IT MANAGER - AI

Knife River Corporation; Bismarck (ND); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Knife River Corporation is seeking an IT Manager – AI to lead adoption and governance of AI technologies across the organization. The role focuses on developing an AI strategy, evaluating tools like Microsoft Copilot and AI platforms, and ensuring data security and policy compliance.

You will oversee budgets, vendor management, and cross‑functional programs while mentoring IT staff. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in IT/CS or related field, 3+ years in IT with enterprise applications,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data/Information Systems, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Consult with department managers to develop system solutions and schedules.
• Manage IT budget, procurement, and vendor negotiations to ensure cost-effective operations.
• Direct, manage, and motivate IT staff across operating companies.
• Provide training to IT personnel and ensure SOX compliance.
• Oversee IT policies, security standards, and data protection in AI initiatives.
• Develop standards for network, PCs, and data security with the Knife River tech group.
• Evaluate and implement AI integrations across core business apps.

Skills

Initiative

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication

IT governance

Security awareness

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in IT / CS or related field

Tools

Microsoft Copilot

Power BI

SQL Server

Oracle

AI platforms

Job description

At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it is our people who make us successful. With over 5,700 employees across the western U.S., we are a People‑first company, and we are committed to giving them the tools, training, and time to do their jobs safely and productively each day. Our goal is to build strong teams that, in turn, build strong communities. We are one of the Nation’s largest construction materials and contracting services businesses and are also a publicly traded company on the NYSE with the ticker symbol KNF and part of the S&P MidCap 400 index.

The IT Manager – AI plans, directs, and manages the adoption, governance, and support of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across Knife River Corporation and its subsidiaries. This role provides leadership in developing and executing an AI technology vision, aligned with the company’s business process improvement framework, to responsibly integrate AI capabilities into information systems, operational processes, and long‑term strategic objectives. The IT Manager – AI collaborates closely with company leadership, internal customers, and IT team members to identify, evaluate, pilot, and scale AI solutions—including generative AI platforms and Microsoft Copilot/Microsoft 365 AI tools—that improve efficiency, productivity, and decision‑making while ensuring the protection of company data and resources. The position establishes and enforces AI governance, usage policies, security standards, and ethical practices, while developing business cases and measuring the return on investment of AI and technology initiatives. In addition, the IT Manager – AI selects, develops, and evaluates personnel to support the effective and responsible operation of the company’s AI program, manages AI projects and programs within approved budgets and timelines, and partners with internal technology teams to evaluate, implement, and support AI‑enabled tools that enhance the performance and value of core business applications.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data/Information Systems, or a related field – or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three or more years of progressive IT experience, including the delivery and support of enterprise business applications and integrations.
• Two or more years of hands‑on experience with AI/ML or generative‑AI technologies – evaluating, deploying, or supporting tools such as Microsoft Copilot, large language models, or AI‑enabled operational systems.
• Three or more years of supervisory, team‑lead, or project‑management experience leading technical staff and cross‑functional initiatives.
• Working knowledge of data governance, privacy, and security as they apply to AI – including how data is shared with, processed by, and retained in AI systems.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business problems into AI use cases and to manage the full lifecycle from pilot to production.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills – able to explain AI concepts, benefits, and risks clearly to both executives and frontline operations staff.

Preferred Requirements

• Exposure to MLOps / AI solution operations – model/version management, monitoring for accuracy and drift, and human‑in‑the‑loop review.
• Data foundation skills – relational databases (SQL Server/Oracle), data platforms, and analytics/BI (e.g., Power BI), supporting your data‑modernization effort.
• Financial modeling for ROI or business‑case development on technology and AI investments.
• Change‑management and training experience – driving adoption and AI literacy across a distributed, non‑technical workforce.
• Relevant certifications – e.g., Microsoft AI/Azure (AI‑102, AI‑900), PMP, ITIL, or a recognized AI‑governance/security credential.
• Awareness of compliance regimes touching AI/data – SOX (IT general controls) and CMMC, given your current planning.
• Vendor and consultant management experience – evaluating and negotiating with AI/technology providers.

Responsibilities

• Consult with department managers and operating companies to develop system solutions and implementation schedules consistent with organizational objectives.
• Assist in the preparation and administration of the company’s information technology budget, procurement and contract negotiations with vendors and service providers to contribute to the cost‑effective operations of the corporation.
• Direct, manage, and motivate qualified staff to effectively carry out departmental functions and provide continuity of specialized skills.
• Provide formal and informal management of Information Technology staff located at various operating companies to ensure consistent communication and implementation of IT strategy and the efficient utilization of IT skills.
• Provide training and education to Information Technology personnel to enhance their job performance as well as promote personal and professional growth within the company.
• Responsible for all IT general controls across KRC companies to ensure SOX compliance.
• Ensure the accuracy and enforcement of IT policies, standards and security measures to safeguard information resources.
• Develop and communicate standards for use, operations, and security of network, personal computers, and data in coordination with the Knife River technology group.
• Monitor industry standards and emerging technologies. Make recommendations on available technologies and direct development and implementation efforts to ensure the company’s ability to adopt new technologies quickly and efficiently.
• Support the Knife River technology group in the design, configuration, installation and maintenance of all AI integrations within our core technology and business applications.
• Represent the company at regional and national meetings regarding information technology matters.
• Direct and manage Knife River and external Information Technology services providers. Define the level of service and deliverables that are to be provided to the Knife River Corporation as well as negotiate associated fees for that service.
• Travel to subsidiary companies for application implementations and support will be required.
• Be available to assist with scheduled on‑call support and technical emergencies as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High level of initiative and autonomy; ability to work productively and efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Good organizational, project management, and time management skills.
• Proven analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret technical journals, contracts and financial reports.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Experience in financial analysis of IT investments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Understanding of and ability to maintain confidentiality of all company information.

Knife River is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status or any other protected category under applicable state/federal law. Subject to pre‑employment drug testing and background checks. Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities. This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.