VP, AI Transformation & Operational Excellence

Waystar • Atlanta, GA

111d

About The Position

The Vice President, Kaizen AI Initiatives, leads the integration of AI-driven continuous improvement across an organization, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience through strategic AI deployment. This role requires collaboration with executives, change management, and adherence to ethical AI standards to drive measurable business value. Lead AI-driven transformation: Develop and execute a multi-year strategy leveraging Foundation Models to optimize business processes and unlock new operating models, ensuring significant ROI and elevated customer experiences. Champion continuous improvement culture: Embed Kaizen principles within AI initiatives, foster a data-driven and innovative environment, and manage organizational change for successful AI adoption. Ensure responsible AI governance: Collaborate with legal and risk teams to mitigate AI-related risks, enforce compliance with data privacy regulations, and represent the organization in external AI forums.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in AI leadership roles, preferably at the VP or senior executive level.
• Demonstrated success in driving large-scale AI efficiency initiatives across complex, matrixed organizations.
• Expertise in implementing Kaizen or other continuous improvement methodologies within the context of AI and digital transformation.
• Advanced understanding of AI technologies, including machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, and automation.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership and change management capabilities, with experience influencing senior stakeholders.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect technology initiatives to operational and financial outcomes.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Relevant advanced degree (MS/PhD in Computer Science, AI, Engineering, or equivalent experience) preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Visionary mindset with a passion for innovation and transformation.
• Relentless drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Collaborative, inclusive leadership style that empowers teams.
• Integrity, transparency, and commitment to ethical AI practices.

Responsibilities

• Establish the multi-year vision, strategy, and roadmap for leveraging Artificial Intelligence, with a specific focus on Foundation Models (e.g., Generative AI/LLMs), to optimize end-to-end business processes and unlock new operating models.
• Lead the strategic direction, development, and execution of Kaizen AI initiatives across the entire organization, focusing on those that deliver significant ROI through cost reduction or exponential operational efficiency, while elevating customer experiences.
• Champion the adoption of Kaizen methodology—continuous, incremental improvement—within AI projects and broader transformation programs.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive change management strategy to ensure successful adoption of new AI-enabled processes across the entire organization, addressing cultural, skill, and operational shifts.
• Collaborate with C-suite executives, departmental leaders, and cross-functional teams to align AI initiatives with organizational goals.
• Set clear KPIs and success metrics to measure the impact, progress, and value of AI-driven efficiency programs.
• Foster a data-driven, agile, and innovative culture that embraces experimentation, learning, and iteration.
• Stay ahead of emerging AI technologies and trends, identifying opportunities for strategic advantage and competitive differentiation.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing team of AI professionals, ensuring talent growth and knowledge sharing.
• Partner with Legal and Risk teams to assess, monitor, and mitigate risks associated with Foundation Model use, including bias, hallucination, data security, and IP concerns.
• Refine and enforce an enterprise-wide framework for responsible AI development and deployment, ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and internal ethical guidelines.
• Represent the organization externally at industry forums, conferences, and with strategic partners on AI and Kaizen topics.

Benefits

• Competitive total rewards (base salary + bonus, if applicable)
• Customizable benefits package (3 medical plans with Health Saving Account company match)
• Generous paid time off for non-exempt team members, starting with 3 weeks + 13 paid holidays, including 2 personal floating holidays.
• Flexible time off for exempt team members + 13 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave (including maternity + paternity leave)
• Education assistance opportunities and free LinkedIn Learning access
• Free mental health and family planning programs, including adoption assistance and fertility support
• 401(K) program with company match
• Pet insurance
• Employee resource groups

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees