VP Information Technology - Retail (Finance)

Job Overview:

The Vice President of Information Technology - Retail (VP of IT -Retail) will lead the strategic planning and execution of all technology initiatives across our grocery retail business. This role is responsible for ensuring our IT systems effectively support both store operations and enterprise functions, while also driving digital innovation to enhance the customer experience. As a key member of the leadership team, the VP of IT will play a critical role in modernizing infrastructure, improving system reliability, and enabling data-driven decision-making for our Retail business.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a technology roadmap that aligns with business goals and enhances operational performance across all stores and corporate functions.

• Support and advance core retail systems including POS, pricing and promotions, inventory management, e-commerce, and supply chain platforms.

• Lead effective IT governance, budgeting, and vendor management, ensuring cost-effective, and business performance enabling solutions.

• Strengthen and maintain cybersecurity protocols and data privacy compliance, including HIPPA, PCI and consumer data protection.

• Drive continuous improvement in IT service delivery, system uptime, and user support across stores and distribution centers

• Partner closely with store operations, merchandising, marketing, and finance to understand business needs and deliver effective technology solutions.

• Lead and continuously develop a high talent technology team that supports both day-to-day operations and longer-term innovation initiatives.

• Lead with retail specific digital transformation efforts, including curbside pickup, mobile applications, loyalty systems, and advanced data analytics.

• Drive retail alignment and deployment of enterprise-wide projects and capabilities through close partnership with enterprise-wide technology team.

• Extensive experience leading technology with external consultants and partners based on and offshore. Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or related field (Master's preferred).

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive IT leadership experience, including 3-5 years in a senior role within consumer goods, grocery or retail.

• Proven experience with distribution, grocery retail systems such as POS, WMS, planogram/space planning, buying and ERP platforms.

• Strong understanding of store operations and IT requirements unique to grocery (e.g., perishable inventory tracking, dynamic pricing, scan-based trading).

• Experience leading infrastructure modernization, cloud migrations, and omnichannel system integration.

• Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.

• Knowledge/Skills/ Abilities

• Familiarity with e-commerce platforms tailored to grocery retail (e.g., Instacart integrations, digital coupons, online ordering).

• Working knowledge of data analytics tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) for operational reporting and decision support.

• Agile project management and change leadership capabilities.

• Good judgment and proven autonomous leadership are required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available.

Work Environment: Remote Role:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel:

• Travel is required up to (20%) for this position to travel to company stores, offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands: Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.

• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.

• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.

• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job.

All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. - M/F/Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.