Technology Integration & Consolidation

• Lead the integration of vending technology across acquired and existing organisations to establish a seamless, scalable technology platform.
• Oversee system migrations, unifying disparate technology stacks to enhance operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with Technology and M&A teams to assess technical implications, design integration strategies, and ensure smooth onboarding of new acquisitions.
Product Strategy & Roadmap
• Develop and own the strategic product roadmap for vending technology, aligning it with overall business and digital strategies.
• Define, prioritise, and drive the development of product features to enhance customer engagement, operational efficiency, and revenue growth.
• Conduct market research and competitive analysis to ensure our vending solutions anticipate trends and leverage emerging technologies.
• Set and track product KPIs, using data-driven insights to refine and optimise features and functionality.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Partner with internal teams, including Foodbuy, sector operations, supply chain, finance, and marketing, to align vending solutions with business objectives.
• Collaborate with sales, retention teams, and sector retail champions to ensure a consistent and effective deployment of vending products.
• Engage with Compass US vending teams to share best practices and leverage learnings.
• Serve as the primary technology point of contact for vendors, ensuring partnerships deliver optimal value and support strategic goals.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement
• Drive innovation by leveraging IoT, mobile, and data analytics to enhance vending technology and improve the customer experience.
• Stay ahead of industry trends in digital products, retail, and vending technology to identify new opportunities.
• Implement a continuous improvement framework, using performance data and customer feedback to guide product evolution.
Risk Management, Compliance & Security
• Establish and enforce security and data privacy protocols to ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards.
• Work closely with PCI and technology security teams to proactively manage risks, including data protection and system security.
• Develop and implement disaster recovery and business continuity plans to ensure product resilience and reliability.
  
  Degree in Product Management, Information Technology, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in product management, technology leadership, or a similar role, ideally within retail, vending, or digital product environments.
• Proven experience in developing and scaling product strategies, particularly within digital and technology-driven sectors.
• Strong background in system integration, particularly in post-acquisition or multi-entity environments., Product Management: Expertise in Agile and Lean methodologies, defining product vision, and managing product roadmaps.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong understanding of IoT, cloud platforms, POS systems, mobile technologies, API integrations, and data architecture.
• Compliance & Security: Knowledge of cybersecurity, data privacy, and compliance standards relevant to digital product management.
• Leadership & Collaboration: Exceptional project management skills, ability to manage multiple initiatives, and strong leadership to inspire cross-functional teams.
• Communication: Excellent ability to present technical concepts and product strategies to diverse stakeholders.
  
  Compass UK & Ireland is the leading food and support services provider, serving millions of customers every day across diverse sectors, including education, healthcare, defence, sports and leisure, and business and industry. We are committed to continuous innovation, ensuring our services evolve to meet the changing needs of our clients and customers.
We are seeking a Head of Vending Technology to spearhead the transformation of our vending experience. In this role, you will develop and execute a strategic product roadmap, positioning vending as a core component of our omni-channel solution and digital product portfolio. You will lead the integration of technology across multiple vending organisations, including acquisitions and existing vendors, to create a seamless and high-impact consumer experience. This role requires a strategic thinker with a passion for product development, technology, and digital innovation. If you're excited about driving change and shaping the future of vending technology, we want to hear from you. Be ready to 'Change the Game'!