VP Technology, Innovation & Strategy

Company Overview

The Company is one of North America’s leading sales and marketing agencies specializing in outsourced sales, merchandising, category management and marketing services to manufacturers, suppliers and producers of food products and consumer packaged goods. The Company services a variety of trade channels including grocery, mass merchandise, specialty, convenience, drug, dollar, club, hardware, consumer electronics and home centers. We bridge the gap between manufacturers and retailers, providing consumers access to the best products available in the marketplace today.

Job Overview

Advantage is seeking a proven leader to drive the collaboration and integration for technology strategy and innovation.   As a member of the CTO organization, this leader will partner with peers to guide engagement with businesses stakeholders and executives, identify opportunities for digitalization, and deliver exploratory validation of the opportunities and strategy.   Will support ADV sales and marketing teams in ensuring our technology strategy differentiates our marketing offer and market positioning.   Will participate and lead strategic partnership exploration with technology, services, and digital organizations.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate is a business + technology visionary and strategist with proven experience bridging the gap between technology and business
• Candidates for this position must have a strong background in technology, development, business growth, and cross-functional leadership
• This includes the ability to partner technical teams effectively
• 15+ Years of Consulting, IT and/or Product Experience: Candidates should have at least 10years of experience in consulting, product leadership roles, with a demonstrated history of leading progressive technology initiatives and shaping strategic technology direction across an organization
• We are seeking a strategic leader who possesses experience as a cross-functional leader and has a deep understanding of connecting business and technologies for continuous development and innovation
• Proven Cross-functional Collaboration: The ideal candidate will possess a diverse background and a track record of successful collaboration across various departments
• Technical Project Leadership: Demonstrated experience in leading technical projects from inception, showcasing capabilities and leadership potential
• Inter-department Partnership Building: A track record of establishing strong partnerships within previous organizations, particularly with marketing, sales, and executive leadership teams
• Strategic Technological Vision: Previous experience in developing a strategic technological vision for a company, working closely with marketing and technology departments to align technology initiatives with business objectives
• Candidates should have a proven track record of spearheading significant digital transformations within top-tier organizations
• Excellent written/verbal communication and interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

• Develop proactive strategies to drive our technology & product initiatives that enable our company transformation and digitalization
• Play a pivotal role in our leadership team, facilitating communication and collaboration between technology and other departments
• Demonstrate a track record of successfully incorporating AI and modern technology solutions across business functions
• Utilize AI to improve customer service, team and consumer experiences
• Exhibit the ability to articulate, pitch, and implement innovative technology ideas, ensuring AI is a driving force within the organization
• Collaborate with teams to incorporate cutting-edge data technologies and tools into their roadmaps
• Proficiency in supporting other business functions including sales, marketing, retention, and surveys
• Bring new approaches to cross-functional collaboration like Design Thinking, Service Design, etc.
• Partner with members of the CTO organization to create a wholistic technology strategy connected to EA and technology delivery functions

Additional Information Regarding The Company Job Duties and Job Descriptions

Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one’s supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The Company reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.