Strategic IT Leadership for Manufacturing Companies
THE CIO & CTo YOU CAN RELY on
I'm Sanu Chacko, and I provide fractional CIO services to mid-sized manufacturing companies—primarily in the Pacific Northwest, Midwest and Northeast.
Unlike many consultants who advise from the sidelines, I've actually done the job. I've served as CIO or VP of IT at multiple manufacturing companies, leading teams, managing budgets, reporting to boards, and being accountable for results. I've led 8 complete ERP implementations from vendor selection through go-live, across multiple platforms and industries.
Now I take that experience and make it available to companies who need strategic IT leadership but don't need—or can't justify—a $200,000+ full-time CIO.
Experience That Matters
CIO & VP IT Experience
I've served in CIO and VP of IT roles at manufacturing and retail companies ranging from $20M to $200M+ in revenue. In these roles, I was responsible for:
- Full IT P&L and budget management ($500K - $5M+ annual budgets)
- ERP selection, implementation, and ongoing management
- IT team hiring, development, and leadership
- Vendor relationship management and contract negotiation
- Cybersecurity program development and compliance
- Board and executive reporting
- Strategic technology planning aligned with business goals
- M&A technology due diligence and integration
8 ERP Implementations Led
I've led complete ERP implementations as the responsible executive (not just a project team member or consultant):
Platform Experience:
Epicor (versions 8, 10, and Kinetic)
NetSuite
Infor SyteLine
Industry Experience:
Heavy Industrial Manufacturing
Beverage and Food Manufacturing and Marketing
Marine Manufacturing & Fabrication
Industrial Equipment Manufacturing
Metal Fabrication & Machining
Third Party Administrators - Health Insurance
Consumer Goods Manufacturing
Retail Operations
Project Scope:
Single-site and multi-site implementations
Net-new implementations and platform upgrades
Post-M&A system consolidations
Cloud migrations and SaaS transitions
Global IT Leadership
I've built and managed IT operations internationally, including:
Established and managed manufacturing operations and technical team in Spain with UK and EU focused Sales and Project Management teams
Managed cross-border technology projects
Coordinated multi-country ERP deployments
Navigated international compliance and data requirements
Fractional CIO Services
Since 2017, I've provided fractional CIO services to manufacturing companies. My longest client relationship is 7 years and ongoing—a testament to the value of the fractional model when done right.
I typically work with 3-4 clients at a time, providing 2-4 days per month of strategic IT leadership to each. This allows me to bring deep expertise and focus to each engagement while keeping costs manageable for mid-sized companies.
Why THE Fractional CIO MODEL WorkS?
After years as a full-time CIO, I realized something: most $20M-$200M manufacturing companies don't actually need a CIO in the office 40+ hours per week. They need someone who can:
Think strategically about where technology should take the business
Make high-stakes decisions about ERP platforms, cybersecurity investments, and vendor partnerships
Provide executive-level oversight during critical projects
Translate technical complexity into business language for the leadership team
Mentor and develop their IT staff
But they don't need that person sitting in daily operations meetings or troubleshooting printer issues.
The fractional model gives companies access to experienced CIO-level thinking without paying for a full-time salary. And for me, it provides the variety and challenge of working with multiple companies, each with unique situations and opportunities.
I'm motivated by solving interesting problems and helping companies succeed—not by maximizing billable hours. If I can help a $50M wood products manufacturer make a smart ERP decision that saves them $200K and sets them up for growth, that's more rewarding than any retainer fee.
How I Work
Strategic, Not Transactional
I don't do hourly consulting where you're watching the clock. I work on a monthly retainer basis, becoming part of your leadership team for a defined number of days per month.
Business First, Technology Second
I start by understanding your business goals, competitive pressures, and growth plans. Technology decisions flow from business strategy—not the other way around.
Hands-On When It Matters
During critical phases (ERP selection, implementation go-live, M&A integration), I can increase my time commitment to ensure success. Between those peaks, I provide ongoing strategic oversight and planning.
Travel to You
I travel to your facility regularly for on-site strategy sessions, leadership meetings, and key project activities. Between visits, we stay connected via video, phone, and email. You're not getting a remote consultant you never see—you're getting a CIO who shows up.
Transparent and Direct
I tell you what I think, even when it's not what you want to hear. If your ERP vendor is overselling you, I'll say so. If your cybersecurity program has gaps, I'll identify them. If a project is heading off track, I'll raise the flag early.
Develop Your Team, Not Replace Them
If you have an IT manager or team, I'm not there to replace them—I'm there to make them better. I mentor, coach, and develop your internal IT capabilities while providing the strategic oversight they need to succeed.
case studies
real estate investment company
As a Fractional Head of Technology, designed an all-cloud environment for this Pacific NorthWest based real estate investment and management company. Helped identify and implement a cloud-based real estate management system.
confectionery manufacturer
Mentored a newly minted Director of IT with limited technology background to getting comfortable in the role. Helped the management team understand the importance of technology as a solution provider to business.
multinational manufacturing company
As a Fractional Head of Technology, created a Disaster Recovery plan which allowed the organization to easily transition to work-from-home in the COVID-19 environment. Currently leading IT initiatives to implement a new ERP system and SalesForce.
health insurance administrator
Helped stabilize the IT operations of a TPA as the Interim Head of Technology. Devised a Project Management Office, built a high-performant development team, and dramatically improved the relationship of IT with the rest of the business.
Due to my strict adherence to confidentiality, names have been withheld. These represent a subset of my 8 ERP implementation engagements across sectors."
References are available upon request
Beyond Work
My home base is in Seattle, WA in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
I enjoy seeing my daughters grow up to be confident young women, along with my wife, and spend time walking/hiking with my German Shepherd. I also volunteer with the US Navy and US Coast Guard as part of the Seattle Council of the Navy League of the United States to improve morale among the enlisted men and women who serve to protect this great nation of ours.
Want to learn more about how fractional CIO services might work for your company?