AVI Foodsystems

Head of Data & Analytics

AVI Foodsystems • $120K — $150K *
Akron, OH 44307In-Person
Enterprise Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years in data leadership with experience in digital transformation or major system migrations.
  • Proven track record working with C-Suite leaders and presenting to enterprise-level stakeholders.
  • Deep expertise in Data Modeling and modern cloud architectures.
  • Strong data fluency for AI/ML strategy development and technical evaluations.
  • Natural 'Player-Coach' style with mentoring skills and hands-on problem-solving capability.

Responsibilities

  • Transform data from a cost center to a strategic asset.
  • Advise C-Suite executives on data initiatives and decision-making.
  • Support sales staff in high-stakes negotiations with enterprise customers.
  • Conduct customer visits to align data products with client needs.
  • Architect and implement a robust Enterprise Data Model as the 'Single Source of Truth.'
  • Scale the data organization by hiring and developing a high-performing team.
  • Lead as both a strategic thinker and a technical guide.

Benefits

  • A family culture and atmosphere.
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members.
  • 401(k) with generous company match.
  • Paid vacations and holidays.
  • Immense training and growth opportunities.
Full Job Description
Transform the company's data from a "back-office cost center" into a "strategic enterprise asset." This leader will oversee the decommissioning of legacy financial systems, the stabilization of the modern Cloud ERP ecosystem, and the orchestration of a unified Data Lakehouse across high-scale engineering and business intelligence platforms.

Executive & Strategic Responsibilities
  • C-Suite Advisory: Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, CFO, and COO, translating complex data initiatives into strategic business outcomes. You will provide the technical clarity needed for executive decision-making and long-term investment planning.
  • Sales & Account Partnership: Act as a "Technical Executive" in the field, supporting Account Executives during high-stakes negotiations with major customers. You will demonstrate the value of the organization's data maturity and security posture to win and retain key enterprise accounts.
  • Customer-Centric Innovation: Conduct direct customer visits to understand how clients interact with our data products. Use these insights to bridge the gap between technical development and real-world customer needs.
  • Enterprise Data Model (EDM) Leadership: Architect and implement a robust Enterprise Data Model leveraging established frameworks and industry standards. You will ensure this model serves as the "Single Source of Truth" by reconciling data from Human Capital Management (HCM), ERP, and Service Management platforms.
  • Team Scaling (1 to Many): Lead the evolution of the data organization from its current state to a full-service department. You are responsible for hiring, onboarding, and scaling a high-performing team while fostering a culture of excellence.
  • The "Player-Coach" Approach: Act as a versatile leader who is equally comfortable in the boardroom defining strategy as they are "in the weeds" with the technical team. You will lead by example, providing hands-on technical guidance while coaching the team toward self-sufficiency.


Ideal Candidate Profile
  • Executive Presence: Proven track record of working alongside C-Suite leaders and presenting to external enterprise-level stakeholders.
  • Experience: 10+ years in data leadership, specifically leading digital transformation or major system migrations. Experience in a customer-facing or sales-support capacity is highly preferred.
  • Technical Mastery: Deep expertise in Data Modeling and modern cloud architectures. High "data fluency"-deep enough to review architecture, yet broad enough to lead AI/ML strategy.
  • Leadership Style: A natural Player-Coach who thrives on mentoring others but isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves to solve a complex architectural hurdle.


Initial 90-Day Priorities
  1. Strategic Alignment: Meet with the C-Suite and top Account Executives to identify the data points most critical to customer satisfaction and revenue growth.
  1. Architecture & Model Audit: Review the state of the 100+ internal apps and the existing data model to identify gaps against industry standards.
  1. Hiring & Capacity Planning: Assess current team capabilities and begin the recruitment process to scale the department.

Benefits:
  • A family culture and atmosphere
  • Competitive compensation
  • Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members
  • 401(k) with generous company match
  • Paid vacations and holidays
  • Immense training and growth opportunities


#LI-DP1

About AVI Foodsystems

AVI Foodsystems is a family-owned and operated company that provides food service solutions for businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and sports venues. The company was founded in 1960 by John Payiavlas and his wife, Marian, in Warren, Ohio. Today, AVI Foodsystems is headquartered in Wooster, Ohio and has over 13,000 employees across the United States. The company offers a wide range of services, including dining, catering, vending, and office coffee. AVI Foodsystems is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce waste and conserve energy. In 2019, the company was named one of the Top 50 Contract Foodservice Companies by Food Management Magazine.
Learn more about AVI Foodsystems
Size
5,000 employees
Industry
Food & Beverages
Net Income
$10 million
5 Year Trend
+5%
Revenue
$500 million
NASDAQ
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at AVI Foodsystems

More Enterprise Technology Jobs

Find similar Head of Data & Analytics jobs:

NationwideAkron, OH