Vice President, Technology & Innovation

Morgan Street Holdings•Chicago, IL

1d•$300 - $315•Hybrid

About The Position

Morgan Street Holdings (MSH) is seeking a high-impact Vice President of Technology Innovation & Delivery. This is a dual-mandate leadership role that combines the "zero-to-one" builder mindset of an innovation leader with the architectural discipline and operational rigor of a seasoned delivery executive. As the primary technology partner to the Holding Company (HoldCo) Corporate Functions (Finance, Legal, HR, Treasury), you will own the stakeholder relationships, architecture and delivery for the corporate center. You will lead the modernization of the process, data and technology landscape, deploying AI and data advancements, ensuring a secure, resilient, and optimized tech ecosystem. Simultaneously, you will serve as the leader of MSH Emerging Technology. You will operationalize the "Innovation Strategy," leading the analysis and implementation of Generative AI, blockchain, automation and other emerging tech. You will not just pilot these technologies; you will architect them into the fabric of the organization to create new value levers and drive operational resilience. This is not merely a technical role; it is a strategic leadership position. You will serve as the bridge between cutting-edge technology and business growth, chairing the AI Council, advising the CIO, and providing critical technology thought-leadership to our Operating Partners and our portfolio of Operating Companies.

Requirements

Experience: 15+ years in global Technology leadership, with a blend of Digital Transformation, Solution Architecture, Delivery Management, and Operational Excellence.
Innovation & AI: Practical experience with AI/LLMs, automation, and data platforms is required. Background in a high-growth Corporate "intrapreneurial" setting or Tech/AI Start-up is highly preferred.
Enterprise Architecture: Deep experience creating and applying maturity models and architectural standards to optimize and secure the technology landscape.
Technical Depth: Strong hands-on background in Cloud (Azure/AWS), SaaS/PaaS/IaaS integration, and API-led architecture.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Business, or related field; MBA or Master's degree in Data Science/AI is desired (or demonstrated work experience).
Governance: Proven experience establishing or leading technology governance bodies (e.g., Steering Committees, Review Boards).
Architectural & Strategic Agility: Possesses the ability to pivot instantly between high-level strategic planning for the portfolio and deep-dive tactical problem-solving. You must demonstrate a"founder's mindset" of ownership—willing to roll up your sleeves to build verses just delegate & manage.
Delivery & Operational Excellence: Proven success in transforming corporate functions through the strategic application of automation and AI. Ability to define outcome-based metrics, Service Level Agreements (SLAs), measure performance, manage financials, and hold peer organizations and vendors accountable for service delivery.
Executive Influence: Exceptional skills in distilling complex technical concepts into clear, strategic insights for the CIO, Board, and Executive Leadership Team. Ability to mobilize leaders across Operating Companies (OpCos) without direct reporting lines.
Change Leadership: Demonstrated success in leading complex change initiatives, including M&A integration, divestitures, and the cultural shift required for emerging tech adoption.
Adaptability: Listens well, adapts communication to different audiences, and works effectively in complex organizational settings.
Collaboration: Builds strong, trust-based relationships across operating companies, technical & security teams, and strategic partners.
Thought Partner: Supports senior leaders by surfacing relevant technologies, providing technical insight, and enabling strategic decision-making.

Nice To Haves

Background in a high-growth Corporate "intrapreneurial" setting or Tech/AI Start-up is highly preferred.
MBA or Master's degree in Data Science/AI is desired (or demonstrated work experience).

Responsibilities

Strategic Roadmap: Define and execute a comprehensive AI & Emerging Technology Strategy roadmap that aligns with Morgan Street's long-term financial and operational goals.
Operationalizing AI: Move beyond pilots to hard-wire Generative AI into daily workflows. Execute strategies such as integrating Copilot into M365, automating corporate processes, or implementing new AI-driven capabilities.
Community of Practice: Lead the Emerging Technology Community of Practice responsible for the employee education, adoption of AI, Blockchain, Quantum, and other emerging technology. Create frameworks, tools, and best practices to be federated across the holding company and its subsidiaries.
Market Intelligence: Monitor the evolving landscape of emerging technology, specifically Generative AI, Blockchain, Quantum, Web3, and Industrial Automation - to identify opportunities for disruption and competitive advantage.
Horizon Strategy: Lead the R&D and feasibility analysis for high-stakes technologies developing the holding company’s stance partnering with strategic vendors as required.
Tech Modernization: Lead the tech transformation of Morgan Street Holding’s corporate functions (HR, Finance, Legal, Investment, etc.), utilizing AI to reduce overhead, optimize processes, enable data-driven decisions, and reduce tech risk.
Solution Architecture & Delivery: Direct the end-to-end delivery of technology solutions supporting corporate functions. Oversee the full project lifecycle—from requirements gathering to deployment—ensuring solutions are delivered on time, within budget, and align with business needs.
Service Management: Oversee tech services (Application, Data, Infrastructure, and Service Desk) provided to the HoldCo. Define SLAs, provide management reporting, and hold providers accountable for performance.
Security & Compliance Collaboration: Partner closely with the CISO and Audit teams to prioritize vulnerability remediation, ensure regulatory compliance and oversee Identity & Access Strategy.
Culture of Innovation: Champion a "Digital-First" culture within the corporate headquarters, driving upskilling, experimentation, and prototyping to set the example for the OpCos.
Strategic Partner for Adoption and Scaling: Act as an advisor to OpCo executive leaders, drive the conversation on emerging technology transformation identifying high-impact AI use cases and guiding them from pilot to production.
Synergy Creation: Identify opportunities to share data assets, infrastructure, or intellectual property across OpCos to maximize group-level efficiency.
Standards & Governance: Define and establish the "minimum viable technology policies and standards" regarding security, architecture, and compliance that all operating companies, including HoldCo (MSH) must adhere to. Assess compliance.
Chair the AI Council: Facilitate the MSH Enterprise-wide AI Council setting the agenda for responsible AI adoption across the portfolio companies.
Risk & Compliance: Develop frameworks for data privacy, algorithmic bias, and security, ensuring initiatives meet regulatory standards.
Change Management: Provide guidance on the cultural shift required for emerging tech adoption.
Technical Due Diligence: Partner with the investment team to assess the "Deep Tech" maturity of acquisition targets.
Valuation Strategy: Advise on the valuation of intangible technology assets and identify value-creation opportunities within the current investment portfolio through emerging tech implementation.
Executive Reporting: Provide regular reporting and market intelligence to the CIO and Operating Partners regarding ROI on innovation investments and strategic risks.