Sr. Manager AI, Data and QA

NW Natural•Happy Valley, OR

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Manager of AI, Data & QA is responsible for driving enterprise data strategy, advancing AI and automation capabilities, and elevating quality assurance practices across the company. This leader oversees data professionals, AI/ML practitioners, and QA experts to deliver trusted data products, insights, AI-enabled solutions, and high-quality technology outcomes.

Requirements

10+ years across data, analytics, AI/ML, and QA; 5+ years leading technical teams.
Experience with modern data stacks (e.g. Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, Power BI).
Demonstrated QA methodology and SDLC expertise.
Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

AI & Machine Learning Leadership
Work collaboratively with the Enterprise Architecture team to formulate and execute an organization-wide AI strategy aligned with business goals. This includes leading the development of governance frameworks.
Work with business stakeholders to identify opportunities where AI and automation can add value, driving the successful delivery of these initiatives to improve efficiency throughout the company.
Lead change management efforts to promote enterprise-wide adoption of AI by developing training programs, creating playbooks, and managing the Center of Excellence for best practices and continuous learning.
Data & Analytics Leadership
Lead the full lifecycle of data projects, overseeing the ongoing enhancement of the enterprise data platform and the growth of self-service and advanced analytics capabilities.
Collaborate with Enterprise Architecture to advance the data platform technology roadmap and support data governance by developing and applying standards and programs that improve data quality across the organization.
Direct data engineering and analytics teams to deliver scalable and secure solutions that effectively address business requirements.
Quality Assurance Leadership
Develop and implement a comprehensive enterprise Quality Assurance (QA) strategy, establishing standards and governance processes to ensure consistency and excellence.
Lead and coordinate testing efforts for IT projects and operational initiatives, maintaining robust QA practices across the organization.
Champion the adoption of QA automation, monitor key performance metrics, and drive ongoing improvements to enhance overall quality and efficiency.
Team & Stakeholder Leadership
Lead, develop, and mentor multidisciplinary teams specializing in data, artificial intelligence, and quality assurance to drive organizational success.
Collaborate with senior leadership, the Project Management Office (PMO), enterprise architects, and key business stakeholders to align strategic objectives.
Direct resource allocation and oversee portfolio prioritization to ensure optimal delivery of initiatives and maximize business impact.

Benefits

Health & Wellness – Rich health insurance benefits with competitive employer contribution
Free access to an online wellness resources platform
Work Life Balance - Up to 23 Vacation Days
80 Hours of Sick Time
10 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays
Flexible work arrangements
3 weeks paid parental leave
Green Team / Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Council / Safety Team / Women’s Network and many other Employee Resource Groups
1500 sq foot exercise facility and secure bike room
Financial - Meaningful annual incentive bonus opportunity in addition to base salary
Competitive 401K company contribution and match
15% discount on NW Natural stock through Employee Stock Purchase Program
Up to $5250 a year in tuition reimbursement
Wellness incentive program
Discounts - 20% off natural gas service
Up to 30% discount at NW Natural Appliance Center
TriMet Pass for all HQ employees
Generous discounts with Verizon & AT&T Wireless