Director, MES & AI-Driven Operations Tech

Gartner; Michigan; Remote; USD 148,000 - 176,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

401k match up to $7,200 per year

Stock purchase plan

Generous PTO

Job summary

Gartner is seeking a Director, Analyst in Manufacturing Operations Technology to lead research on smart manufacturing, MES, AI, and digital twins. The role targets CSCOs, COOs, and operations leaders, delivering actionable guidance and high-impact research across Gartner’s BTI group.

You will mentor junior researchers, develop research momentum, and influence vendor ecosystems while collaborating with global teams. The role supports virtual and in-person engagements and requires up to 25% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; Graduate degree preferred.
• 10+ years of relevant field or industry experience.
• Significant experience in developing, managing, implementing and/or using manufacturing operations technologies with emphasis on MES and IT/OT integration.
• In-depth experience of MES and at least two to three related processes and technologies.
• Willingness to travel up to 25% (where applicable).

Responsibilities

• Advise clients on market landscape, vendor selection, and implementation to solve priorities.
• Research and advise on digital transformation and evolving manufacturing solutions.
• Create must-have research content (Magic Quadrants, Market Guides, Hype Cycles, Toolkits).
• Develop forward-looking research to accelerate client decision-making.
• Diagnose root causes of challenges and reframing strategies to unlock progress.
• Present high-value research content at Gartner events and client briefings.

Skills

Executive presence

Research & writing

Analytical thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Graduate degree preferred

Tools

MES

Digital twins

Job description

Gartner is seeking a Director, Analyst in Manufacturing Operations Technology to lead research on smart manufacturing, MES, AI, and digital twins. The role targets CSCOs, COOs, and operations leaders, delivering actionable guidance and high-impact research across Gartner’s BTI group.

You will mentor junior researchers, develop research momentum, and influence vendor ecosystems while collaborating with global teams. The role supports virtual and in-person engagements and requires up to 25% travel.