Director, Emerging Technology & AI Innovation

Michael Kors•East Rutherford, NJ

14d

About The Position

We are seeking a visionary and strategic technology leader to serve as Director of Emerging Technologies & AI Innovation within our IT department. This hands-on role will focus on driving the adoption of Generative AI, Agentic AI, and other emerging technologies across the organization, shaping both strategy and execution in multiple departments. You will champion a culture of innovation and rapid prototyping, identifying, evaluating, and implementing cutting-edge solutions that deliver measurable business outcomes. The ideal candidate is a true change agent—someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, inspires cross-functional teams, and excels at translating complex technical concepts into actionable value for retail, fashion, and consumer-facing businesses. Success in this role requires exceptional technical expertise, outstanding written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. We are committed to fostering innovation and operational excellence, and we’re looking for a leader who shares that passion and can deliver results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field
10+ years of progressive technology experience in IT, with at least 5 years in innovation or emerging technologies
Proven track record of leading technology pilots and scaling successful solutions, especially in AI/GenAI
Strong understanding of AI/ML, IoT, cloud platforms, and Generative AI platforms, frameworks, and trends
Excellent technical, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience leading small, agile teams in rapid prototyping and innovation
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced, “self-starter” environment
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and results-driven; balances bold innovation with disciplined execution.
Strong ability to influence and communicate with C- suite and senior stakeholders
Excellent facilitation, presentation, and storytelling skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in retail or consumer-facing industries is a plus
Certifications in AI/ML, cloud, or innovation management are a plus.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Innovation Develop and execute Capri’s global strategy for Agentic AI, GenAI, and AI adoption aligned with business goals and IT strategy.
Foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement by integrating innovation into both technology and business roadmaps.
Collaborate with executive leadership to align technology initiatives with business goals across corporate and retail domains.
Monitor industry trends, evaluate their relevance, and translate them into actionable opportunities across Capri.
Lead proof-of-concept initiative, pilots, and rapid prototyping. Evaluate ROI, scalability, and integration potential with existing systems and workflows.
Innovation Process & Governance Build and implement a formal innovation framework Manage an innovation portfolio, tracking business outcomes, ROI, and adoption metrics Develop manuals, standards, and toolkits for responsible experimentation and innovation.
AI & GenAI Adoption Identify and prioritize high-value AI/GenAI use cases across the business Design & Product Creation: generative design, 3D modeling, automated pattern creation Supply Chain: predictive logistics, anomaly detection, and insights for sustainability Merchandising and Planning: optimizing assortments, demand forecasting, pricing and allocation Retail & eCommerce: leveraging AI to enhance engagement with customers and retail associates Corporate and Backoffice: streamlining administrative processes and minimizing manual tasks Oversee rapid prototyping and pilots, define success criteria, and manage transitions from pilots to scaled enterprise solutions. Ensure responsible and ethical AI/GenAI adoption through governance, compliance, and bias mitigation frameworks.
Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Partnerships & Communication Lead a small team of innovators and developers Partner with cross-functional teams to identify use cases and co-develop solutions. Manage partnerships with vendors, startups, and academic institutions; negotiate relationships to secure early access and co-innovation opportunities. Influence and advise senior business leaders, simplifying complex concepts into actionable strategies. Provide regular updates to the CIO and executive leadership on innovation pipeline, project status, and strategic impact.
Risk, Compliance & Performance Measurement Ensure initiatives comply with cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory standards. Collaborate with IT Security and Legal teams as needed. Anticipate and mitigate risks related to emerging technologies. Define KPIs and success metrics; maintain dashboards and reports to track progress and business outcomes.