Position Summary: WHY Brands is at an inflection point. As we accelerate our growth and digital transformation, we are seeking our first VP, AI and Digital Technology to define the future of technology across our global portfolio of brands. Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive will architect and lead an AI-first enterprise that transforms how we innovate, manufacture, market, sell, and operate-creating a sustainable competitive advantage through technology, data, and artificial intelligence.
Reporting directly to the CEO, this executive will define the technology and artificial intelligence strategy that transforms how we innovate, manufacture, market, sell, and operate to drive profitable growth.
The VP, AI and Digital Technology will lead WHY Brands' transformation into an AI-first, digitally enabled consumer products company by integrating enterprise technology, artificial intelligence, digital commerce, cybersecurity, software engineering, data, and automation into a single strategic function that accelerates innovation, operational excellence, and profitable growth.
This is more than a technology leadership role. It is an opportunity to architect an AI-first enterprise where intelligent automation, data, software, digital commerce, and emerging technologies become catalysts for growth, employee productivity, and exceptional consumer experiences.
What You'll Do: AI-First Enterprise- Lead the company's AI vision and roadmap, embedding artificial intelligence and intelligent automation across every function-from product development, ecommerce, and supply chain to customer experience, HR, finance, marketing, and operations
- Develop the Company's multi-year AI strategy and investment roadmap
- Establish enterprise AI governance, policies, and responsible AI standards
- Drive adoption of: Generative AI; AI Agents; Intelligent Automation; Machine Learning; Predictive Analytics; Knowledge Management; Digital Assistants; and Responsible AI Governance
Define Enterprise Technology Strategy- Lead modernization of:
- Enterprise applications and Cloud infrastructure
- Integration architecture
- Data platforms
- Business intelligence
- Software development
- APIs
- Enterprise architecture
- Evaluate emerging technologies and translate innovation into measurable business value
Lead Digital Transformation- Own technology supporting our digital ecosystem including:
- DTC / Ecommerce
- Digital consumer experiences
- Mobile technologies
- Marketing technology
- Customer data platforms
- CRM
- Consumer engagement technologies
- Identify emerging technologies that can create competitive differentiation
- Lead technology due diligence for acquisitions and strategic partnerships
- Partner with Digital, Marketing, Product, and Commercial teams to accelerate revenue growth through technology
- Develop scalable technology platforms supporting global product development, engineering, distribution, sourcing, and commercial operations
Build a Data-Driven Organization- Develop enterprise capabilities around:
- Data strategy
- Master data
- Data governance
- Analytics
- AI-ready architecture
- Self-service reporting
- Executive dashboards
- Transform data into a strategic business asset
Lead Product & Software Development- Oversee internal technology development including:
- Enterprise applications
- Custom software
- Integrations
- APIs
- Consumer-facing platforms
- Mobile applications
- Digital products
- Drive modern software engineering practices
- Own the global technology operating and capital budgets, ensuring disciplined investment and measurable ROI
Cybersecurity & Risk- Ensure world-class security across the enterprise
- Lead:
- Cybersecurity strategy
- Information security
- Identity & Access Management
- Infrastructure security
- Incident response
- Business continuity and Disaster recovery
- Privacy & regulatory compliance
- Protect consumer, employee, and company data while enabling innovation
Leadership- Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership team
- Provide strategic guidance on:
- Technology investments
- Digital transformation
- AI opportunities
- Innovation
- M&A technology integration
- Enterprise risk
- Future technology trends
- Represent technology at the Board level when appropriate
- Oversee, direct, and organize the work of the Global IT and Technology Teams
- Build, mentor, and motivate high-performing cross-functional teams
- Collaborate with executive leadership to define company strategy and roadmap
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement; lead organizational change initiatives to support evolving business needs
Bring It! - 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise technology, software engineering, digital transformation, data, and AI
- Experience leading enterprise IT organizations in consumer products, retail, ecommerce, manufacturing, or similarly complex industries
- Experience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG); ideally with e-commerce, and/or direct-to-consumer (DTC) businesses
- Deep AI & Digital Expertise with: Enterprise AI strategy; Generative AI; AI Agents; Intelligent Automation; Large Language Models; Microsoft Copilot ecosystem; Claude and OpenAI technologies; AI governance; Data platforms; Machine learning applications
- Ability to identify practical AI opportunities that create measurable business impact and outcomes
- Proven experience serving as CTO, CIO, CDO, or equivalent executive leader
- Demonstrated success leading enterprise-wide digital transformation that translate to business outcomes
- Demonstrated ability to translate complex technology and AI concepts into clear business strategies for executive leadership and Boards of Directors
- Experience building modern cloud-based technology organizations.
- Strong understanding of enterprise architecture and software development
- Experience leading cybersecurity and enterprise risk initiatives
- Track record of building high-performing global technology teams
- Proven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing cross-functional teams, both directly and through influence
- Able to translate operational insights into business impact and make data-driven recommendations aligned with financial goals
- Entrepreneurial, nimble, and comfortable in a hands-on, fast-moving environment
- A collaborative team player who leads with humility, drives accountability, and fosters a culture of trust and performance
- Superior management skills: ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peers
- Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, the Company's board of directors, and staff
- Ability to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker
We Got You Covered! As a Great Place to Work Certified™ company, we are committed to offering the best to our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, wellness benefits, generous employer-matched 401(k) plan, Paid Childcare Leave, among other benefit plans. Our total rewards are top of market and include competitive salary, bonus, and opportunities to earn equity. We focus on supporting employee development and growth.
We regularly hold social functions to foster a genuine camaraderie that enhances teamwork. At our company-wide award functions, we take time to recognize the talent and dedication of the people who make Munchkin the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world.
To learn more, visit us at www.munchkin.com.
Salary range: $285,000 - $350,000
