SUMMARY
The Kraft Group is seeking a Director of AI with a machine learning background and experience leading cross-functional teams through complex, data-driven technology transformations to assist in building the Kraft Group’s expertise in AI and machine learning while driving the design, development and deployment of new AI enabled solution capabilities focused on prioritized internal and external business needs.
In this role the Director of AI will be responsible for building and managing a team of professionals with overall responsibility for directing a discrete set of initiatives across the entire project life cycle, ensuring the delivery of requirements on time and within approved budgets. This role will align AI-driven projects with the company’s strategic goals, enhancing operational efficiency, driving innovation, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Program Strategy and Development
- Participate in and support the ongoing development and execution of an enterprise-wide AI strategy
- Identify and prioritize AI use cases in manufacturing, supply chain, customer engagement, sports analytics, and other business areas.
- Define and build a roadmap for AI adoption, scaling initiatives to deliver measurable ROI.
- Program, Project & Team Management
- Oversee the lifecycle of AI projects, from ideation and proof-of-concept to deployment and performance monitoring.
- Manage cross-functional project teams, ensuring on-time and within-budget delivery; address issues and risks as necessary.
- Develop the project scope and plan, define and communicate resource allocation needs and project status updates; elevate program risks with remediation plans
- Hire, train, and develop a team of high performing technical professionals. Identify and drive performance. Identify and address skill gaps and resource needs to meet organizational and departmental goals.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with both business unit and corporate IT function to align AI initiatives with organizational objectives and to foster culture of continuous improvement of the AI/ML development process.
- Partner with external vendors, consultants, and technology providers to deliver AI solutions.
- Technology and Innovation
- Remain current on emerging AI technologies and trends, recommending innovative tools and approaches for adoption that specifically fit targeted business unit and can be adapted for multi-purpose use across the Kraft Group businesses.
- Evaluate and implement AI platforms and frameworks that integrate with existing IT infrastructure.
- Lead initiatives to embed AI capabilities into manufacturing operations, inventory and warehouse management, stadium and facility operations, game-day analytics, and customer engagement platforms.
- Governance and Compliance
- Establish and implement policies and standards for ethical AI use compliant with data privacy and security regulations.
- Monitor the risk associated with AI implementations and develop mitigation strategies.
- Responsible for the maintenance, creation and control of all personally identifiable information or any other information protected by any Confidentiality or Privacy Standards or Company Policies that you have access or knowledge of, including but not limited to any state or federal regulations including HIPAA
- Change Management and Training
- Foster a culture of AI literacy within The Kraft Group by assisting with the design and delivery training programs for IT teams, business units, and other employees as necessary to leverage AI tools effectively .
- Work with Kraft Group business unit and executive management sponsors on the design of change management efforts to ensure smooth adoption of AI technologies.
- Development and Management of Key Performance Metrics
- Establish and measure success of AI initiatives such as the number and success rate of AI initiatives implemented across divisions, measurable improvements in operational efficiency and revenue generation, employee engagement and adoption rates for AI technologies, and ROI on AI projects and adherence to project timelines and budgets.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- This position will build and manage a growing team of up to 5 individuals
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- 6-8+ years of experience in program or project management, with at least 3 years in AI, machine learning, or data analytics initiatives.
- Proven track record of delivering enterprise-scale AI projects in diverse industries, preferably in manufacturing or sports management.
- Strong background in digital transformation and technology-driven business optimization.
- Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies, tools, and trends; knowledge of, and experience with AI/ ML development languages is a plus (e.g., Python, Java, R, C++/ Julia)
- Knowledge of Continuous Process Improvement Methodologies & Tools, Fault Tree Analysis, Statistical Process Control, Regression Analysis, Design of Experiments and Process Mapping with Swimlane Analysis
- Excellent leadership and communication skills, with ability to manage teams and present complex ideas to executives.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Familiarity with agile methodologies and project management frameworks (e.g., Scrum, PMI).
- Must have attention to detail and focused concentration
- Must be able to learn new tasks and complete tasks independently
- Must be able to make timely decisions in the context of the workflow
- Must possess strong organizational skills, ability to multi-task and responsiveness
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to handle or feel
- The employee frequently is required to talk or hear
- The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
- Fast-paced office environment
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
- PMP or CMP strongly preferred
- CSM, PSM, or CSP preferred
OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
This company is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
#LI-KG