AI Innovation Lead

Tecovas • Austin, TX

67d • Onsite

About The Position

Tecovas was founded with the simple goal of making the world's best western boots, apparel and leather goods - and selling them at a fair price. We are a brand revolutionizing a category and welcoming first-time boot buyers and western enthusiasts alike.

Tecovas is looking for an AI Innovation Lead to spearhead Tecovas' artificial intelligence initiatives and ensure that our strategic vision translates into real-world impact. Reporting directly to the CTO, this role will serve as the central connector between our business needs and technical capabilities. You'll drive the implementation of practical AI initiatives that create measurable value today and help set the stage for scalable, long-term innovation at Tecovas.

This role is required to be based in Austin, TX. Candidates must either be currently located in or willing to relocate to Austin, TX.

Requirements

• Experience leading significant AI/automation projects that have been successfully implemented and adopted. While specific experience in retail is not required, we value a background in dynamic, consumer-centric industries and a demonstrated ability to rapidly master new domains. Your track record of driving projects to completion is more important to us than a specific number of years of experience.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to tie technical solutions directly to ROI and strategic growth.
• Solid understanding of AI/ML concepts (Generative AI, NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics) and hands-on familiarity with platforms such as Google Cloud (GCP), OpenAI, and Anthropic.
• Comfort with prototyping, low-code/no-code platforms, and/or basic scripting to quickly demonstrate concepts and test ideas.
• Familiarity with data governance, privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and risk management best practices in the context of AI adoption.
• Exceptional communication skills - able to distill technical complexity into clear business terms for diverse audiences.
• Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and can drive initiatives from concept through to adoption and measurable impact.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and build buy-in across diverse teams.
• You are a natural connector and AI evangelist, passionate about demystifying technology and skilled at navigating ambiguity to drive initiatives from concept to completion.
• You have a proven track record of leading AI or automation projects to successful adoption, coupled with strong commercial acumen for building business cases and quantifying ROI.
• You can build strong partnerships and influence stakeholders at all levels, ensuring AI solutions are grounded in real-world needs and developed in collaboration with business teams.
• You have hands-on familiarity with modern AI platforms (like Google Cloud, OpenAI, or Anthropic) and are comfortable with rapid prototyping to quickly test and validate ideas.
• You can establish clear governance frameworks and lead change management efforts, guiding teams through new processes and building an AI-first mindset across the organization.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with PLM systems, DAM, or digital workflows in a retail context.
• Background in technology consulting with a focus on AI or digital transformation.
• Familiarity with Tecovas' products and retail business model.
• Hands-on experience with Netsuite or Shopify.

Responsibilities

• Partner with teams across all business functions - including Merchandising, Retail, E-commerce, Supply Chain, Customer Experience, Marketing, Finance, and Operations - to deeply understand workflows, identify inefficiencies, and surface high-value AI opportunities.
• Translate findings into clear business cases with quantified ROI and efficiency gains.
• Collaborate with department heads and leadership to prioritize initiatives aligned with Tecovas' strategic goals.
• Listen and learn from stakeholders across the organization, ensuring AI opportunities are grounded in real-world needs and developed in true partnership with cross-functional teams.
• Architect practical AI solutions using Generative AI, NLP, computer vision, and related techniques.
• Rapidly prototype concepts (via prompt engineering, low-code/no-code tools, or basic scripting) to validate impact.
• Serve as a technical liaison, partnering with internal engineering, data, and external vendors to scale solutions that meet business needs.
• Lead pilots and implementations, guiding teams through process changes and tool adoption.
• Act as an AI evangelist - create training, host workshops, and build an AI-first mindset across the org.
• Define KPIs, track outcomes, and optimize solutions with continuous feedback loops.
• Governance & Risk Management: Partner with Legal, Security, and Compliance teams to ensure AI initiatives align with data privacy policies, ethical standards, and responsible use guidelines.
• Establish frameworks for AI governance, ensuring controlled rollout of tools, clear approval processes, and risk mitigation strategies across departments.

Benefits

• We offer insurance plans that pay 79-90% of your health premium coverage and 100% of your dental & vision insurance coverage for your family/dependents
• 401(k) match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Flexible PTO policy
• Corporate wellness program
• Competitive salary
• Eligibility to participate in Corporate Bonus Program
• Generous employee discounts!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Clothing, Clothing Accessories, Shoe, and Jewelry Retailers
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees