms and services are high‑performing, secure and highly available for staff and clients Oversee the delivery of secure, reliable and responsive IT services, including a high‑quality Help Desk supporting partners and staff. Act as a trusted advisor to partners and senior leaders, enabling confident, informed decisions on the effective use of technology across practice and business functions. Build a future‑ready workforce by empowering the team to grow, learn and thrive, while developing trusted advisor relationships both within the Firm and with clients. Direct the design and execution of the IT operating model, governance frameworks and organisational structure. Lead cyber security and technology risk oversight, ensuring robust detection, response and reporting in line with evolving threats. Provide strategic oversight across enterprise architecture, applications, infrastructure, operations, and security to meet current and future business needs. Develop and manage technology operating and capital budgets, ensuring investments are cost‑effective and aligned to the firm’s strategic priorities. Your Profile Currently operating in a senior IT leadership role, ideally within a professional services or partnership‑based environment and with a stable career history, the successful candidate will have amassed over 10 years of relevant experience, ideally with ~5 of those years having been in leadership. A proven CIO of a whole business or a division within a large business will be highly regarded. We are also keen to consider aspirational individuals with the requisite skills who may be in a 2IC position currently and looking to take the next step in their career. Prior experience developing information technology and management plans and product/service roadmaps. Excellent senior stakeholder management skills. Proven experience in leading large, complex digital or other transformational initiatives in dynamic environments. Experience working in a high-growth business or business unit. Expertise in budget planning and financial management. Excellent analytical, strategic conceptual thinking, strategic planning and execution skills. Deep understanding of current and emerging technologies, how other enterprises are employing them to drive digital business, and how they may be applied to the enterprise to drive business. Ability to drive organisational change and build capabilities that effectively balance the needs for continuously exploiting capabilities to optimise operational efficiency. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute a strategic people plan that ensures the right people are in the right roles at the right time and that employees are highly engaged and motivated. You are a credible, influential leader who builds trusted relati