Vice President of AI Operations & GIS

Project44; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 260,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

On-site four days a week

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

project44, a fast‑growing PE‑backed SaaS company in Chicago, seeks a VP of AI Operations and GIS to own global IT strategy, oversee NetSuite, Salesforce, and UKG, and lead enterprise applications with security, scalability, and compliance at scale.

You will partner with Finance, HR, Operations, Legal, and Engineering to modernize core processes, automate systems, and drive ROI while building a high‑performing IT team on-site four days a week.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive IT and enterprise systems leadership.
• 5+ years in senior roles leading global ERP/CRM/SaaS stacks.
• Proven expertise with NetSuite ERP, Salesforce CRM, and UKG HRIS.
• Experience in private equity–backed, high-growth SaaS environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field; Master’s preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute a global IT and enterprise applications roadmap.
• Oversee NetSuite ERP, Salesforce CRM, UKG HRIS and core IT infrastructure.
• Drive AI and automation within enterprise systems and data quality.
• Lead a high-performing IT and applications team; mentor and scale talent.
• Manage budgets, vendor relationships, and ROI-focused initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance, HR, Operations, Legal, and Engineering to modernize processes.

Skills

IT leadership

Cross-functional partnership

Governance & security

Automation & AI enablement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

NetSuite ERP

Salesforce CRM

UKG HRIS

Job description

Location: Chicago, IL (Relocation assistance available for candidates open to moving to Chicago.)

Why project44?

At project44, we believe in better.

We challenge the status quo because we know a better supply chain isn’t just possible, it’s essential. Better for our customers. Better for their business. Better for the world.

With our Decision Intelligence Platform, Movement , By transforming fragmented logistics data into real-time, AI-powered insights, we empower companies to connect instantly, see clearly, act decisively, and automate intelligently. Our Supply Chain AI enhances visibility, drives smarter execution, and unlocks next-gen applications that keep businesses moving forward.

Headquartered in Chicago, IL, with a 2nd HQ in Bengaluru, India, we are powered by a diverse global team that is tackling the toughest logistics challenges with innovation, urgency, and purpose. If you ’ re driven to solve meaningful problems, leverage AI to scale rapidly, drive impact daily, and be part of a high-performance team – we should talk.

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
• 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.
• 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 committedto 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. Andwe’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.

Diversity & Inclusion:

At project44, we're designing the future of how the world moves and is connected through trade and global supply chains. As we work to deliver a truly world‑class product and experience, we are also intentionally building teams that reflect the unique communities we serve. We’re focused on creating a company where all team members can bring their authentic selves to work every day.

We’re building a company that every one of us at project44 is proud to work for, and our journey of becoming a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization, where all have a sense of belonging, is shaped through the actions of our leadership, global teams and individual team members. We are resolute in our belief that each team member has an equal responsibility to mold and uphold our culture.

project44 is an equal opportunity employer seeking to enrich our work environment by creating opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds and experiences to thrive. If you share our values and our passion for helping the way the world moves, we’d love to review your application!

For any accommodation needed during the hiring process, please email [e-mail] . Even if you don’t meet 100% of the above job description you should still seriously consider applying. Studies show that you can still be considered for a role if you meet just 50% of the role’s requirements.