Application Programming Interface (API), Ariba, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agents, Automation, Business Skills, Continuous Improvement, Contract Analysis, Data Visualization Tools, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Emerging Technology, Establish Priorities, Home Automation, Manufacturing, Oracle, Performance Metrics, Problem Solving Skills, Procurement Management, Product Management, Prototyping, Purchasing/Procurement, Request for Proposals (RFP), Risk Management, SAP, Sales Prospecting, Software Agents, Supply Chain Operations, Use Cases, Workflow Analysis
Location: preference for Midwest or East Coast candidates near plant locations (Chicago, Kansas City, Springfield, MO, The Woodlands, TX, Gainesville, GA).
Summary
AI Product Manager (Procurement / Operations) is a hands-on role responsible for designing, building, and deploying AI-driven tools to enhance global procurement processes. This role partners directly with procurement teams to identify challenges through interviews, process observation, and on-site engagement, translating needs into practical AI-enabled solutions. It owns the end-to-end lifecycle—from problem definition through deployment and iteration. The focus is on improving visibility, speed, and decision-making through lightweight, internally built AI tools and automation (vs. large enterprise platforms). The ideal candidate brings strong problem-solving skills, hands-on experience building AI/automation solutions, and the ability to translate business needs into functional tools. Procurement experience is a plus but not required.
Key Responsibilities
Business Discovery & Prioritization
- Partner with stakeholders to understand workflows, challenges, and inefficiencies
- Identify and prioritize AI/automation opportunities based on impact and feasibility
- Translate business needs into clear use cases and requirements
AI Solution Development
- Design, build, and deploy AI agents and automation tools
- Support use cases such as spend visibility, supplier insights, risk monitoring, RFQs, contract analysis, and workflow automation
- Develop both prototypes and production-ready solutions using modern AI tools and APIs
Testing, Deployment & Adoption
- Rapidly prototype, test, and refine solutions with end users
- Deploy tools into live workflows and drive adoption through training and support
- Iterate based on feedback and performance metrics
Data Integration & Enablement
- Leverage internal data to power AI-driven insights
- Integrate solutions with ERP and procurement systems as needed
- Ensure solutions are simple, scalable, and effective
Continuous Improvement
- Identify new opportunities for AI within procurement
- Stay current on emerging technologies and expand tool capabilities over time
Qualifications
- 5–8 years in analytics, automation, AI, or digital solutions
- Proven experience building and deploying AI tools or automation workflows
- Strong experience partnering with business stakeholders to solve operational problems
- Experience with AI agents or intelligent automation solutions
Preferred
- Procurement, supply chain, or operations experience
- Familiarity with ERP/procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, SAP Ariba)
- Experience with data visualization tools
- Background in manufacturing or industrial environments
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Fortifi Food Processing Solutions