Artificial Intelligence Specialist

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) match

Pension

Paid holidays

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Short-term disability

Long-term disability

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company, a century-old leader in premium leaf tobacco, seeks an AI Specialist to support the Global AI Program. You will help identify, test, document, and adopt practical AI and automation solutions across business functions.

The role collaborates with business and IT teams to enable use case intake, development, and responsible adoption of Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Automate, Power Platform, and related tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, business, data analytics, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Two or more years of experience in business analysis, AI automation, technology support, project coordination, process improvement, technology enablement, or a related field.
• Experience gathering business requirements and translating business needs into practical technology solutions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Assist the AI Project Manager and business stakeholders with identifying, documenting, assessing, prioritizing, and tracking AI and automation opportunities across global business functions.
• Support the design, configuration, testing, documentation, and maintenance of AI agents, copilots, automation workflows, prototypes, pilots, and knowledge-based solutions using approved AI technologies.
• Work with business users, technical teams, vendors, IT, and project owners to support AI solution implementation from concept through deployment.
• Provide end-user support, troubleshooting, training, demonstrations, office hours, quick reference materials, and adoption guidance to increase AI literacy and effective use of approved tools.
• Assist Global AI Team with AI governance activities, including use case documentation, responsible AI practices, data privacy awareness, information security considerations, and follow-up with global Advisors and Champions.
• Track solution performance, user adoption, business value, open action items, lessons learned, and improvement opportunities to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Stay informed on emerging AI technologies and share relevant ideas, risks, and observations with the Global AI Team.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Project coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in information systems, business, data analytics, computer science, or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

SharePoint

Job description

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

Reports To: AI Project Manager

Our Company

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company is the world’s leading supplier of premium leaf tobacco, with over 100 years of experience sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to customer specifications. With operations spanning major tobacco-regions across five continents, we connect hundreds of thousands of farmers to global manufacturers through a reliable, transparent, and traceable supply chain.

Our portfolio includes flue-cured, burley, oriental, and dark tobaccos, supported by deep agronomic expertise and advanced processing capabilities. Beyond the leaf, we offer value-added services such as customized blending, next-generation nicotine solutions, recycled by-products, and digital traceability tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain.

Universal Leaf Tobacco is more than a supplier – we are a long‑term partner committed to responsible sourcing, farmer support, and continuous innovation. By investing in agricultural communities and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance, we help ensure a resilient tobacco supply for generations to come.

Summary

As an AI Specialist at Universal, you will support the Global AI Program by helping business teams identify, test, document, and adopt practical AI and automation solutions. This role works across business and technical teams to support AI use case intake, mid‑code solution development, user enablement, and responsible adoption of approved technologies such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Automate, Power Platform, and other AI‑enabled tools.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• Assist the AI Project Manager and business stakeholders with identifying, documenting, assessing, prioritizing, and tracking AI and automation opportunities across global business functions.
• Support the design, configuration, testing, documentation, and maintenance of AI agents, copilots, automation workflows, prototypes, pilots, and knowledge‑based solutions using approved AI technologies.
• Work with business users, technical teams, vendors, IT, and project owners to support AI solution implementation from concept through deployment.
• Provide end‑user support, troubleshooting, training, demonstrations, office hours, quick reference materials, and adoption guidance to increase AI literacy and effective use of approved tools.
• Assist Global AI Team with AI governance activities, including use case documentation, responsible AI practices, data privacy awareness, information security considerations, and follow‑up with global Advisors and Champions.
• Track solution performance, user adoption, business value, open action items, lessons learned, and improvement opportunities to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Stay informed on emerging AI technologies and share relevant ideas, risks, and observations with the Global AI Team.
• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, business, data analytics, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Two or more years of experience in business analysis, AI automation, technology support, project coordination, process improvement, technology enablement, or a related field.
• Experience gathering business requirements and translating business needs into practical technology solutions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, critical‑thinking, problem‑solving, and follow‑up skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks and action items with guidance in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience in preparing presentations, reports, training materials, process documentation, or business communications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and responsible technology adoption.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, AI agents, Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI, or other Microsoft Power Platform technologies.
• Familiarity with workflow automation, process mapping, data analysis, reporting, or business process measurement.
• Experience supporting training sessions, workshops, demonstrations, office hours, or technology adoption activities.
• Knowledge of data governance, information security, AI governance, privacy requirements, or responsible AI practices.
• Relevant certifications or coursework in Microsoft Power Platform, Azure AI, analytics, project management, AI fundamentals, automation, or change management.
• Experience working in a global or cross‑functional business environment.

We offer a wide range of market‑competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long‑term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.

EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet Employer

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The salary range for this position is $66,000 – $88,333. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and internal equity, in alignment with our compensation structure.