VP, Data Engineering

Essential Functions

• Building a Best-in-Class Data Engineering Team
  • Recruit, coach, and nurture a high-performing data engineering team skilled in modern data technologies/data lakes (GCP, AWS, Azure, Snowflake).
  • Establish team KPIs and regularly review performance, setting the groundwork for team growth and future leadership.
• Data Strategy & Planning
  • Conduct feasibility studies, SWOT analyses, and impact assessments to shape the data strategy of the organization.
  • Work collaboratively with executives and key stakeholders to draft data project charters, clearly defining the scope, objectives, stakeholders, deliverables, and metrics.
  • Develop a 3-5 year data road map, estimating costs and budget needs, and articulating expected ROI through a cost-benefit analysis.
• Data Infrastructure & Execution
  • Lead the architecture, development, and maintenance of a robust Data Lake and Data Warehouse.
  • Implement real-time analytics and data processing.
  • Manage vendor relationships, ensuring that all data-related services meet our quality and performance standards.
• Risk & Change Management
  • Develop comprehensive data governance and security protocols, incorporating industry best practices and compliance requirements.
  • Regularly assess the data landscape for potential risks and develop mitigation plans.
  • Champion data quality and governance, embedding best practices into the day-to-day workflow of the team.
• Communication & Stakeholder Management
  • Regularly communicate project status, milestones, and roadblocks to senior executives.
  • Establish and manage a comprehensive data communication plan for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Facilitate project meetings, workshops, and training sessions to align multiple departments around data initiatives.

Job Summary

Focus Brands ($4B, 6,600 units, www.focusbrands.com) is looking for a visionary and execution savvy Vice President of Data Engineering. Focus Brands is an Atlanta-based leading franchise developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands with $5.5B rev, 6,600 units, and 3,000 employees. Brands include Auntie Anne's®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, Moe's Southwest Grill®, McAlister's Deli®, Schlotzsky's®, and Seattle's Best Coffee®. The VP role is an in-office role and will be based in Atlanta, relocation assistance will be provided for the right candidate.

The VP role is a new position reporting to the SVP of Digital Data and Marketing Technologies. The Vice President of Data Engineering is a critical executive role focused on leading the company's efforts to leverage data as a strategic asset. The VP of Data Engineering is responsible for transforming, maturing, and modernizing our organization's data architecture, engineering, and analytics capabilities to support rapid growth and operational excellence. With a mandate to provide strategic direction and hands-on leadership, this role is tasked with building a best-in-class data engineering organization from the ground up. Leveraging Azure cloud services, the VP will be the driving force behind the development of a state-of-the-art data ecosystem that will empower data-driven decision-making across all functional areas. This includes Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, Franchise Development, Real Estate, and Legal departments. The VP of Data Engineering will also be responsible for setting the organization's data strategy, ensuring data governance and privacy compliance, and fostering a culture of data-driven innovation. This role is foundational to the realization of the company's overall technology modernization strategy and digital transformation goals. Therefore, this role is not only strategic but also highly operational, requiring a mix of visionary thinking, technical depth, and practical execution.

As the lead advocate for data across the company, the VP of Data Engineering will liaise with other departments and units to identify opportunities for leveraging company data to drive business solutions. Furthermore, the role will involve significant collaboration with external partners, vendors, and stakeholders to ensure that the company is at the forefront of data technologies and practices. It is an opportunity for a transformational leader who can align data engineering initiatives with business objectives to impact the bottom line positively.

In sum, the VP of Data Engineering will be a transformational leader and a corporate visionary. They will build and lead a new business function designed to make the company a leader in data-driven business strategy. Given the high-stakes and high-impact nature of this role, the successful candidate must possess a blend of technical, strategic, and leadership qualities and have a proven track record of leveraging data for business impact.

Work Experience

• VP/Sr Dir level technology executive experience with $6B+ organization
• 12+ years of technology leadership experience; ideally, comes from complex, multi-brand, multi-store unit, omni channel retailer, hospitality, or QSR/food organization.
• Prior experience in public cloud technologies and data lake technologies (GCP, AWS, Azure, Snowflake) preferred.
• Must have led or played a significant role in a data transformation initiative at an organization of comparable scale and complexity. The ideal candidate will have experience in setting strategic data priorities and translating them into tactical plans that drive measurable impact.
• Strong technical expertise is required, particularly in Public cloud services, data lakes, data warehouses, and big data platforms. Experience in adopting and implementing new data technologies and architecture is highly desirable.
• At least 12 years of progressive leadership experience in data engineering, data sciences, or related fields. Must have overseen multi-disciplinary teams of at least 20 people.
• Must have a proven track record of working with various departments such as Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, and Legal to leverage data for operational and strategic needs.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and vendor relationships, especially those relating to data technologies and services, is essential.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex, technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders, are required. Boardroom presence and the ability to influence at all levels is a must.
• Progressive career growth in technology and data roles, culminating in senior leadership positions. A track record of successful delivery, transformation, and value creation is crucial.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong technical expertise is required, particularly in Public cloud services, data lakes, data warehouses, and big data platforms. Experience in adopting and implementing new data technologies and architecture is highly desirable.
• Must have a proven track record of working with various departments such as Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Supply Chain Management, and Legal to leverage data for operational and strategic needs.
• Demonstrated experience in managing budgets and vendor relationships, especially those relating to data technologies and services, is essential.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to articulate complex, technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders, are required. Boardroom presence and the ability to influence at all levels is a must.
• Progressive career growth in technology and data roles, culminating in senior leadership positions. A track record of successful delivery, transformation, and value creation is crucial.