IT Manager - Ai

KRC Corporation•Bismarck, ND

24d•Onsite

About The Position

An IT Manager – AI plans, directs, and manages the adoption, governance, and support of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across Knife River Corporation and its subsidiaries. This role provides leadership in developing and executing an AI technology vision, aligned with the company’s business process improvement framework, to responsibly integrate AI capabilities into information systems, operational processes, and long-term strategic objectives. The IT Manager – AI collaborates closely with company leadership, internal customers, and IT team members to identify, evaluate, pilot, and scale AI solutions—including generative AI platforms and Microsoft Copilot/Microsoft 365 AI tools—that improve efficiency, productivity, and decision-making while ensuring the protection of company data and resources. The position establishes and enforces AI governance, usage policies, security standards, and ethical practices, while developing business cases and measuring the return on investment of AI and technology initiatives. In addition, the IT Manager – AI selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to support the effective and responsible operation of the company’s AI program, manages AI projects and programs within approved budgets and timelines, and partners with internal technology teams to evaluate, implement, and support AI-enabled tools that enhance the performance and value of core business applications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data/Information Systems, or a related field — or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three+ years of progressive IT experience, including the delivery and support of enterprise business applications and integrations.
Two+ years of hands-on experience with AI/ML or generative-AI technologies — evaluating, deploying, or supporting tools such as Microsoft Copilot, large language models, or AI-enabled operational systems.
Three+ years of supervisory, team-lead, or project-management experience leading technical staff and cross-functional initiatives.
Working knowledge of data governance, privacy, and security as they apply to AI — including how data is shared with, processed by, and retained in AI systems.
Demonstrated ability to translate business problems into AI use cases and to manage the full lifecycle from pilot to production (idea → pilot → scale).
Strong written and verbal communication skills — able to explain AI concepts, benefits, and risks clearly to both executives and frontline operations staff.
High level of initiative and autonomy; ability to work productively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
Good organizational, project management, and time management skills.
Proven analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical journals, contracts and financial reports.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
Experience in financial analysis of IT investments.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationship with internal and external customers.
Understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality of all company information.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to MLOps / AI solution operations— model/version management, monitoring for accuracy and drift, and human-in-the-loop review.
Data foundation skills— relational databases (SQL Server/Oracle), data platforms, and analytics/BI (e.g., Power BI), supporting your data-modernization effort.
Financial modeling for ROI / business-case development on technology and AI investments.
Change-management and training experience— driving adoption and AI literacy across a distributed, non-technical workforce.
Relevant certifications— e.g., Microsoft AI/Azure (AI-102, AI-900), PMP, ITIL, or a recognized AI-governance/security credential.
Awareness of compliance regimes touching AI/data— SOX (IT general controls) and CMMC, given your current planning.
Vendor and consultant management experience— evaluating and negotiating with AI/technology providers.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, and manages the adoption, governance, and support of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.
Develops and executes an AI technology vision aligned with the company’s business process improvement framework.
Collaborates with company leadership, internal customers, and IT team members to identify, evaluate, pilot, and scale AI solutions.
Establishes and enforces AI governance, usage policies, security standards, and ethical practices.
Develops business cases and measures the return on investment of AI and technology initiatives.
Selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to support the company’s AI program.
Manages AI projects and programs within approved budgets and timelines.
Partners with internal technology teams to evaluate, implement, and support AI-enabled tools.
Consults with department managers and operating companies to develop system solutions and implementation schedules.
Assists in the preparation and administration of the Company’s information technology budget, procurement, and contract negotiations.
Directs, manages, and motivates qualified staff.
Provides formal and informal management of Information Technology staff located at various operating companies.
Provides training and education to Information Technology personnel.
Responsible for all IT general controls across KRC companies to ensure SOX compliance.
Ensures the accuracy and enforcement of IT policies, standards, and security measures.
Develops and communicates standards for use, operations, and security of network, personal computers, and data.
Monitors industry standards and emerging technologies.
Makes recommendations on available technologies and directs development and implementation efforts.
Supports the Knife River technology group in the design, configuration, installation, and maintenance of all AI integrations.
Represents the company at regional and national meetings regarding information technology matters.
Directs and manages Knife River and external Information Technology services providers.
Defines the level of service and deliverables to be provided and negotiates associated fees.
Travels to subsidiary companies for application implementations and support.
Available to assist with scheduled on-call support and technical emergencies.