Vice President, Information Technology Position Profile
ABOUT WHAT IF SYNDICATE
What If Syndicate is the national hospitality group driven by a team of world-class food lovers who serve to live and live to serve. The business is built upon three units: The primary is a collection of dynamic, profitable restaurants; the second a restaurant incubator; and the third a private lifestyle club as well as a products program. Successful restaurants exist for many years by delivering any two of the following: Great food, great service, or a great experience. Our team's goal is to achieve iconic destinations and programs by delivering on all three. Our restaurants and our teams deliver an experience beyond what is expected- that is the What If promise.
PURPOSE AND VALUES
In everything we do, there are four principles that we live by.
- Generous - We always give more than we receive, and we never take advantage of a guest. The value that a guest receives always exceeds what they pay.
- Professional - We do our work exceptionally, with skill and talent born from decades of hospitality experience. Our staff has more food, wine, and cocktail knowledge than any other restaurant.
- Fun - We love what we do, we laugh a lot, and we never take ourselves too seriously. Having fun is a critical component to success when our restaurants can be intense and complex environments.
- Fail Fast - As we strive to be the best, we will make mistakes. It is ok to screw up as long as you learn, adjust, and get better. Don't wait... fail fast and move on.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Based in Chicago, IL, and reporting to the Owning Partners, The Vice President (VP) of Information Technology will be responsible for translating company-defined priorities into a coherent technology strategy and roadmap through execution. The new VP of Information Technology will Partner with business leaders and provide innovative thinking in order to identify, plan, manage and implement business and system initiatives that align with this firms' objectives and goals. They will have the responsibility to develop, integrate and maintain end-to-end systems to align with leading industry best practices and overall company standards. The VP of Information Technology will be responsible for leading the technology selection, systems, integration, cloud, and data architecture required and ensuring a positive ROI on technology investments. He/ She will work closely with executive management and key stakeholders and serve as a leader within the organization, as an innovator and ambassador of technology in the firm. The VP of Information Technology will be responsible for the management of existing corporate infrastructure through internal and external teams, and the transition required to deliver the company vision. They will be responsible for future implementations and iterations of deployed technology, upkeep, and management of the website, engagement, Information Security, and the integrity of frameworks for multiple platforms. The successful candidate must be up to date with top technology trends in the industry and how these can be leveraged and translated into business value. Agile, information security management, network, systems architecture design and delivery, big data, artificial intelligence/ machine learning, and experience in building scalable products in multiple platforms (iOS, Android, Web) are critical competencies; as well as soft leadership skills such as building and managing diverse teams, the ability to communicate effectively across diverse stakeholders, teamwork, problem-solving, and empowerment. The ideal candidate will be driven, never satisfied with the status-quo, hungry for results, and ready to roll up their sleeves to achieve desired outcomes. In short, we're looking for a 'servant-leader' whose measure of success will be equally measured through collaboration and the creation of high-performing (internal and external) teams as well as the delivery of results aligned to the corporate strategy.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Define and maintain the enterprise architecture roadmaps and associated architectural standards to ensure the creation and evolution of IS solutions that will meet business needs and exploit emerging technology trends and developments.
- Collaboratively works with Owning Partners and key stakeholders to develop and implement an IT strategy that aligns and supports the long-term IT needs of the organization.
- Oversees the technological infrastructure of the organization to ensure optimal performance.
- Aligns IT infrastructure and software systems with business priorities.
- Independently analyze current IT infrastructure and strategize and prioritize solutions.
- Approves purchases of technological equipment and software and establishes partnerships with IT providers and related vendors.
- Be a business partner, visionary, change agent and take ownership of IT as part of the delivery of IT across all entities, and responsive/flexible as organizational needs change and adapt to industry conditions.
- Plans the implementation of new systems and provide training and guidance to all users within the organization
- Evaluate systems and business needs to recommend suitable technology to advance internal operations through improved efficiencies/effectiveness and better utilization of resources.
- Develops and builds strong relationships with leaders and stakeholders in the organization.
- Manages vertically and cross-functionally, leveraging leadership relationships to meet established deadlines, IT projects, and initiatives.
- Effectively and regularly communicates with all levels of the business and the IT staff.
- Assists in the continued implementation and improvement of the technology portfolio.
- Partners, collaborates, and engages with leadership/stakeholders on IT initiatives/projects.
- Provides a 24x7 IT ecosystem and infrastructure that supports operations
- Monitor changes/advancements in technology to discover ways the organization can continue to improve operations.
- Analyzes the cost, value, and risks of information technology and makes recommendations to senior leadership with suggested improvements.
- Works directly with the assigned committee(s) of the board as needed, including the Risk Management Committee.
- Direct supervision of IT staff. Responsible for building and developing IT Department, reducing dependency on vendors.
- Set expectations and manage, monitor, coach, and develop team members to ensure that they maximize their performance, meet the required standards, and continuously develop their capabilities and experience whilst demonstrating the behaviors needed to embed a collaborative, high-performing, consumer-oriented, and commercially aware working environment.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESS
Job Knowledge/Technical Knowledge
This individual must be intellectually sharp and use critical thinking to make or influence decisions while demonstrating outstanding business judgment. He or she will be comfortable creating the new and the different.
Organization
Uses time efficiently by prioritizing and planning work activities, building and managing internal and external teams.
Communication
The ability to write and speak effectively using appropriate convention based on the situation; actively listens to others, asks questions to verify understanding, and uses tact and consideration when delivering feedback to others.
Integrity and Respect
Demonstrates an utmost level of integrity in all instances and shows respect towards others and towards company principles.
Judgment
Demonstrates ability to make independent and sound decisions in all situations.
Teamwork
Shares key information with others involved in a project or effort works in harmony to accomplish objectives, responds with enthusiasm to directives, and shows support for departmental and organizational decisions.
Quality
Sets high standards and measures of excellence to ensure quality assurance in every aspect of work performed.
Accountability
Takes personal responsibility and ownership for adhering to all company policies and procedures, never compromising on standards and ensuring performance expectations are adhered to.
Customer Service
The ability to empathize and relentlessly focus on enhancing the level of customer experience and satisfaction.
Empathy
Uses emotional intelligence to effectively build, lead and empower high-performing teams.
Manages Change
Demonstrates effectiveness and flexibility with changing environments, responsibilities, tasks, and people. Understand the importance of effective change management in the adoption of digital solutions.
Attention to Detail
Follows detailed procedures to ensure accuracy in the entry and reporting of data.
Problem Solving
Identifies and resolves issues in a timely manner by gathering and skillfully analyzing information.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field preferred
- 10+ years of substantive experience in IT in a variety of key disciplines, including at least four years' senior leadership experience with strategic influence and managing multiple projects
- 10+ Years of IT Management Experience, Information Systems Management, Project Management
- Deep knowledge and understanding of IT systems and infrastructure, broad-based business and technical acumen in all aspects of IT, exceptional project management skills, strong collaboration skills, proven consulting skills, strong leadership and communication skills and a solid understanding of data analysis and general business operations.
- Background in designing/developing IT systems and planning IT implementation
- Ability to independently analyze current IT infrastructure and strategize and prioritize solutions. Ability to conceptualize, evaluate, promote and deliver IT projects on deadline.
- Experience in effectively managing a staff team
- Strong Vendor management and contract negotiation skills
- Resilient, dynamic, ability to think on one's feet and operate effectively under pressure
- Creative problem solving
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Title: Managing Director Email: blayton@comharpartners.com Direct: (239) 345-4050 Mobile: (847) 722-4180
Title: Director
Email: mlayton@comharpartners.com
Direct: (312) 313-8454
Mobile: (224) 805-9369
