AVP, Automotive Data and Systems at Canadian Tire Corporation, Limited

Job description

Role Summary Reporting to the Vice President, Automotive Merchandising, the Associate Vice President, Automotive Data & Systems is the business leader accountable for the strategy, governance, and delivery of technology initiatives across Canadian Tire's Automotive division. This role serves as the critical link between business and technology teams, ensuring that automotive systems, data capabilities, ecommerce platforms, and digital customer experiences are aligned to business objectives and delivered effectively. The AVP will oversee a broad portfolio that includes the Co-Star shop management platform, legacy automotive systems, search and fitment capabilities, ecommerce enhancements, automotive data initiatives, and customer-facing digital experiences. With significant transformation underway across the automotive business, this leader will be responsible for managing multiple concurrent technology workstreams, creating structure and alignment across stakeholders, and ensuring technology investments support a seamless and frictionless customer and dealer experience. Success in this role will require a strong blend of strategic thinking, program leadership, stakeholder management, and technology fluency. The ideal candidate will be able to translate business priorities into actionable technology roadmaps, influence cross-functional teams, and drive delivery without becoming consumed by technical detail. They will act as a "general contractor" across the automotive technology ecosystem, bringing together business leaders, digital teams, technology partners, and Associate Dealers to execute against a shared vision. What You Will Do Lead the strategic direction, governance, and execution of Automotive Data & Systems initiatives across the Automotive division. Provide business ownership and oversight for the Co-Star shop management platform and related automotive technology systems, ensuring ongoing enhancement, adoption, and operational effectiveness. Serve as the primary bridge between Automotive business teams and IT, translating business requirements into scalable technology solutions and delivery plans. Manage a portfolio of multiple concurrent technology, data, and digital initiatives, ensuring alignment, prioritization, accountability, and successful execution. Drive key transformation initiatives supporting automotive ecommerce growth, search modernization, fitment and cataloguing capabilities, customer data, and digital product innovation. Lead the evolution of the automotive customer journey through online appointment booking, digital service intake, self-service capabilities, cashless payments, touchless experiences, and digital checkout solutions. Partner closely with technology, digital, product, and data teams to ensure solutions are delivered effectively and integrated across the broader enterprise ecosystem. Build strong relationships with Associate Dealers and key business stakeholders to ensure technology investments support both customer and dealer needs. Establish effective project governance, operating rhythms, communication processes, and delivery frameworks across a complex set of initiatives. Identify emerging technologies, customer trends, and market opportunities that can improve business performance and customer experience. Communicate project status, risks, priorities, and recommendations to senior leadership and executive stakeholders. Lead, develop, and mentor a high-performing team while fostering collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement across the function. What You Will Need Ideally a Bachelor's degree in Business, Technology, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline. Ability to successfully manage 6-7 concurrent technology workstreams. Proven track record delivering business-led technology and digital product initiatives. Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership capabilities. Ability to establish structure, governance, and prioritization in a