IT Project Management

Client: The Beer Store and Brewers Distributor Limited Position: Vice President, Information Technology
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. 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

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.

Strategic IT Leadership – 35%
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
99.9% (SAP, Microsoft as examples)

Drive implementation and optimization of enterprise systems (SAP ERP, SAP POS, ORTEC, Fleet tracking, warehouse systems (including automation, voice pick))
Governance, Risk & Compliance – 10%
T. governance frameworks, manage risk, while ensuring compliance with regulatory & security standards
Risk mitigation plans updated quarterly, with mock scenarios completed annually
Compliance with cybersecurity standards including PCI, but not limited to

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

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
~ 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
~ 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.
an individual with an impressive track record of leading, coaching, and developing resources

Melanie Barbieri, Senior Consultant