Head of Data & Analytics

AVI Foodsystems; Warren (OH); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid vacations and holidays

Immense training and growth

Job summary

AVI Foodsystems is seeking a Head of Data & Analytics to transform data from a cost center into a strategic enterprise asset. The role focuses on decommissioning legacy systems, stabilizing the Cloud ERP, and orchestrating a unified Data Lakehouse for scalable BI.

You will advise the CEO/CFO/COO, partner with sales during major enterprise negotiations, and lead a customer-centric approach to data product development.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership of data initiatives at enterprise scale.
• Experience translating data initiatives into strategic business outcomes.
• Ability to mentor and scale a data organization.

Responsibilities

• Advise C-suite and translate data initiatives into strategic business outcomes.
• Partner with Account Executives during major negotiations to showcase data value.
• Lead customer-centric data product conversations and ensure alignment with client needs.
• Architect and implement Enterprise Data Model as a single source of truth across systems.
• Scale the data organization, hire, onboard, and coach a high-performing team.
• Provide hands-on technical guidance while coaching the team.

Skills

Executive leadership

Data modeling

Cloud architectures

AI/ML strategy

Stakeholder management

Tools

Cloud platforms

Job description

AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role of Head of Data & Analytics. Founded in 1960, AVI Foodsystems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

The Mission

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

• Strategic Alignment: Meet with the C-Suite and top Account Executives to identify the data points most critical to customer satisfaction and revenue growth.
• Architecture & Model Audit: Review the state of the 100+ internal apps and the existing data model to identify gaps against industry standards.
• 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

We conduct pre-employment drug testing. EOE