Vice President, Strategic Projects, Engineeering, Technology & AI

Job Summary:

The VPO, Strategic Projects, Engineering, Technology & AI provides executive leadership for the organization's strategic project portfolio, capital projects, architecture and engineering functions, information technology operations, logistics, workplace development, and digital transformation initiatives. This role is responsible for establishing and executing long-term strategies that align physical infrastructure, technology platforms, operational capabilities, and business objectives.

The VPO is a member of the Senior Leadership Team and reports directly to the Senior Vice President. The VPO leads multidisciplinary teams including Project Managers, Engineers, and Technology Professionals to deliver complex programs and enterprise initiatives. This position oversees capital planning, technology modernization, AI integration, workplace infrastructure, and operational improvement efforts while ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, on budget, and with measurable business impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Executive Leadership

• Direct and oversee the organization's Project Management Office (PMO), Engineering, Architecture, Capital Projects, Information Technology, and AI modernization functions.
• Establish strategic priorities, annual objectives, and long-term roadmaps supporting organizational growth and operational excellence.
• Lead cross-functional teams responsible for planning, design, implementation, and delivery of enterprise initiatives.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, advising executives on infrastructure, technology, operational, and capital investment strategies.
• Develop organizational capabilities that support innovation, scalability, and continuous improvement.

Capital Projects, Architecture & Engineering

• Lead all capital project planning, design, engineering, construction, renovation, and workplace development initiatives.
• Work directly with client and their contracted vendors on projects aligned with Compass scope.
• Direct teams of engineers, architects, project managers, consultants, contractors, and vendors through all phases of project delivery.
• Establish project governance, capital planning standards, engineering practices, and construction management protocols.
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, risk mitigation, and quality assurance.
• Ensure compliance with applicable building codes, safety regulations, environmental standards, and company requirements.
• Develop long-range facility, infrastructure, and workplace modernization strategies.

Information Technology Leadership

• Provide leadership and oversight for all IT operations, infrastructure, systems, applications, cybersecurity, technology support services, and technology investments.
• Establish the organization's technology vision, roadmap, and governance framework.
• Direct enterprise technology implementations, systems integrations, platform enhancements, and modernization initiatives.
• Ensure technology solutions effectively support business operations and strategic objectives.
• Manage IT budgets, technology vendors, service delivery standards, and performance metrics.
• Drive enterprise data management, reporting, and analytics capabilities.

Artificial Intelligence & Automation Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of the organization's AI and automation strategy.
• Identify opportunities to leverage AI, machine learning, generative AI, and automation technologies to improve productivity, efficiency, customer experience, and decision-making.
• Establish AI governance, risk management, security, compliance, and responsible-use standards.
• Oversee the implementation and scaling of AI-enabled solutions across business functions.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and identify opportunities to enhance organizational competitiveness and innovation.

Project Management & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead a portfolio of high-impact strategic projects across operations, technology, facilities, engineering, and business transformation.
• Establish project management methodologies, governance standards, reporting structures, and performance metrics.
• Ensure effective prioritization, resource allocation, and project execution.
• Monitor progress against milestones, budgets, timelines, and business objectives.
• Communicate project performance, risks, and strategic recommendations to executive leadership.

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets across multiple functional areas.
• Evaluate investment opportunities through ROI analysis, business cases, and strategic planning.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of organizational resources and capital investments.
• Forecast resource requirements and align staffing strategies with business priorities.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop teams of Project Managers, Engineers, Architects, Technology Professionals, Analysts, and Logistics personnel.
• Establish performance standards and accountability measures that drive execution and results.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Build succession plans and organizational capabilities that support future growth.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Information Technology, Business Administration, Project Management, or related field required.
• Master's Degree, MBA, Engineering Management, or related advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience overseeing large-scale projects, engineering functions, technology operations, and business transformation initiatives.
• Minimum 7 years of experience leading managers, project teams, engineers, and technical professionals.
• Demonstrated experience managing capital project portfolios, technology organizations, and enterprise-wide strategic initiatives.

Technical Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of capital project management, engineering, architecture, construction management, and workplace infrastructure.

• Executive-level experience overseeing commercial kitchen construction, renovation, and capital improvement initiatives, with a strong understanding of applicable regulatory requirements, certifications, and industry standards preferred.

• Advanced understanding of IT operations, enterprise systems, cybersecurity, technology modernization, and digital transformation.
• Experience implementing AI, automation, analytics, and emerging technology solutions.
• Knowledge of project portfolio management, change management, and organizational transformation methodologies.
• Understanding of procurement, supply chain, logistics, and operational excellence principles.

Leadership Competencies

• Executive presence with the ability to influence and drive enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic planning and business acumen.
• Strong financial management and budgeting expertise.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multidisciplinary teams.
• Outstanding written, verbal, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated success delivering large-scale capital, technology, and operational projects.