Location: Chicago, IL (Relocation assistance available for candidates open to moving to Chicago.)
What You'll Do: The Vice President of AI Operations and GIS will own the global IT and enterprise applications strategy, combining strategic leadership with hands-on execution. This role is accountable for critical platforms including NetSuite (ERP), Salesforce (CRM), and UKG (HRIS), as well as IT infrastructure, cybersecurity alignment, and the broader enterprise applications portfolio.
As a PE-backed SaaS company scaling rapidly, this leader will partner with Finance, HR, Operations, Legal, and Engineering to modernize core processes, integrate and automate systems, and ensure security, compliance, and reliability at scale. The mandate is to deliver measurable business outcomes while preparing the company for IPO-readiness and future growth.
This role will also build and develop a high-performing EBS team, blending a player-coach mindset with the ability to scale and empower talent, while fostering a culture of accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
What You'll Do IT & Business Systems Leadership- Define and execute a global IT and enterprise applications roadmap aligned with business growth.
- Oversee NetSuite, Salesforce, UKG, collaboration platforms, and core IT infrastructure.
- Ensure systems are secure, scalable, and designed for a rapidly expanding SaaS business.
- Establish policies, governance, and best practices for IT and enterprise applications.
- Ensure systems' availability, security, and scalability to support a global workforce.
- Establish IT policies, standards, and best practices to ensure operational excellence and compliance
NetSuite, Salesforce & UKG Ownership- Serve as senior owner of NetSuite ERP, Salesforce CRM, and UKG HRIS.
- Drive enhancements, integrations, and automation across Finance, HR, Operations, and go-to-market processes.
- Partner with all business leaders to streamline quote-to-cash, billing, HR, supply chain, and reporting workflows.
- Assist with Data ownership, best practices with a mindset for accuracy and growth
Strategic Growth & AI Initiatives - Lead digital transformation efforts across ERP, CRM, HRIS, and connected SaaS platforms.
- Apply AI and automation within enterprise systems to streamline processes, improve data quality, and enable operational efficiency, while partnering with the AI Ops team on broader cross-functional initiatives.
- Partner with Operations to modernize end-to-end processes that support global scale and rapid growth.
Team & Vendor Leadership - Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing IT & applications team.
- Operate with a player-coach mentality: willing to roll up your sleeves while developing talent.
- Manage external partners, MSPs, and system integrators effectively.
- Own IT and applications budgets with a focus on ROI.
- Lead vendor and consulting partner relationships as well as an optimal global systems budget/forecast supporting all applications
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of IT professionals and enterprise application specialists.
- Foster a culture of service excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Strategic Initiatives - Support IT and enterprise applications strategy in alignment with Project44's business objectives.
- Drive modernization initiatives, including automation, integration, and cloud adoption.
- Ensure compliance with relevant frameworks (e.g., IPO readiness, GDPR, ISO).
What You'll Need - 12+ years of progressive IT and enterprise systems leadership, with at least 5+ years in senior roles.
- Proven expertise with NetSuite ERP, Salesforce CRM, and UKG HRIS, including integration and process optimization.
- SaaS / subscription business model experience required; private equity-backed company experience preferred.
- Demonstrated success scaling IT and enterprise systems in a global, fast-growth company.
- Strong background in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, enterprise SaaS, and governance.
- Experience enabling automation, data quality, and process optimization across enterprise systems.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional partnership skills.
- Bachelor's degree in IT, Computer Science, or related field (Master's preferred).
- In-office Commitment: Our office is where ideas spark, connections thrive, and innovation comes alive. We are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic and committed to joining our team on-site, in our beautiful headquarters four days a week. Together, we're building something extraordinary-learn, grow, and thrive in our fast-paced, transformative environment.
- Relocation offered: We're proud to call Chicago home - a walkable downtown, amazing food, and a team that makes big ideas move fast. And we're ready to help you make it yours, project44 offers relocation assistance for team members joining us from outside the area.
Why You'll Love Working Here- High-growth SaaS company backed by world-class investors.
- Opportunity to lead transformation at the intersection of IT, enterprise systems, Operations, and AI.
- You'll inherit a modern systems foundation already running NetSuite, Salesforce, UKG, and Retool with Workato-based automation.
- Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits.
- Inclusive, value-driven culture where diverse voices and experiences are celebrated.
