IT Manager AI & Innovation

Job Summary The IT Manager, AI & Innovation leads the adoption of practical AI capabilities and innovation initiatives that improve productivity, decision-making, and user experience across the organization. The IT Manager, AI & Innovation leads the adoption of practical AI capabilities and innovation initiatives that improve productivity, decision-making, and user experience across the organization. This role partners with business and IT teams to identify, pilot, and scale high-value use cases while ensuring solutions are secure, reliable, and aligned with organizational standards. Key Responsibilities AI Strategy, Use-Case Identification & Delivery Identify, prioritize, and develop AI/automation opportunities aligned to business needs and measurable outcomes. Lead pilots/prototypes and transition successful solutions into scalable, supportable operations. Partner with Data/BI, Applications, Infrastructure, Security, and business stakeholders to ensure solutions meet requirements and are adopted effectively. AI Enablement (Platforms, Tools & Adoption) Support the responsible deployment and ongoing improvement of AI tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot and related capabilities). Develop reusable assets such as prompt libraries, user guidance, and standardized workflows to accelerate adoption. Coordinate training, communications, and change activities to help teams integrate AI into daily work. Lightweight Governance & Responsible AI Practices Establish and maintain simple guardrails for AI usage (e.g., appropriate use, privacy expectations, data handling, and approval pathways). Partner with IT leadership and relevant stakeholders to ensure AI solutions align with internal policies and applicable requirements. Monitor emerging AI risks and recommend practical mitigations that support innovation without excessive process. Measurement, Continuous Improvement & Operational Readiness Define success metrics for AI initiatives and track benefits realization. Ensure solutions are operationally ready (documentation, support handoffs, monitoring needs, and sustainment plans). Stay current on AI trends and best practices; recommend improvements to tools, processes, and skills development.

Qualifications Education Minimum Required:

Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, Data/Analytics, or equivalent experience.

Preferred:

Master's degree in a related discipline

Experience Minimum Required:

3 to 5 years of experience delivering technology initiatives in a business environment (AI, analytics, automation, or software/platform implementations). Experience working with cross-functional stakeholders and translating business needs into technical solutions.

Preferred:

5+ years of experience with AI productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Copilot), automation, and/or data-driven product delivery. Experience in manufacturing, industrial, or operational environments.

Job Specific Skills Minimum Required:

Strong stakeholder management and communication skills (technical and non-technical audiences). Practical understanding of data privacy, information security concepts, and technology risk. Ability to lead pilots from concept through implementation, including change management and adoption support. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an improvement mindset.

Preferred:

Familiarity with responsible AI concepts (transparency, privacy, bias awareness) and simple governance practices. Experience creating dashboards/metrics for value tracking and reporting. Working Conditions The following working conditions are present or expected on a daily basis: Travel may be required Ability to conduct presentations. Manual dexterity required to use desktop computer and peripherals