AI Governance Lead

Leatherman Tools • Portland, OR

1d

About The Position

At Leatherman, we build tools that people depend on when it matters most. For more than 40 years, we've earned that trust through thoughtful design, uncompromising quality, and a commitment to solving real-world problems. As artificial intelligence becomes an increasingly important part of how we work, we're applying that same philosophy to AI—using it responsibly, intentionally, and in ways that empower people. We're looking for an AI Governance Manager to help shape how AI is adopted across our business. This is a unique opportunity to establish the standards, oversight, and governance practices that enable teams to innovate confidently while managing risk responsibly. You'll work with leaders across Technology, Legal, Security, and the business to build an AI governance program that supports innovation, accountability, and trust.

Position Summary
The AI Governance Manager establishes the standards, oversight, and operating practices that enable Leatherman to use artificial intelligence broadly, responsibly, and with appropriate risk management. This role defines how AI should be evaluated, approved, monitored, and used across varying levels of risk—from everyday assistive tools to AI-enabled workflows that make recommendations, automate decisions, or act on behalf of the business. Working closely with the Applied AI team, IT Security, Legal, and leaders across the organization, this role develops and embeds governance expectations into AI platforms, tools, workflows, policies, and processes. The AI Governance Manager maintains visibility into where AI is operating across the company, how it is performing, and when risks or changes require a response. Done well, this role provides the clear standards, practical oversight, and performance management needed to build trust in AI and help teams use it confidently and responsibly.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Business, Risk Management, Law, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in IT governance, risk and compliance, information governance, or a related discipline.
• Working knowledge of AI tools and the practical risks associated with AI, including model drift, hallucination, bias, and data exposure.
• Hands-on personal use of modern AI tools is required.
• Experience designing governance as systems and standards rather than approval gates.
• Change management experience and comfort building practices in areas without an established playbook.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the regulatory landscape relevant to AI use is preferred.
• Experience in manufacturing or the consumer products industry is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain Leatherman's AI governance framework, including risk tiers, decision rights, and oversight standards for AI use across the company.
• Keep Leatherman's AI use policy clear, practical, and current as AI capabilities, usage, and risks evolve.
• Partner with the AI Platform Lead on emerging AI capabilities so governance is ready before new capabilities are deployed.
• Define who builds and owns AI solutions at each level of risk, what training is required, and how accountability is ensured.
• Partner with the AI Transformation Manager to classify AI involvement in redesigned workflows and define appropriate oversight.
• Set standards for monitoring AI solutions in use, including output quality, risk indicators, and response actions.
• Lead governance response efforts when an AI workflow, capability, risk profile, or business context changes.
• Maintain the AI inventory, incident register, and lessons-learned documentation.
• Develop training content related to the safe use of and accountability for AI tools and workflows, and integrate it into the broader AI curriculum.
• Partner with the IT Security Manager on AI tooling reviews. IT Security ensures AI is used securely by protecting infrastructure, identity, and data; this role ensures AI is used effectively and responsibly.
• Partner with Legal on compliance with AI-related regulations.
• Partner with leaders across the organization on expectations, accountability, and the changing role of AI in how work gets done.
• Stay informed and ahead of AI policy, evolving regulations, and responsible AI practices through research, conferences, and continued professional development.

Benefits

• At Leatherman, you'll help shape how a global manufacturer responsibly adopts one of the most transformative technologies of our time.
• You'll work alongside passionate teammates who value craftsmanship, continuous improvement, and practical innovation while helping build an AI governance program that enables the business to move faster—with confidence and trust.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior