Sr Manager Artificial Intelligence CoE Product Enablement

Academy•Katy, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

At Academy Sports + Outdoors, our vision is to be the best sports + outdoors retailer in the country. We are a passionate, purpose-driven team committed to each other and our customers. We have over 80 years of experience building a culture that puts people first, creating opportunities for growth, fostering meaningful connections, and supporting every Team Member’s journey. We believe in the power of fun and offer a place where you can launch your own adventure, whether you're starting out or leveling up.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data, Engineering, Business, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
Microsoft AI, Azure, Power Platform, or Copilot Studio certification
Training in responsible AI, data governance, product management, agile delivery, or enterprise architecture
8-10+ years in AI, enterprise platforms, data, automation, software delivery, or digital transformation
2+ years of hands-on experience building AI agents, automations, copilots, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions, or AI-enabled workflow tools
3–5+ years of experience leading, coaching, and mentoring teams
Experience leading enterprise-scale AI or technology initiatives across multiple business units
Experience influencing senior leaders and working within executive-sponsored programs
Experience with Microsoft AI tools including Copilot Studio, Azure AI, Azure OpenAI, Power Platform, SharePoint, Teams, and Microsoft Graph
Experience working in a governed enterprise environment with Architecture, Security, Legal, Compliance, Data, and business stakeholders
Experience owning or contributing to enterprise governance frameworks or operating models
Experience standing up a CoE, platform team, product function, or internal product operating model
Translate business problems into AI opportunities, solution requirements, and adoption plans
Manage product intake, roadmap prioritization, enablement planning, pilot execution, adoption, and value tracking
Define enterprise AI strategy, operating models, and adoption frameworks
Apply knowledge of Microsoft Copilot, Copilot Studio, Azure AI, Power Platform, and enterprise data sources
Apply sound judgment on responsible AI, data privacy, access controls, prompt security, and cost management
Communicate effectively with and influence senior and executive stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Retail or multi-site experience strongly preferred

Responsibilities

Own AI CoE product intake, roadmap prioritization, enablement planning, pilot execution, adoption, and value tracking
Lead AI CoE initiatives at enterprise scale across multiple business units
Define and own the AI CoE operating model including governance, intake, and platform reuse
Partner with business and senior leadership to identify AI use cases tied to productivity, operational improvement, risk reduction, and decision-making
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on AI enablement, investment prioritization, and governance
Guide design and rollout of AI-enabled solutions using Microsoft AI platforms and enterprise data sources
Determine optimal delivery path across native platforms, CoE-built solutions, architecture support, and third-party tools
Partner with Architecture, Security, Legal, and Data teams to ensure solutions are secure, governed, and supportable
Establish guardrails for data privacy, access controls, prompt security, cost management, and responsible AI use
Define enterprise-level success measures including adoption, productivity impact, cycle-time reduction, and ROI
Build and scale repeatable enablement patterns, intake templates, adoption playbooks, and governance mechanisms
Manage relationships with strategic partners supporting AI platform and delivery
Lead and develop team members