Owner, IT Product

KeHE Distributors, LLC•Naperville, IL

About The Position

The AI & Data Product Owner plays a critical role in shaping KeHE’s next-generation digital products within the Business Intelligence and Advanced Analytics space. This individual will be the driving force behind the development and delivery of AI-powered solutions—spanning Process Automation, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Generative AI/Business Intelligence— that enhance decision-making, operational efficiency, and customer experience. As the Product Owner, you will act as the bridge between business stakeholders and technical teams, translating strategic goals into actionable product features. You will define and prioritize the product backlog, ensuring that AI and data initiatives align with business objectives and deliver measurable value. This role requires a deep understanding of AI/ML capabilities, data platforms, and agile product development practices. The AI & Data Product Owner will work independently and partner closely with functional leaders to optimize and redefine the product vision and feature opportunities, explore the feasibility and benefits of new capabilities, and translate these into tangible value. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Requirements

Strong understanding of AI/ML concepts, data engineering, and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure).
Proven expertise in at least one of the following areas: Process Automation, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Gen AI/BI.
Experience working with agile development teams and tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence).
Proven ability to translate business needs into technical requirements and prioritize effectively.
Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and model performance metrics.
Excellent communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical mindset with a passion for solving complex problems using data.
Experience working with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, empathy, and drive alignment across diverse teams.
Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s in Data Science, AI, Computer Science, or related field preferred.
5+ years of experience in product ownership or product management, with at least 2 years focused on AI/ML or data products.

Nice To Haves

Master’s in Data Science, AI, Computer Science, or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Own the AI product backlog—define, prioritize, and refine user stories that deliver intelligent, data-driven capabilities.
Collaborate with business leaders, data scientists, and engineers to identify high-impact AI use cases and translate them into product requirements.
Develop and communicate a clear product vision and roadmap for AI and analytics solutions.
Ensure alignment between AI product features and business goals, focusing on delivering measurable outcomes.
Lead agile ceremonies (e.g., sprint planning, backlog grooming, reviews) and ensure continuous delivery of value.
Evaluate and validate AI models and data products in collaboration with data science teams.
Monitor product performance, adoption, and ROI using KPIs and data visualization tools.
Create clear, concise documentation for AI product features, model performance, and business outcomes.
Apply pragmatic project management to deliver AI products on time, within scope, and with measurable value.
Stay informed on emerging AI technologies, tools, and industry trends to inform product strategy.
Act as a champion for responsible AI practices, ensuring transparency, fairness, and ethical use of data.
Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels, translating complex AI concepts into business-friendly language.
Support change management and user adoption strategies for AI-enabled solutions.
Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, and continuous improvement within the product team.
Energizes the team towards product mission objectives.