The VP, Enterprise Platforms serves as a strategic leader for Celestica’s global IT landscape, reporting to the CIO. This role is responsible for driving enterprise-wide digital transformation by modernizing IT platforms. The global IT strategy is moving from a model of 'supporting the business' to 'accelerating the business’ and this position bridges the gap between complex business strategies and executable technical roadmaps, leading a team of over 150 professionals. The VP is accountable for the full lifecycle—from architecture and design to delivery and sustainable operation—of Celestica’s mission-critical global platforms (including SAP, PLM, Quality, HRIS) and enterprise applications.
A primary focus is establishing an architecture that accelerates delivery, advances AI across enterprise support functions and into platforms, and pursues efficiencies through end-to-end process engineering and selective technology upgrades, while maintaining the secure, resilient foundation required to support a global manufacturing organization. A secondary focus will also include leveraging AI and AI enabled capabilities within IT itself to improve the quality and efficiency of software development processes and system support/maintenance activities.
As a member of the IT senior leadership team, the role will be influential in shaping the culture of IT and accelerating the delivery of enterprise application solutions.
While partnering with IT Business Partners, the role will also have responsibility to evaluate new technology, develop compelling business cases and build strategic roadmaps that maximize return on investment for Celestica.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
The ideal candidate is a strategic leader with 20+ years of experience driving large-scale IT transformations and MUST come from the Manufacturing industry. They possess deep expertise in Enterprise Architecture, Tier-1 global systems, and modernization. A visionary with strong financial acumen, they must effectively lead global teams of 150+ professionals and influence senior stakeholders. Previous experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) is required.
LOCATION
Dallas, Texas, US or Toronto, Canada
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to:
- Chief Information Officer
Leadership Scope
- Directly leading a senior team of IT leaders (including Enterprise Architecture, Workflow & Solutions, Core Finance & Supply Chain Platforms, and Engineering PLM Solutions) with a total indirect organization of approximately 150 professional employees.
Key Relationships
- Operations Executive Leadership Team
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Enterprise Architecture including AI Enablement within Core Platforms
- Define and execute the vision for "Enterprise Platforms," moving beyond standard application delivery to incorporate new capabilities to support global functions (e.g. SCM, Finance, HR).
- Develop an architecture strategy that prioritizes interoperability, data integrity, and necessary guardrails to ensure compliance, security and continuity.
- Lead the transformation of internal software development and support activities to drive increased automation, continuous delivery, and predictive analytics (including AI enabled SDLC and Support practices).
- Oversee the end-to-end product roadmap for global platforms, ensuring they are cloud-enabled, scalable, and standardized for all markets (EMS, A&D, HealthTech, etc.).
- Lead complex modernization initiatives (e.g. ERP upgrades, custom app demises) that enable global growth without the constraints of legacy infrastructure.
3. Operational Excellence
- 24/7 global operations: Maintain complex global systems such as SAP, Enovia, ETQ, SuccessFactors, and Salesforce for 24/7 operational execution, managing all break-fixes and enhancements within SLA, time, and budget constraints.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse, global team of 150+ professionals, fostering a culture of ownership, accountability, and technical excellence.
- Manage the tech procurement cycle for all major global IT and AI platform investments, including due diligence, TCO business case development, and deployment from pilot to repeatable rollout.
5. Strategic Business Enablement
- Partner with ELT and SVP/VP-level business leaders to translate market requirements into global IT roadmaps that support profitable growth.
- Consult on major technology procurement cycles, business case development, and M&A integration strategies within the CLS operating landscape.
- Serve as the primary IT advocate for business units, balancing the need for local site flexibility with the requirement for global standardization.
EXPERIENCE
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned enterprise leader characterized by the following:
- Experience: 15–20+ years of relevant professional experience, with a proven track record of leading large-scale, complex IT transformations in a manufacturing, SCM, or high-compliance environment.
- Technical Expertise:
- Deep Proficiency: Enterprise Architecture (EA), Cloud (GCP/Azure), SAP ERP ecosystem, and Shop Floor Control systems (MES).
- Application Modernization: Advanced understanding of system architecture and enterprise architecture principles
- AI-enabled SDLC and Support: Familiar with agentic coding and code-assist capabilities and how they can be applied to drive efficiencies within IT teams
- Operations: Expert knowledge in infrastructure management (on-prem/cloud), IT service management (ITSM), and regulatory validation (CSV/FDA; CGP).
- Leadership Qualities:
- Strategic Thinking: Ability to formulate long-range technological direction in a dynamic, high-growth environment.
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to influence, persuade, and build consensus among senior executive stakeholders (ELT/C-suite).
- Financial Acumen: Strong experience in managing large global budgets and implementing value-based IT funding models.
- Commercial acumen & global leadership: Leverage P&L literacy to influence corporate margins while leading and mentoring a high-performing global team of IT and AI professionals.
Education/Certifications:
- Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or Business Administration.
- Demonstrated commitment to executive development (e.g., Cybersecurity programs/certificates, board-level exposure).