Head of Business Systems (R3523)
Shield AI
Washington, DC, USA
Posted on Aug 14, 2025
Shield AI is seeking a Head of Business Systems to lead our enterprise systems strategy and execution across Finance, People Experience, and broader business functions. This role offers a rare opportunity to architect and scale the systems backbone of a high-growth, mission-driven tech company operating globally. You’ll be responsible for aligning technology platforms—including our ERP, HRIS, and other critical tools—to the company’s evolving operational needs. You’ll drive roadmap development, vendor management, and systems governance, while partnering with key stakeholders to enable efficiency, compliance, and strategic insight.
This role reports to the CFO and will directly manage the Continuous Improvement Team.
What you'll do:
- Develop and execute a long-term ERP roadmap aligned to Shield AI’s global business strategy.
- Oversee management, development, and optimization of key business systems, across the organization. (ERP, HRIS, payroll, equity management, procurement, and others).
- Partner with Finance, People Experience, and Engineering teams to streamline workflows, improve data integrity, and reduce manual processes.
- Lead the selection and implementation of new tools to support global growth, internal controls, and compliance.
- Drive cross-functional alignment around systems architecture, data governance, and process change management.
- Manage system access controls and audit trails to support security, SOX readiness, and audit preparedness.
- Provide hands-on program leadership for complex system upgrades, integrations, and org-wide adoption efforts.
- Drive the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness and efficiency of business applications and ensure continuous improvement.
- Provide executive-level reporting and updates to stakeholders on the health, performance, and ongoing initiatives for business systems.
- Mentor and grow a team of system administrators, analysts, and project leads.
Required qualifications:
- 10+ years of experience in enterprise systems or business applications, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- Proven track record implementing and managing ERP and HRIS platforms in a fast-paced, global company.
- Strong technical understanding of business processes across finance, HR, and legal domains.
- Demonstrated ability to partner cross-functionally and lead through influence in matrixed organizations.
- Deep familiarity with system compliance requirements (e.g., SOX, SOC 2, ITAR, DFARS, etc.).
- Strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and ability to translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Exceptional ability to align business needs with technology solutions and drive execution.
- Proficiency in large-scale enterprise application management, with a focus on performance, optimization, and integration.
Preferred qualifications:
- Experience in software, defense, or advanced manufacturing environments.
- Background in systems strategy, digital transformation, or IT-business partnership roles.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills at an executive level.
- Working knowledge of tools like SAP, Oracle, Workday, ADP, Carta, Coupa, Ironclad, or similar.
- Strategic and hands-on – equally comfortable in a boardroom and a project stand-up
- PMP or change management certifications a plus.