Vice President of AI Operations & GIS

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 , we’re redefining how global supply chains operate . 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 NetSuite, Salesforce & UKG Ownership • 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. Team & Vendor Leadership • Build, mentor, and inspire a high-performing IT & applications team. • Operate with a player-coach mentality : willing to roll up your sleeves while developing