Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation Manager

Quanex; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

401K Match

Bonus Potential

Medical, Dental & Vision Plans

Paid Time Off

Tuition Assistance

Wellness Resources

Training/Development

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Dynamic Culture

Job summary

Quanex is seeking a Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Manager to lead enterprise AI strategy across Akron and Houston. The role focuses on organizational change, practical implementation, and measurable outcomes in manufacturing and corporate processes.

Candidates should bring extensive experience in IT, data analytics, and transformation programs, with a track record of delivering AI solutions and governance.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to lead enterprise AI and digital transformation programs in manufacturing environments.
• Strong governance and program management with measurable business outcomes.
• Experience translating operational challenges into scalable technology solutions.
• Ability to influence executive leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and govern Quanex's enterprise AI strategy and roadmap.
• Lead adoption programs and governance for AI initiatives across manufacturing and corporate functions.
• Collaborate with IT, operations, and cybersecurity to ensure responsible AI use and data governance.
• Oversee AI pilots, vendor evaluations, and deployment planning with measurable impact on productivity and quality.

Skills

AI strategy

Digital transformation

Change management

Leadership

Stakeholder influence

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

ERP

MES

Data viz tools

Job description

Quanex is looking for a Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Manager in Akron, Ohio or Houston, Texas. The Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Manager will be responsible for developing, governing, and leading enterprise digital transformation and artificial intelligence strategies for Quanex, with a focus on organizational-level change, practical implementation, and measurable business outcomes across manufacturing operations, corporate functions, and core business processes.

We Offer You!

• Competitive Salary
• 401K Match w/ 2-year vesting period
• Bonus Potential
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Various Work Schedules
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness/Fitness Resources
• Training/Development
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Dynamic Culture & People - just to name a few!

What’s attractive about the Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Manager

• Shape the Future: Lead Quanex's enterprise AI strategy and drive innovation that transforms manufacturing operations and business performance.
• Make a Visible Impact: Partner with executive, operational, and technology leaders to deliver AI solutions that improve productivity, quality, and customer outcomes.
• Build Something Bigger: Create scalable AI capabilities, governance, and adoption programs that influence the future of a growing global manufacturing organization.

What Success Looks Like

• Develop and lead the company's enterprise AI strategy, roadmap, governance framework, and adoption initiatives.
• Identify, prioritize, and implement AI and digital transformation opportunities that improve operational efficiency, quality, safety, customer experience, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Partner with business, manufacturing, and IT leaders to translate operational challenges into practical, scalable technology solutions.
• Lead AI initiatives across manufacturing operations, including production planning, predictive maintenance, quality inspection, computer vision, process optimization, supply chain management, inventory optimization, and shop floor productivity.
• Establish policies, standards, and governance processes that ensure the responsible, secure, ethical, and compliant use of AI technologies.
• Assess and prioritize AI opportunities based on business value, technical feasibility, risk, data readiness, implementation complexity, and return on investment.
• Oversee AI pilots, proofs of concept, vendor evaluations, solution selection, implementation planning, deployment, and ongoing support models.
• Lead enterprise automation and business enablement initiatives that improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and reduce manual processes.
• Drive organizational change management efforts, including stakeholder engagement, communications, training, adoption measurement, and long-term sustainment.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, legal, compliance, HR, audit, data, infrastructure, and architecture teams to identify and mitigate AI-related risks.
• Measure and communicate program success through key performance indicators such as productivity improvements, cost savings, quality enhancements, risk reduction, and employee adoption.
• Monitor emerging AI technologies, industry trends, regulations, and manufacturing best practices to keep the organization competitive and forward-looking.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to internal teams, business stakeholders, vendors, and implementation partners.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business Analytics, Operations Management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience, including:
  • 7+ years in information technology, data analytics, digital transformation, manufacturing technology, enterprise applications, or related business technology functions.
  • 5+ years leading complex technology, automation, analytics, or transformation initiatives across multiple business areas.
  • 3+ years directly supporting AI, advanced analytics, automation, or digital transformation programs.
  • 2+ years leading teams, programs, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated success implementing AI, machine learning, automation, advanced analytics, or data-driven solutions within manufacturing environments.
• Experience with manufacturing systems and processes such as ERP, MES, quality systems, maintenance systems, supply chain systems, production planning, and plant operations preferred.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, including generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics, computer vision, automation, data governance, and model lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to build business cases, develop technology roadmaps, establish governance models, and deliver executive-level reporting.
• Experience leading organizational change management programs, including stakeholder engagement, communication planning, training, adoption strategy, and sustainment.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to influence executive leadership, plant leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of responsible AI principles, cybersecurity, data privacy, compliance, and risk management practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, vendors, initiatives, and stakeholders within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Professional certifications in AI, machine learning, data analytics, project management, change management, or AI governance are preferred.

The salary range for this position is $140K-170K with the potential to earn an annual bonus.

About Quanex, A Part Of Something Bigger

Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company primarily serving OEMs in the fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets. We are A Part of Something Bigger by improving the performance and aesthetics of end products through continuous innovation, helping customers achieve greater production efficiencies, dedication to giving back to communities where we operate, producing shareholder value and helping our employees learn, grow, and thrive. Learn more at Quanex.com.