AI Architect

Heartland Food Products Group•Carmel, IN

About The Position

The AI Architect designs, builds, and governs HeartlandFPG’s artificial intelligence and machine learning architecture. The role leads technical strategy for AI model development and deployment, with responsibility for scalable, secure, enterprise-integrated AI solutions across the company’s brands and business units. It serves as the department’s primary technical authority on AI platform design, model lifecycle governance, and responsible AI practices. The position defines and maintains the enterprise AI architecture blueprint, standards, and technical roadmap; designs and oversees AI models, pipelines, and deployment environments; and architects CPG-focused solutions such as demand forecasting, trade promotion optimization, and consumer and shopper insights. It also evaluates and selects AI platforms, tools, and frameworks, stewards the Abacus.AI platform, and aligns AI architecture with the enterprise data platform managed through Microsoft Fabric. The AI Architect governs the model lifecycle from development through retirement, supports compliance with data governance, security, and responsible AI standards, and partners with IT to align AI platform governance with the enterprise data ecosystem, including ERP/SAP and Microsoft Fabric. The role collaborates with business stakeholders and Functional Data Analysts to translate requirements into AI solution designs, mentors technical staff, considers food-industry regulatory, labeling, and FDA data requirements, and supports the AI Developer in evaluating new AI features and integrations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience in AI/ML solution design and architecture.
Demonstrated experience with large language models, machine learning pipelines, and AI platform administration.
Deep knowledge of AI/ML frameworks and enterprise AI platforms such as Abacus.AI, Azure ML, or equivalent.
Experience with data architecture, APIs, and enterprise integration patterns.
Familiarity with AI governance, model explainability, and model risk management.
Strong communication skills, including the ability to explain complex technical concepts to business audiences.
Collaborative, accountable, and intellectually curious approach.
Commitment to responsible AI and ethical data practices.
Analytical, detail-oriented problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with a customer-oriented mindset.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and collaboratively, and deliver results under pressure.

Responsibilities

Define and maintain the enterprise AI architecture blueprint, standards, and technical roadmap.
Design and oversee development of AI models, pipelines, and deployment environments.
Architect AI and machine learning solutions for CPG use cases, including demand forecasting, trade promotion optimization, and consumer and shopper insights across HeartlandFPG brands.
Lead technical evaluation and selection of AI platforms, tools, and frameworks, including ongoing stewardship of the Abacus.AI platform.
Ensure AI architecture aligns with enterprise data platform design managed through Microsoft Fabric.
Govern the AI model lifecycle, including development, validation, deployment, monitoring, and retirement.
Ensure AI solutions comply with data governance, security, and responsible AI standards established by the AI Governance Committee.
Partner with IT to align AI platform governance with the enterprise data ecosystem, including ERP/SAP and Microsoft Fabric, at CPG scale.
Maintain documentation for AI architecture decisions, standards, and approved model patterns.
Partner with business stakeholders and Functional Data Analysts to translate requirements into AI solution designs.
Mentor technical staff on AI engineering practices and emerging capabilities.
Design AI architectures that respect food-industry regulatory, labeling, and FDA compliance data requirements.
Support the AI Developer in evaluating new AI features and platform integrations.