Vice President Information Technology

Client: The Beer Store and Brewers Distributor Limited Position: Vice President, Information Technology Reports to: President Location: Bolton, Ontario (3-4 times a week) THE COMPANY The Beer Store is the primary distribution and sales channel for beer in Ontario and is owned by 30+ Ontario-based brewers. Through Retail Stores, Distribution Centres, Draught Services, Customer Contact Centre and Corporate Office, they form one large team that is passionate about the beer business. The Beer Store is proud to foster a respectful and inclusive culture that expands and leverages the diverse talents, experiences, and perspectives of their team members to deliver exceptional service for customers. They continue to be successful by working together, respecting each other, having a positive attitude and by trying new and innovative ideas. Not only are they knowledgeable, passionate and loyal ambassadors for beer, they are also health and safety advocates, environmental champions, DEIB enthusiasts and they give proudly back to their communities. Brewers Distributor Limited (BDL) is a private joint venture company owned by Labatt Breweries of Canada and Molson Breweries for the wholesale distribution of beer and the collection of returnable, refillable and recyclable beer containers within the four Western Canadian Provinces, as well as Northwest Territories and the Yukon. The overall goal of the distribution alliance between the shareholder companies in Western Canada, is to maximize cost and service performance within the two distinct business processes – wholesale distribution of beer, and the collection of returnable, recyclable beer containers. The Beer Store and BDL operate six distribution centers and four cross dock facilities in the Western provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia). These facilities serve licensed customers throughout Western Canada and the Northern Territories. For more information about the Beer Store and Brewers Distributor Ltd, please visit and THE OPPORTUNITY We are seeking a dynamic Vice President of Information Technology to drive organizational competitiveness, profitability, and operational efficiency. This leader will provide strategic direction for the IT function, leveraging practical, innovative approaches to build and manage the business systems and data infrastructure essential for seamless operations and the achievement of business objectives. Primary focus for this role is the overall strategic direction and guidance of the client’s IT function. This individual is accountable mainly for systems analysis, programming, software, hardware, services acquisition, and application systems supporting all corporate areas, stores and warehouse locations. The VP, IT prepares the IT business plans that support the business requirements and determines priorities within IT, utilizing resources in the best way possible to fulfill the business goals. They will oversee all IT project development and operations to ensure establishment and achievement of superior customer service and efficiency targets. This role also entails aligning stakeholder expectations with IT capabilities and deliverables, while effectively navigating and resolving conflicts that may arise around business priorities and the strategic direction of system initiatives. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES Strategic IT Leadership – 35% Define & execute the I.T. vision and strategy aligned with business goals. Ensure Technology investments deliver business value and continue to support our competitive advantage Accountable for I.T. Strategy approved budget and ensuring alignment with organizational strategic plan IT Operations & Service Delivery – 30% Oversee infrastructure, applications, cybersecurity and vendor management to ensure reliable, secure and efficient IT services across all business units, including external partners Ensuring system uptime > 99.9% (SAP, Microsoft as examples) Enterprise Systems & Innovation – 25% Drive implementation and optimization of enterprise systems (SAP ERP, SAP POS, ORTEC, Fleet tracking, warehouse systems (including automation, voice pick)) Identify emerging technologies to enhance operations Continue to look for opportunities for reductions within operation costs through automation within the business & operations Governance, Risk & Compliance – 10% Continue to support & establish I.T. governance frameworks, manage risk, while ensuring compliance with regulatory & security standards Maintain strong stakeholder relationships Risk mitigation plans updated quarterly, with mock scenarios completed annually Compliance with cybersecurity standards including PCI, but not limited to KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Education Bachelor’s Degree – Computer Science Degree, Information Systems or Business MBA or Master’s in IT Management an asset Executive education in digital transformation, cybersecurity, or enterprise architecture an asset Experience 10 – 15+ years of progressive IT Leadership experience 5 – 10+ years in senior management roles overseeing enterprise systems & digital strategy Track record of successful restructuring and implementation of new core systems and technology Experience working with SAP ERP systems (on prem & S4Hana) Leading a team of 15 or more members within a complex, multi-site business Demonstrated ability to build strategic and operational (tactical) plans and budgets Consistently meeting deadlines and project commitments Experience implementing large enterprise-wide IT projects, with expert knowledge in POS systems, SAP, fleet tracking, warehouse consolidation and labor resources tracking Served in a strategic planning and execution capacity with a strong IT vision Experience identifying “big picture” opportunities and reducing them to action plans/initiatives, with the ability to attain the senior management buy in required to implement these IT action plans A history of working closely with third party organizations - capable of extracting maximum value and co-operation from such working relationships Skills Superior communication, interpersonal, project management abilities, presentation skills, and the ability to operate effectively at all levels within and external to the business. Excellent critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills to make accurate decisions in risk-management situations Well established IT problem solving abilities, strong negotiation skills, solid project management fundamentals Advanced proficiency utilizing MS Office Suite with the ability to build and deliver spreadsheets, reports, and presentations to all levels of the organization. Strong team development skills; an individual with an impressive track record of leading, coaching, and developing resources CONTACT INFORMATION Tim Hewat, Head of Executive Search, North America tim.hewat@lhhknightsbridge.com Melanie Barbieri, Senior Consultant melanie.barbieri@lhhknightsbridge.com About LHH Knightsbridge –