VP, IT Category Management

ABOUT US
tms unites technology, marketing, and sourcing to drive transformational change for the world's leading brands. With 1,200+ employees across 26 countries, we offer an impressive range of solutions - from inspiration and innovation to category management and delivery.
Operating as a creative agency, a strategic consultancy, a sourcing business, and a technology provider, we engage with over 110 million customers every single day for our clients, including Starbucks, T-Mobile, O2, McDonald's, and adidas.
Most importantly, we're a place where you can achieve great things, and be recognized as the best.
WHAT MATTERS THE MOST
Breakthrough, business-driving ideas come from extraordinary people with the freedom to be their most authentic selves at work. Authenticity and diversity are critical elements of our business. They can only be realized when we create access and equity for all. We foster a culture of inclusion and belonging and aspire to be ever-evolving.
tms is a place where brilliant people are better together. If you want your ideas to be heard and to contribute to a culture of inclusion and authenticity, bring us your voice! Visit us at tmsw.com.
WHY WE THINK YOU WILL LOVE THIS ROLE
The VP of IT for Category Management will have the unique opportunity to work at the forefront of technology and supply chain excellence. Reporting to both the tms CIO and the Managing Director for Global Category Management Services, you will play a pivotal role in driving innovative technology solutions that support our Category Management (CM) Business Unit.
As a key member of the tms technology leadership team, you will help shape systems that enable the world's largest QSR brand, contributing directly to their operational success and impacting millions of consumers every day. You'll collaborate with a talented and passionate team-creative, driven, and dedicated to delivering exceptional service.
Additionally, you will work with world-class vendors and suppliers who bring cutting-edge expertise, creativity, and innovation to every project. This role also includes exciting opportunities to interact with the executive teams of our client, partnering closely with Category Business leads to drive impactful results. It's a chance to lead in a dynamic environment where your work will have tangible and far-reaching impact.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING TO THE ORGANIZATION

• Develop and operationalize the global technology strategy for the Category Management Business Unit that is broadly aligned with the tms technology strategy.
• Provide technical direction and leadership to help advance the company's strategic agenda by delivering technology-enabled solutions that drive business performance and growth.
• Provide technical leadership, bringing strong financial fluency to align technology investments with client strategies and develop business cases, budgets, and program roadmaps in collaboration with senior financial and business leaders.
• Oversee IT program planning, solution design, delivery, and operations. Coordinate with team to ensure successful completion and adoption of products to meet desired business outcomes.
• Provide technical thought-leadership and strategic advice to members of the leadership team on all technology matters affecting the Category Management Business Unit, including the selection, acquisition installation, and maintenance of data and software solutions.
• Develop a team of technology professionals, both internal and external, leading them to meet or exceed the company's expectations for productivity, quality, and outcomes.
• Create a culture of IT professionals focused on deep business alignment, accountability for outcomes, customer service and continuous improvement. Foster a customer service mindset, emphasizing responsiveness and proactive support for business leaders and their direct reports.
• Define and communicate corporate policies and standards, with particular focus on security, privacy, and regulatory compliance, for acquiring, implementing, and operating technology systems.
• Take ownership and ensure the security, integrity, and operational resiliency of all technology platforms within the Category Management Business Unit. Establish and maintain vendors/partner governance and management to ensure high value delivery and adhere to contractual commitments.
• Facilitate communication between the internal team, leadership, vendors and other technology resources across the organization.
• Recruit, develop, and retain a diverse team aligned with our company values and DEU commitments.
• Operate within budgets and manage a sustainable cost optimization discipline.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO HAVE

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• 10+ years' experience in a global Senior level technology position, overseeing multiple concurrent programs in a fast-paced environment
• Manage a budget up to $20M and a geographically diverse team.
• Exceptional leadership, collaboration, and interpersonal communication skills
• Effective communicator, facilitator, and relationship builder. Can lead by influence to drive to the desired outcomes.
• A reputation for handling situations and confidential information discretely, projecting a positive, professional, and supportive outward image and exercising good judgment for the position.
• Ability and desire to develop a high performing and engaged team
• Ability to review information in a factual and neutral manner, analyze data and prepare reports and documents in a timely manner.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects in parallel.
• Experience with Supply Chain technologies (Supplier portal, demand and forecasting tools and capacity planning)
• Experience working in complex and geographically distributed organizations that service global companies.
• Experience with ERP
• Excellent time management and organization skills
• Experience managing technology vendors for consulting services and software delivery
• Microsoft solution stack (O365, Azure and Business Intelligence)

Nearest Major Market: Chicago