Fractional Chief Information Officer

Chief Technology Officer Fractional

Position Summary

North Bay Distribution is seeking an experienced Fractional Chief Information Officer to lead the company's information systems and technology operations with a primary focus on Warehouse Management System (WMS) optimization and people management. This role will serve as the senior information systems leader, ensuring the technology that powers NBD's 24/7 warehouse operations is reliable, scalable, and aligned with business goals — while simultaneously building, developing, and leading the internal IT and systems teams that keep operations running.

As a fractional executive, you will work part-time (15–30 hours/week) but function as a full strategic partner to the CEO and executive team. You will own the information systems landscape — WMS, integrations, infrastructure, and data — and be accountable for the people who manage, support, and operate that technology day to day.

Key Responsibilities

Warehouse Management System (WMS) Ownership

• Serve as the business leader of NBD's WMS platform, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of a multi-client, multi-channel 3PL operation
• Lead the evaluation, selection, implementation, and optimization of WMS features, modules, and upgrades
• Oversee integrations between the WMS and client platforms (Amazon, Shopify, Wayfair, EDI, and others), ensuring data accuracy, real-time visibility, and seamless order flow
• Drive automation initiatives within the warehouse, including robotics integration, barcode/RFID scanning, automated pick-and-pack workflows, and inventory tracking systems
• Establish WMS performance metrics, system uptime standards, and incident response protocols
• Partner with operations leadership to identify process bottlenecks and deploy system solutions that improve throughput, accuracy, and labor efficiency
• Ensure WMS data integrity, reporting accuracy, and dashboard availability for both internal stakeholders and external clients
• Manage vendor relationships with WMS providers, integration partners, and technology suppliers

People Management & Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, onboard, and retain IT and systems staff, including WMS administrators, integration developers, helpdesk technicians, and systems analysts
• Build and implement an IT and systems team organizational structure that supports 24/7 warehouse operations
• Develop team performance metrics, individual development plans, and career progression paths for technology staff
• Mentor and coach team members, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and escalation paths for technology support across all facilities
• Collaborate with HR on technology-related job descriptions, compensation benchmarking, and performance reviews
• Lead cross-functional collaboration between IT, warehouse operations, customer service, and client onboarding teams
• Create and maintain system training programs for warehouse staff on WMS usage, scanning devices, and new system rollouts

Information Systems & Infrastructure Management

• Oversee all enterprise information systems including WMS, ERP, CRM, reporting/business intelligence tools, and internal business applications
• Manage IT infrastructure including networks, servers, hardware, cloud systems, and warehouse technology (scanners, printers, robotics controllers)
• Ensure system reliability, performance monitoring, and capacity planning aligned with peak season demands
• Manage cybersecurity posture, data protection, and compliance (SOC 2, PCI, and relevant supply chain data security standards)
• Lead technology budgeting, vendor contract negotiations, and ROI analysis for information systems investments
• Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery plans are in place, tested, and maintained
• Establish IT governance policies, change management procedures, and service level agreements (SLAs) for internal support
• Evaluate emerging operational technologies (AI-driven forecasting, IoT, advanced robotics) for potential application to NBD warehouse operations

30-60-90 Day Plan

The first 90 days will focus on assessment, relationship-building, and quick wins — establishing trust with the operations team while identifying immediate opportunities to improve system reliability and team effectiveness.

Days 1–30: Assess & Learn

WMS & Systems

• Conduct a full audit of the current WMS platform — configuration, integrations, pain points, known issues, and vendor support status
• Map all system integrations and identify failure points, data gaps, or manual workarounds
• Review system uptime logs, incident history, and ticketing data to identify recurring issues
• Assess current automation and robotics deployments — what's working, what's underutilized, what's broken

People & Team

• Meet 1-on-1 with every member of the IT/systems team to understand roles, responsibilities, skills, and career aspirations
• Shadow warehouse floor operations during day and night shifts to observe how staff interact with the WMS and scanning technology
• Meet with operations leadership, warehouse managers, and key client-facing teams to understand their technology pain points and priorities
• Assess current team structure, staffing levels, and coverage gaps for 24/7 operations

Infrastructure & Governance

• Review IT infrastructure — networks, servers, cloud systems, hardware inventory, and cybersecurity posture
• Evaluate existing IT policies, change management procedures, and SLAs (or lack thereof)
• Review current technology budget, vendor contracts, and renewal timelines

Deliverables

• Written assessment document summarizing current state, critical risks, and prioritized opportunities
• Identification of 2–3 quick-win improvements that can be executed within the first 60 days

Days 31–60: Stabilize & Align

WMS & Systems

• Execute the 2–3 quick-win improvements identified in the first 30 days (e.g., fixing a broken integration, resolving a recurring WMS error, streamlining a manual reporting process)
• Develop a WMS optimization roadmap — prioritized list of system improvements, integrations to add/fix, and automation opportunities
• Establish WMS performance metrics and system uptime standards with operations leadership sign-off
• Begin formal vendor performance reviews with WMS provider and key integration partners

People & Team

• Present proposed IT/systems team organizational structure to CEO for approval, addressing any coverage gaps identified in the first 30 days
• Begin recruiting or restructuring for any critical roles identified as gaps
• Implement team performance metrics and individual development plans for existing staff
• Launch a warehouse staff training refresh on WMS usage and scanning devices if gaps were identified

Infrastructure & Governance

• Implement or formalize change management procedures and IT incident response protocols
• Address any critical cybersecurity or data protection gaps identified in the assessment
• Establish IT service level agreements (SLAs) for internal support response times
• Begin developing business continuity and disaster recovery plan documentation

Deliverables

• Executed quick wins with measurable impact (reduced errors, faster processing, fewer support tickets)
• Approved team organizational structure and staffing plan
• Documented WMS optimization roadmap with timeline and budget estimates
• Formalized IT governance policies (change management, SLAs, incident response)

Days 61–90: Plan & Execute

WMS & Systems

• Begin execution of the top-priority items on the WMS optimization roadmap
• Initiate scoping for any major system upgrades, new integrations, or automation projects identified in the assessment
• Establish a recurring WMS performance review cadence with operations leadership (weekly/monthly dashboards)
• Present a technology investment plan to the executive team for the next 6–12 months with ROI projections

People & Team

• Complete any new hires or role restructurations identified in the 60-day plan
• Launch formalized training programs for warehouse staff on any new or updated system features
• Establish a regular team meeting cadence and communication structure

Infrastructure & Governance

• Finalize and test business continuity and disaster recovery plans
• Present a 12-month IT budget and technology investment roadmap to the CEO
• Establish vendor management process with formal contract reviews and renewal planning
• Complete cybersecurity remediation of any remaining high-priority gaps

Deliverables

• WMS optimization roadmap in active execution with measurable progress
• Fully staffed and structured IT/systems team with documented roles and performance metrics
• Approved 12-month technology budget and investment plan
• Tested business continuity and disaster recovery plan
• Quarterly executive summary to CEO covering system performance, team status, and upcoming initiatives

Qualifications

Required

• 10+ years of progressive information systems and IT leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a management or executive role
• Demonstrated experience implementing, optimizing, or managing a Warehouse Management System in a 3PL, distribution, or manufacturing environment
• Proven track record of building, leading, and developing IT/systems teams of 5+ people
• Deep understanding of WMS platforms (e.g., Manhattan, NetSuite WMS, SAP EWM, Fishbowl, or similar 3PL-appropriate systems)
• Experience with EDI, API integrations, and e-commerce platform connectivity (Amazon, Shopify, Wayfair, Magento, etc.)
• Strong people management skills — hiring, coaching, performance management, and team development
• Experience managing enterprise systems, IT infrastructure, and vendor relationships
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, or equivalent experience
• Ability to be on-site in Vacaville, CA at least 2–3 days per week

Preferred

• Experience in the 3PL / third-party logistics industry
• Familiarity with warehouse automation, robotics, and material handling equipment (MHE) technology
• Experience with Salesforce, ERP systems, and business intelligence / reporting platforms
• ITIL, PMP, or similar IT service management / project management certification
• Experience managing IT budgets of $500K+
• MBA or advanced degree

Compensation & Work Arrangement

• Pay: $96,000.00 - $180,000.00 per year
• Work Arrangement: Contract, Part-time (15–30 hours/week)
• Shifts: Night shift, Day shift
• Location: 2050 Cessna Drive, Vacaville, CA 95688
• Work Location: In person (on-site at least 2–3 days per week)