Established in 1927 as a provincial government agency, the LCBO is the largest retailer and wholesaler of beverage alcohol in the world. With a stellar local, national and international reputation as a best-in-class, customer-first, socially-responsible retailer and wholesaler, the LCBO prides itself in its commitment to supporting the local beverage alcohol industry and in offering more than 32,000 products annually from more than 70 countries to consumers and licensed establishments. The LCBO is a cornerstone of Ontario's economy and community as all net income ($2.43 billion in FY2024) helps fund key local and provincial public programs and services including health care, education and infrastructure.

To ensure it continues to grow sales responsibly, maximize profitability, and improve operational efficiency, the organization is undergoing a foundational business transformation impacting people, process and technology as outlined in the key strategic directions of its new strategic plan:

Transform and scale our wholesale business.
Craft the retail customer experience.
Evolve our culture and organization.
Modernize the foundations.

Strategic and responsive, the LCBO continues to evolve its operations to address the challenges and opportunities present in the business environment while supporting government objectives and customer needs.

All 10,000 employees are guided by the LCBO’s values that serve as the foundation of its culture, govern how business is done, and inform interactions with customers, partners and each other. The workforce is 89% unionized (OPSEU).

THE OPPORTUNITY

The LCBO seeks a new Chief Information Officer (CIO) to lead the Information Technology Division and deliver the IT strategy, structure, services, shared service, projects/programs and policies required to enable the LCBO’s strategy, annual objectives and business transformation goals. The CIO will lead enterprise modernization to rebuild and strengthen the foundations of LCBO’s IT infrastructure, systems, processes, and program management to create flexibility and agility to support the business model, increase efficiency, and enable the business to transform while ensuring day-to-day needs are met.

Leading LCBO’s enterprise-wide technology transformation at a pivotal moment in its modernization journey, the CIO will bring a collaborative approach to people management, cultural transformation, and vendor governance. A member of the senior leadership team, the CIO will partner closely with peers to drive transformation and innovation, and support the achievement of growth targets related to sales and profitability.

The CIO reports to the President & CEO, leads a team of 300 people (unionized and non-unionized), and oversees multiple budgets ($130 - $150 million operating budget; $25 million annual project budget; transformation project budget). This primarily in-office role, located at LCBO’s Toronto corporate headquarters, represents a unique opportunity for an experienced leader to become a catalyst for innovation and progress, and continue to shape the future of the retail and wholesale beverage alcohol marketplace in Ontario.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

A senior IT leader with a depth of experience successfully leading change and transformation in large, complex organizations of scale; experience in omni-channel retail/wholesale with unionized and non-unionized employees is an asset.
Has a degree in business, engineering, computer science or information systems.
Strategic IT business partner with executive presence, business acumen, and expertise in strategic technology planning; translates business needs into technology solutions with a people, process, and technology focus.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with all levels of an organization; experience presenting to a Board is an asset.
Management of third-party IT service providers, including negotiations, contracting, and vendor performance, with an entrepreneurial approach to securing and deploying resources, solutions and talent.
An experienced, collaborative and inspirational team leader with a positive, calm style; attracts, empowers and motivates people.
Values diversity, inclusion, safety and wellness, and leads as a role model of LCBO competencies.

The LCBO fosters a culture of inclusion and belonging, so everyone feels valued, respected, and heard. The LCBO is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing employment accommodation in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act. Should you require accommodation to participate as a candidate in the hiring process, please communicate your needs to the LHH Knightsbridge project team.

CONTACT INFORMATION

If you are interested in being considered for this exciting and impactful senior leadership position, please submit your resume through LinkedIn, or you may forward your cover letter and resume to Chris Sawyer, Senior Consultant, at chris.sawyer@lhhknightsbridge.com.

LCBO

Open Positions

Chief Information Officer