AI Product Manager (Procurement / Operations)

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