Head of Data & Analytics at AVI Foodsystems in Akron, OH

Job description

• AVI Foodsystems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role of Head of Data & Analytics.
• 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.

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.
• 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Skills

Required

• Data Modeling
• Modern cloud architectures
• Data fluency
• AI/ML strategy
• Technical leadership
• Executive presence
• Mentoring
• Strategic advisory
• Customer-facing communication

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