Chief Data and AI Officer

Kokosing•Westerville, OH

About The Position

Kokosing is seeking a results-driven Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAIO) to lead digital transformation, artificial intelligence, and data innovation across its construction organization. Reporting directly to the CEO, the CDAIO will serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors, guiding modernization initiatives to improve operational performance, scalability, profitability, cybersecurity, and competitive advantage. The role will align technology investments with business objectives and deliver measurable outcomes across field operations, corporate functions, and customer experience. The CDAIO will lead a digitally enabled, data-driven enterprise and build and mentor teams across IT operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure, applications, data engineering, analytics, and AI. Responsibilities include developing enterprise technology and AI/data strategies; modernizing legacy systems and enterprise platforms; deploying cloud, AI, and analytics capabilities; strengthening cybersecurity, governance, and risk management; and managing budgets, vendors, and performance measures. The role also leads organizational change, talent development, and technology adoption across geographically dispersed operations. The successful candidate combines transformational leadership, technical expertise, and business acumen, ideally gained in complex, multi-site operational environments. The CDAIO is expected to reinforce Kokosing’s customer-focused, collaborative, financially disciplined culture and to support safe, timely, high-quality results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or a related field.
Proven success leading enterprise digital transformation initiatives with measurable business outcomes.
Demonstrated experience leading enterprise IT strategy, governance, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, and large-scale systems implementations.
Experience managing complex, multifunctional technology organizations in geographically dispersed environments.
Experience presenting technology strategy and investment recommendations to executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
Deep expertise in AI/ML, enterprise data platforms, analytics, data governance, and business intelligence.
Strong knowledge of cloud platforms, including AWS, Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform.
Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks and scalable infrastructure design.
Knowledge of ERP, construction management platforms, field technologies, and enterprise integrations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Data Science, or a related discipline.
15+ years of progressive information technology leadership experience, including 10+ years in senior or executive leadership roles.
Experience in construction, engineering, infrastructure, or asset-intensive industries.
Track record leading technology integration during rapid growth, mergers, acquisitions, or multi-site expansion.
Demonstrated success implementing AI-enabled operational improvements and data-driven business strategies.
CISSP, CISM, or CRISC certification.
Cloud certifications in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
AI, data, or cybersecurity certifications.

Responsibilities

Build, lead, and mentor teams across IT operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure, applications, data engineering, analytics, and AI.
Foster innovation, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement; lead change management, succession planning, and leadership development.
Develop and execute a multi-year enterprise technology strategy aligned with organizational growth, operational excellence, and long-term business objectives.
Advise the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors on digital innovation, cybersecurity, AI, data strategy, and technology investments.
Translate technical concepts into business value, measurable ROI, and strategic outcomes.
Lead enterprise modernization initiatives to improve productivity, collaboration, operational efficiency, and profitability.
Lead digital transformation across construction operations, field technology, enterprise systems, and corporate platforms.
Modernize legacy systems and encourage adoption of cloud-native, scalable, integrated technology ecosystems.
Partner with business leaders to identify and implement technology-enabled process improvements and automation.
Evaluate emerging technologies, including generative AI, machine learning, IoT, predictive analytics, robotics, and intelligent automation.
Develop and execute an enterprise-wide AI and data strategy; establish data governance, architecture, analytics, and business intelligence capabilities.
Deploy AI and machine learning solutions to improve forecasting, operational performance, risk management, workforce productivity, and project delivery.
Ensure ethical, secure, and compliant use of AI and enterprise data.
Oversee enterprise applications, including ERP, HRIS, CRM, project management, collaboration, and construction technology platforms.
Lead cloud strategy and infrastructure across hybrid and multi-cloud environments, ensuring system availability, scalability, reliability, performance, and security.
Promote modern engineering practices, including Agile, DevOps, automation, and platform standardization.
Establish and mature enterprise cybersecurity, IT governance, and risk management frameworks.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, cybersecurity standards, privacy regulations, and internal controls, including NIST, SOC 2, and CMMC.
Oversee threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, disaster recovery, and business continuity.
Protect organizational data, intellectual property, and critical infrastructure.
Develop and manage enterprise IT operating and capital budgets with fiscal discipline and ROI accountability.
Lead technology investment planning, vendor negotiations, strategic sourcing, and contract management.
Establish KPIs and performance metrics for technology effectiveness, operational impact, cybersecurity posture, and business value realization.
Optimize technology spending while supporting innovation and organizational scalability.