Head of IT Security

Overview

AVI Food systems is looking for an energetic and optimistic team member to fill the role of the Head of IT Security
. Founded in 1960, AVI Food systems has evolved into one of the most respected and trusted food service companies in the nation. Providing comprehensive food services with a focus on the highest quality and freshest ingredients, impeccable service and total value is the reputation we have earned and live up to everyday.

Focus: Digital Transformation, Data Modernization, IT Operations and AI

We are seeking a visionary Security Leader to architect and lead a comprehensive security strategy for a privately held organization. This is a pivotal role during a period of massive modernization as we transition legacy financial systems to advanced cloud ERP, centralize 150+ internal applications, and build a world-class Data & AI ecosystem. The ideal candidate will move beyond "gatekeeping" to act as a business enabler, implementing a modern security fabric that spans multi-cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google, etc.)

and ensure our Technology, Data, and AI initiatives are secure by design.

• Enterprise Security Architecture:
  Hybrid Cloud & AI-Ready
• Zero Trust Framework:
  Design and implement a unified identity and access model that treats all users and devices as untrusted until verified, regardless of location.
• AI Security & Governance:
  Establish a security posture for the AI lifecycle, including model risk management, data privacy for LLMs, and protection against emerging AI-specific threats.
• Data-Centric Defense:
  Architect a model focused on protecting the data itself—utilizing automated classification, persistent encryption, and masking—to ensure sensitive information remains secure as it moves through modern analytics pipelines.
• Unified Identity Fabric:
  Build a seamless identity strategy across multi-cloud and on-premise environments to provide a single, secure point of control for the entire workforce.

• Operational Modernization:
  Oversee the security integration of our move from legacy systems to modern platforms, ensuring financial data integrity and auditability in the cloud and across the value chain.
• ITSM & Sec Ops Alignment:
  Integrate security incident response and vulnerability management directly into service platforms to automate workflows and reduce mean-time-to-resolution (MTTR).
• Application & API Security:
  Secure a portfolio of 150+ internal applications by implementing automated security testing within CI/CD pipelines and enforcing standardized API security protocols.
• Managed Services Oversight:
  Evaluate and manage 3rd-party security offerings (MDR/MSSP) to ensure 24/7 monitoring and response capabilities.

• Continuous Compliance:
  Shift from periodic audits to a continuous monitoring model that provides real-time visibility into our compliance posture.
• Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM):
  Build a robust program to vet and monitor the security health of our growing ecosystem of SaaS and technology partners.
• AI Ethics & Policy:
  Lead the development of internal policies regarding the ethical and secure use of Generative AI and automated decision-making systems.
• Business Resilience:
  Develop and test enterprise-wide disaster recovery and business continuity plans that account for the interdependencies of cloud-based ERP and data platforms.

• Experience:
  
  5+ years in IT/Security, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within a $1B+ organization.
• Cloud Mastery:
  Proven track record of securing complex, hybrid environments across AWS, Azure, and Google.
• Business Transformation:
  Direct experience securing large-scale ERP migrations and data modernization projects.
• Education/Certs:
  Bachelor’s or Master’s in a related field. CISSP, CISM, or CCSP preferred.
• Leadership Style: A "Business-First" mindset—someone who can communicate complex cyber risks to ownership and executive stakeholders in terms of business impact.

• A family culture and atmosphere
• Competitive compensation
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance for full-time team members
• 401(k) with generous company match
• Paid vacations and holidays
• Immense training and growth opportunities

We conduct pre-employment drug testing. EOE