VP, Technology & AI

Who We Are: WHY Brands Inc., a parent company of Munchkin, Inc., focuses on creating, incubating, and growing the next generation of consumer lifestyle brands. Founded in 1990, Munchkin is the leading consumer product company and most loved baby lifestyle brand behind the innovative gear and products for children, mothers, and caregivers. Munchkin has sold billions of dollars of products through our key retail partners: Target, Walmart, and Amazon and has global distribution in over 50 countries. With over 350+ patents under our belt and over 250 international product and brand design awards, we continue to create solutions that leave our customers asking, "how did I ever live without this?" Innovation is the core of our company DNA and has been driving our designs for over 30 years! Recognized as #8 on America’s Most Innovative Companies list by Fortune Magazine, innovation is the core of our company DNA and has been driving our designs for 30 years! We lead with our core values and believe that investing in the community is our responsibility. We create opportunities for every child’s potential and well-being through the Radiant Colors program, work to create a sustainable future, and in partnership with the International Fund for Animal Welfare have committed to animal conservation. There is no better time than now to join WHY Brands as we embark on our next and biggest growth journey, and you could be the next influential leader to play a key role in driving enormous customer-centered value and rapid growth. Position Summary: WHY Brands is at an inflection point. As we accelerate our growth and digital transformation, we are seeking a VP, Technology & AI to define the future of technology across our global portfolio of brands. This key Executive position will architect and lead an AI-first enterprise that transforms how we innovate, manufacture, market, sell, and operate—creating a sustainable competitive advantage through technology, data, and artificial intelligence. This is more than a technology leadership role. It is an opportunity to architect an AI-first enterprise where intelligent automation, data, software, digital commerce, and emerging technologies become catalysts for growth, employee productivity, and exceptional consumer experiences. What You’ll Do: AI-First Enterprise Lead the company's AI vision and roadmap, embedding artificial intelligence and intelligent automation across every function—from product development, ecommerce, and supply chain to customer experience, HR, finance, marketing, and operationsDevelop the Company's multi-year AI strategy and investment roadmapEstablish enterprise AI governance, policies, and responsible AI standardsDrive adoption of: Generative AI; AI Agents; Intelligent Automation; Machine Learning; Predictive Analytics; Knowledge Management; Digital Assistants; and Responsible AI Governance Define Enterprise Technology Strategy Lead modernization of:Enterprise applications and Cloud infrastructureIntegration architectureData platformsBusiness intelligenceSoftware developmentAPIsEnterprise architectureEvaluate emerging technologies and translate innovation into measurable business value Lead Digital Transformation Own technology supporting our digital ecosystem including:DTC / EcommerceDigital consumer experiencesMobile technologiesMarketing technologyCustomer data platformsCRMConsumer engagement technologies Identify emerging technologies that can create competitive differentiationLead technology due diligence for acquisitions and strategic partnershipsPartner with Digital, Marketing, Product, and Commercial teams to accelerate revenue growth through technologyDevelop scalable technology platforms supporting global product development, engineering, distribution, sourcing, and commercial operations Build a Data-Driven Organization Develop enterprise capabilities around:Data strategyMaster dataData governanceAnalyticsAI-ready architectureSelf-service reportingExecutive dashboards Transform data into a strategic business asset Lead Product & Software Development Oversee internal technology development including:Enterprise applicationsCustom softwareIntegrationsAPIsConsumer-facing platformsMobile applicationsDigital productsDrive modern software engineering practicesOwn the global technology operating and capital budgets, ensuring disciplined investment and measurable ROI Cybersecurity & Risk Ensure world-class security across the enterpriseLead:Cybersecurity strategyInformation securityIdentity & Access ManagementInfrastructure securityIncident responseBusiness continuity and Disaster recoveryPrivacy & regulatory complianceProtect consumer, employee, and company data while enabling innovation Leadership Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and executive leadership teamProvide strategic guidance on:Technology investmentsDigital transformationAI opportunitiesInnovationM&A technology integrationEnterprise riskFuture technology trends Represent technology at the Board level when appropriateOversee, direct, and organize the work of the Global IT and Technology TeamsBuild, mentor, and motivate high-performing cross-functional teamsCollaborate with executive leadership to define company strategy and roadmapFoster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement; lead organizational change initiatives to support evolving business needs What you will bring: 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in enterprise technology, software engineering, digital transformation, data, and AIExperience leading enterprise IT organizations in consumer products, retail, ecommerce, manufacturing, or similarly complex industriesExperience in consumer-packaged goods (CPG); ideally with e-commerce, and/or direct-to-consumer (DTC) businessesDeep AI & Digital Expertise with: Enterprise AI strategy; Generative AI; AI Agents; Intelligent Automation; Large Language Models; Microsoft Copilot ecosystem; Claude and OpenAI technologies; AI governance; Data platforms; Machine learning applicationsAbility to identify practical AI opportunities that create measurable business impact and outcomesProven experience serving as CTO, CIO, CDO, or equivalent executive leaderDemonstrated success leading enterprise-wide digital transformation that translate to business outcomesDemonstrated ability to translate complex technology and AI concepts into clear business strategies for executive leadership and Boards of DirectorsExperience building modern cloud-based technology organizations.Strong understanding of enterprise architecture and software developmentExperience leading cybersecurity and enterprise risk initiativesTrack record of building high-performing global technology teamsProven ability to build, develop, and lead high-performing cross-functional teams, both directly and through influenceAble to translate operational insights into business impact and make data-driven recommendations aligned with financial goalsEntrepreneurial, nimble, and comfortable in a hands-on, fast-moving environmentA collaborative team player who leads with humility, drives accountability, and fosters a culture of trust and performanceSuperior management skills: ability to influence and engage direct and indirect reports and peersExceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with senior management, the Company’s board of directors, and staffAbility to operate as an effective tactical as well as strategic thinker We Got You Covered! As a Great Place to Work Certified™ company, we are committed to offering the best to our employees. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, vision, dental, prescription drug coverage, life insurance, wellness benefits, generous employer-matched 401(k) plan, Paid Childcare Leave, among other benefit plans. Our total rewards are top of market and include competitive salary, bonus, and opportunities to earn equity. We focus on supporting employee development and growth. We regularly hold social functions to foster a genuine camaraderie that enhances teamwork. At our company-wide award functions, we take time to recognize the talent and dedication of the people who make Munchkin the most loved baby lifestyle brand in the world. To learn more, visit us at www.munchkin.com. Salary range: $285,000 - $350,000 Munchkin welcomes and values what makes everyone unique. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires for our team are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. Applicant Privacy Statement