AHC Hospitality Vice President of Technology & AI

AHC Hospitality•Grand Rapids, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Vice President of Technology & AI leads AHC Hospitality’s enterprise technology strategy, with responsibility for responsibly integrating artificial intelligence into guest experience, revenue generation, operations, finance, and people processes. The role sets the vision for how AI and modern technology can improve AHC’s competitive position, efficiency, and service culture across its hotels, resorts, and restaurants. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the VP leads corporate and property-level IT teams supporting owned and third-party managed properties across Michigan, Florida, and the British Virgin Islands. The role ensures reliable, secure, brand-compliant property systems while developing the data foundation, governance, and organizational capability required to scale AI. The VP serves as a strategic partner to the VP/Managing Director and executive leadership. Responsibilities include setting and implementing AI strategy; creating governance and responsible-use practices; integrating data and building AI literacy; overseeing portfolio-wide IT operations and property transitions; managing cybersecurity, risk, and continuity; and overseeing technology budgets, vendors, contracts, and team development. Regular travel to properties, including overnight and international travel, is required, and a valid passport is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
At least 10 years of progressive IT leadership experience, with a record of strategic planning and execution.
Demonstrated experience leading AI, data, automation, or digital transformation initiatives from strategy through measurable adoption.
Strategic vision for AI and digital transformation and ability to translate emerging technology into practical business outcomes.
Hands-on understanding of AI capabilities and limitations, including generative AI, AI agents, machine learning, predictive analytics, and intelligent automation.
Knowledge of AI governance, responsible AI practices, data privacy, and AI-related security risks.
Strong knowledge of IT infrastructure, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data architecture, integration, and enterprise applications.
Working knowledge of hospitality systems, including PMS, POS, key card and door access, sales and catering, and revenue management platforms.
Change leadership skills and ability to build AI literacy and drive adoption across diverse teams, from executives to front-line associates.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, including explaining complex technology to non-technical audiences and ownership groups.
Experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and contract negotiations.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a curious, adaptable, and collaborative approach.
Knowledge of IT and data security regulatory and compliance standards, including PCI DSS.
Ability to work at a computer and participate in meetings for extended periods.
Ability to travel regularly to properties, including overnight and international travel; valid passport required.
Regular ability to talk and hear; specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

Multi-property hospitality experience.
Experience supporting both owned and third-party managed properties, including working with ownership groups and brand technology standards.
Experience with hospitality systems such as PMS, POS, key card, and door access.
AI, cloud, or cybersecurity certifications.

Responsibilities

Define and lead AHC’s enterprise AI strategy and roadmap, prioritizing valuable use cases across guest experience, sales and marketing, revenue management, operations, food and beverage, finance, and human resources.
Partner with executive and division leaders to redesign workflows around AI and move initiatives from pilots to scaled, measurable adoption.
Evaluate, select, and implement AI tools and platforms, including generative AI, AI agents, predictive analytics, and automation, using a build-buy-partner approach.
Establish metrics and ROI frameworks for AI and technology investments and report outcomes such as labor efficiency, revenue lift, guest satisfaction, and cost savings.
Monitor emerging technologies and hospitality industry innovation.
Develop and maintain AI governance, including acceptable-use policies, approval processes, risk assessment, and third-party AI vendor oversight.
Ensure ethical, secure, and compliant use of AI and data, protecting guest and associate information and meeting privacy, PCI DSS, and brand data requirements.
Build a unified data foundation by integrating property management, point of sale, sales and CRM, revenue, and HR data.
Partner with Human Resources, Legal, and leadership on the people, policy, and compliance implications of AI adoption.
Lead organization-wide AI literacy and upskilling for leaders and associates.
Champion change management so technology adoption supports AHC’s hospitality culture and personal guest service.
Identify and develop AI champions within properties and departments.
Lead, develop, and support corporate and property-level IT teams, establishing consistent service standards, support models, and escalation processes.
Oversee IT infrastructure, networks, Wi-Fi, cloud services, and enterprise and hospitality applications, including PMS, POS, key card and door access, sales and catering, and back-office systems.
Ensure branded properties comply with applicable brand technology standards and requirements, including Marriott and Hilton standards.
Lead technology onboarding and transitions for newly managed properties, conversions, pre-openings, and renovations; support business development with technology assessments for prospective assets.
Partner with General Managers and ownership groups of managed properties on technology plans, capital needs, and performance, ensuring transparency and alignment with management agreement obligations.
Lead the cybersecurity program, including threat protection, access management, incident response, associate security awareness, and attention to emerging AI-related risks.
Develop and maintain disaster recovery and business continuity plans for all properties, including hurricane and remote-location readiness for international resorts.
Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, data security standards, and IT governance policies.
Develop and manage the technology and AI budget, optimize costs, and drive ROI, including cost allocation and reporting for managed properties where applicable.
Establish and manage relationships with technology vendors, AI providers, and service partners; lead contract negotiations and performance management.
Build and lead a high-performing team, fostering innovation, accountability, and professional development.
Travel regularly to properties, including overnight and international travel.