VP, Strategic AI Solutions (New Orleans, Louisiana, United States)

Entergy•New Orleans, LA

39d•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of the VP of Strategic AI Solutions is to spearhead the strategic planning, engineering and seamless execution of AI projects within our utility. This involves collaborating with senior business leaders to identify and prioritize digital transformation initiatives, developing and maintaining agile delivery methodologies, and leading teams through the dynamic landscape of change management. The role aims to ensure that the utility remains at the forefront of innovation, harnessing the power of AI to enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and overall organizational performance. Through collaboration with IT, visionary leadership, strategic planning, premier engineering, and effective delivery, the VP will be instrumental in driving the utility's success in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence practices. The VP of Strategic AI Solutions plays a pivotal role in steering both the Planning, Engineering, and Delivery teams toward successful execution of AI projects. This position involves collaborating closely with IT, senior business leadership, AI strategists, and organizational leaders to generate a robust portfolio of AI projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives. This leader will develop and implement long-range AI plans, prioritize demands using established frameworks, and actively engage in the identification and capture of project benefits. The VP will be a driving force in navigating the organization through the challenges and opportunities presented by AI adoption, contributing significantly to the overall success of the utility's digital transformation journey. On the delivery front, the VP will orchestrate the organization of agile delivery teams, fostering a culture of scalability and agility in project execution. Leading day-to-day activities of delivery teams, the VP will be instrumental in the efficient and effective implementation of AI initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, STEM, IT, Economics, Analytics, or related field
10 + years of leading products, projects, or programs, preferably within the utility industry
Deep experience with process improvements and optimizations.
Deep experience with project management office function.
Experienced in both Agile and Waterfall methodology and JIRA tool.
The ideal candidate will bring a track record of hands-on experience in AI planning, engineering, and delivery, reflecting both technical proficiency and strategic leadership capabilities.
Specialization in strategic planning, project management, and leadership. Professional experience and a proven track record in Automation planning and delivery. Advanced certifications in project management, AI, or related fields are highly desirable.
Broad understanding of how to use advanced analytics and digital transformation tools such as machine learning, software development, robotic process automation, and generative artificial intelligence to bring value to Entergy.
Comprehensive understanding of project management methodologies, Strong knowledge of business strategy formulation and implementation, and knowledge of change management principles and practices.
Strong skills in overseeing the successful execution of projects, in leading organizational change, and ability to establish and manage key performance indicators (KPIs) for projects, with a focus on continuous improvement.
Capacity to navigate and lead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape, with a mindset that encourages and embraces innovation, while demonstrating influencing skills to gain support for AI initiatives from stakeholders at various organizational levels.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Advance Degree in above fields or related field (Master's or Doctorate)
Program Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and articulate comprehensive long-range AI plans aligned with organizational goals. Collaborate with IT and senior business leadership to identify, assess, and prioritize AI projects, ensuring strategic alignment. Drive the development of a robust portfolio of AI projects, incorporating innovative ideas to digitally transform experiences. Provide strategic guidance for the Planning and Delivery teams, fostering a forward-thinking and adaptable mindset.
Project management and controls: Implement and oversee project and program controls to monitor the progress of all digital transformation projects, ensuring adherence to established standards. Project and program controls include budget management, resource allocations, project outcome management, and schedule management.
Organizational Leadership: Provide inspirational leadership to the Enablement team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, promoting professional growth and collaboration. Establish a positive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and encourages open communication.
Product Performance: Oversee the assessment of all project outcomes, ensuring that product performance meets or exceeds expectations. Implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of solutions.
Change within the Organization: In conjunction with other change management leaders and functions, identifying organizational changes resulting from digital transformation. Develop comprehensive change plans in collaboration with leaders, ensuring smooth transitions. This involves developing comprehensive change plans, facilitating the integration of new tools into existing business processes, reimagining roles and responsibilities, and providing unwavering support through communications, training, and coaching.
Performance Management: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for AI projects and regularly assess and report on performance. Implement performance improvement strategies based on project reviews and evaluations.
Delivery Methodology: Develop and maintain a repeatable and agile delivery methodology for all projects. Ensure that delivery methodologies align with industry best practices and organizational goals.
Managing Contracts: Oversee the negotiation, execution, and management of contracts with vendors and partners. Ensure contract compliance and optimize vendor relationships to achieve cost-effectiveness.
External Orientation: Oversees the development of AI-driven market intelligence systems that deliver actionable insights on market performance, grid evolution, and customer behavior-empowering the organization to make data-informed decisions in a rapidly transforming energy landscape.

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