AI Office Lead

Dairy Farmers of America•Kansas City, KS

About The Position

Partner with business unit leaders to align, develop, and deliver the AI roadmap and strategy that supports the business. Support and/or lead the planning, implementation, adoption, and benefits realization for technology initiatives tied to the AI roadmap. Function as the main point of contact between IT and the assigned business units (e.g., commercial manufacturing, corporate functions, milk marketing).

Requirements

Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field (or advanced technical education)
10+ years of IT experience, including 4+ years in leadership roles driving complex, cross-functional programs or technology initiatives
Strong background in data science, AI/ML implementation, digital product management, or related field
Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program governance, and organizational change management at enterprise scale
Experience with budget management, vendor management, and delivering measurable business outcomes through technology projects
Deep understanding of emerging AI technologies and enterprise digital transformation
Undergraduate degree in in computer science, information technology, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
Knowledge of AI industry trends, best practices, and regulations (AI ethics, privacy, compliance) to ensure informed leadership and appropriate risk management
Strategy and execution skills; able to think big-picture about the future of AI and its role in achieving DFA’s strategic goals; able follow through with detailed operational plans
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to make recommendations and/or decisions on ambiguous or unprecedented challenges
Strong project management skills
Able to make tough calls on use-case prioritization, funding, or project pivots based on evidence / strategic fit
Exceptional communicator with executive presence; able to effectively present complex ideas to executive audiences and to tailor messaging for diverse stakeholders (business, technical, operations)
Strong influencing skills; able to navigate organizational dynamics and drive consensus on priority AI initiatives
Able to build collaborative internal and external relationships to further DFA’s AI objectives
Able to champion diversity of thought and continuous learning, ensuring the team remains at the forefront of AI best practices
Able to lead the organization through new ways of working introduced by AI
Able to uphold the highest standards of governance, data privacy, and model safety, reinforcing the organization’s reputation in AI usage
Able to understand business requirements and utilize IT knowledge to offer solutions and alternatives to business issues
Able to articulate complex technical issues in language that is understandable to non-IT business users and executives. Able to summarize and present recommendations in a concise format
Self-motivated and results-oriented, with proven proclivity for action; able to translate broad general strategies to actionable items; able to balance careful planning and preparation with continuous progress towards completion of goals

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree with a focus on technology management or AI strategy, preferred
Experience standing up or leading an “AI Center of Excellence” or similar innovation office, preferred
Formal certifications in AI/ML, Project/Program Management (e.g., PMP), or IT Governance (e.g., ITIL, CDO), preferred
Understanding of the dairy or food manufacturing industry’s processes and opportunities for AI, preferred

Responsibilities

Lead the development of the AI technology roadmap, leveraging the enterprise technology governance model
Establish clear goals and success measures for the AI office, ensuring all AI initiatives are tied to business value and organizational priorities
Own the AI operating model – continually refine processes, roles, and standards for the AI initiative lifecycle (from Ideation/Intake to Proof-of-Concept, Pilot, and Production), to enable scalable, efficient, and compliant AI deployment across the enterprise
Facilitate strong communication and alignment with the AI Steering Committee, providing updates on portfolio progress, risk and compliance, and key decisions needed
Lead AI strategic and operational planning to achieve business goals by ensuring benefits realization and business adoption of new and existing IT business technology
Participate in strategic and operational governance processes
Lead the prioritization of AI initiatives and coordinate deployment
Develop a power user network within the business unit to ensure to develop the knowledge of business processes and business technology within business unit
Work with business leaders to define business requirements for business technology initiatives
Work with business leaders to develop business cases for the implementation of new and existing technologies
Drive continuous improvement in AI office operations and outcome
Keep current with trends and issues in the AI industry, including current technologies and prices
Assess and communicate risks associated with AI investments
Develop and manage operational budgets
Work with IT shared service leadership to identify opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing, and in-house development
Work with IT shared services leadership to ensure IT system operations adhere to applicable laws and regulations for business unit