AI Office Lead

Kansas Ag Connection; Kansas City (KS); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas Ag Connection is looking for an experienced professional to lead the development and implementation of their AI roadmap. This role involves significant leadership in aligning technology initiatives with business objectives, facilitating communication across teams, and driving continuous improvement.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in data science and AI, alongside over ten years of experience in IT, including leadership. A Master’s degree in technology management or a related field is preferred, with a focus on strategic planning and risk management.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of IT experience with 4+ years in leadership roles.
• Experience in strategic planning and organizational change management.
• Understanding of emerging AI technologies and digital transformation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of AI strategy.
• Facilitate communication with the AI Steering Committee.
• Manage operational budgets and assess risk in AI investments.

Skills

Leadership experience in IT

Data Science expertise

AI/ML implementation

Project Management

Strong communication skills

Strategic planning

Analytical thinking

Education

Undergraduate degree in Computer Science or related field

Master’s degree in technology management or AI strategy preferred

Tools

AI/ML certifications

Project Management certifications (e.g., PMP)

IT Governance certifications (e.g., ITIL, CDO)

Job description

Partner with business unit leaders to align, develop, and deliver the AI roadmap and strategy that supports the business. Support and/or lead the planning, implementation, adoption, and benefits realization for technology initiatives tied to the AI roadmap. Function as the main point of contact between IT and the assigned business units (e.g., commercial manufacturing, corporate functions, milk marketing).

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development of the AI technology roadmap, leveraging the enterprise technology governance model
• Establish clear goals and success measures for the AI office, ensuring all AI initiatives are tied to business value and organizational priorities
• Own the AI operating model – continually refine processes, roles, and standards for the AI initiative lifecycle (from Ideation/Intake to Proof-of-Concept, Pilot, and Production), to enable scalable, efficient, and compliant AI deployment across the enterprise
• Facilitate strong communication and alignment with the AI Steering Committee, providing updates on portfolio progress, risk and compliance, and key decisions needed
• Lead AI strategic and operational planning to achieve business goals by ensuring benefits realization and business adoption of new and existing IT business technology
• Participate in strategic and operational governance processes
• Lead the prioritization of AI initiatives and coordinate deployment
• Develop a power user network within the business unit to ensure to develop the knowledge of business processes and business technology within business unit
• Work with business leaders to define business requirements for business technology initiatives
• Work with business leaders to develop business cases for the implementation of new and existing technologies
• Drive continuous improvement in AI office operations and outcome
• Keep current with trends and issues in the AI industry, including current technologies and prices
• Assess and communicate risks associated with AI investments
• Develop and manage operational budgets
• Work with IT shared service leadership to identify opportunities for the appropriate and cost-effective investment of financial resources in IT systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing, and in-house development
• Work with IT shared services leadership to ensure IT system operations adhere to applicable laws and regulations for business unit
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field (or advanced technical education)
• 10+ years of IT experience, including 4+ years in leadership roles driving complex, cross-functional programs or technology initiatives
• Strong background in data science, AI/ML implementation, digital product management, or related field
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program governance, and organizational change management at enterprise scale
• Experience with budget management, vendor management, and delivering measurable business outcomes through technology projects
• Deep understanding of emerging AI technologies and enterprise digital transformation Undergraduate degree in in computer science, information technology, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• Master’s degree with a focus on technology management or AI strategy, preferred
• Experience standing up or leading an “AI Center of Excellence” or similar innovation office, preferred
• Formal certifications in AI/ML, Project/Program Management (e.g., PMP), or IT Governance (e.g., ITIL, CDO), preferred
• Understanding of the dairy or food manufacturing industry’s processes and opportunities for AI, preferred
• Knowledge of AI industry trends, best practices, and regulations (AI ethics, privacy, compliance) to ensure informed leadership and appropriate risk management
• Strategy and execution skills; able to think big-picture about the future of AI and its role in achieving DFA’s strategic goals; able follow through with detailed operational plans
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to make recommendations and/or decisions on ambiguous or unprecedented challenges
• Strong project management skills
• Able to make tough calls on use-case prioritization, funding, or project pivots based on evidence / strategic fit
• Exceptional communicator with executive presence; able to effectively present complex ideas to executive audiences and to tailor messaging for diverse stakeholders (business, technical, operations)
• Strong influencing skills; able to navigate organizational dynamics and drive consensus on priority AI initiatives
• Able to build collaborative internal and external relationships to further DFA’s AI objectives
• Able to champion diversity of thought and continuous learning, ensuring the team remains at the forefront of AI best practices
• Able to lead the organization through new ways of working introduced by AI
• Able to uphold the highest standards of governance, data privacy, and model safety, reinforcing the organization’s reputation in AI usage
• Able to understand business requirements and utilize IT knowledge to offer solutions and alternatives to business issues
• Able to articulate complex technical issues in language that is understandable to non-IT business users and executives. Able to summarize and present recommendations in a concise format
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with proven proclivity for action; able to translate broad general strategies to actionable items; able to balance careful planning and preparation with continuous progress towards completion of goals
• Able to travel 1-2 times a month

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans