Director, AI & Machine Learning

Position Summary

The Director of AI/ML leads the strategy, architecture, and delivery of enterprise artificial intelligence and robotic process automation (RPA) capabilities across the organization’s data platform. This role is responsible for building and leading a team of AI engineers and automation developers delivering machine learning, generative AI, multi-agent systems, and intelligent automation solutions. The Director partners closely with Data Engineering, Reporting, and business teams to operationalize AI and automation capabilities using Databricks and Microsoft technologies. This role ensures solutions are scalable, secure, and governed while delivering measurable operational efficiency and business value.

Essential Functions and Duties

AI Strategy & Architecture Leadership

Lead the development and execution of enterprise AI and intelligent automation strategy.

Activities include:

• Define and implement the enterprise AI architecture using Databricks AI capabilities.
• Establish architectural standards for generative AI, machine learning models, and agent-based systems.
• Design frameworks for multi-agent AI systems that support business workflows and decision-making.
• Identify high-impact AI and automation opportunities across business units.
• Align AI initiatives with the enterprise data platform and overall technology strategy.

AI Engineering & Automation Leadership

Build and lead a high-performing team responsible for delivering AI and intelligent automation solutions.

Activities include:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of AI engineers, machine learning engineers, and automation developers.
• Establish engineering standards and best practices for AI development and automation implementation.
• Oversee the design, development, testing, and deployment of AI and automation solutions.
• Coordinate work across AI engineering, data engineering, reporting teams, and business stakeholders.

Agentic AI & Generative AI Platforms

Lead the design and implementation of modern AI architectures including generative AI and agentic systems.

Activities include:

• Implement multi-agent AI architectures for automation and operational decision support.
• Deploy AI solutions leveraging Databricks capabilities including MLflow, vector search, and model serving.
• Implement Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures using governed enterprise data.
• Lead adoption of conversational AI platforms including Databricks Genie and Microsoft Copilot integrations.

Intelligent Automation & RPA Leadership

Lead the robotic process automation (RPA) function within the department and drive enterprise automation initiatives.

Activities include:

• Define the enterprise strategy for robotic process automation using Microsoft Power Automate.
• Identify business processes suitable for automation and prioritize initiatives based on operational impact.
• Oversee the design and development of automation workflows and automated business processes.
• Integrate AI models and agent-based systems into automation workflows to enable intelligent decision-making.
• Establish governance, monitoring, and reliability standards for automation solutions.
• Collaborate with business units to streamline processes and reduce manual effort through automation.

AI Governance & Responsible AI

Ensure AI and automation solutions comply with enterprise governance, security, and compliance requirements.

Activities include:

• Establish policies and standards for responsible AI and intelligent automation.
• Ensure compliance with enterprise security, privacy, and data governance policies.
• Implement evaluation frameworks to measure AI performance, accuracy, and reliability.
• Maintain transparency and auditability of automated and AI-driven decisions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with technology and business leaders to operationalize AI and automation capabilities.

Activities include:

• Collaborate with Data Engineering teams to leverage curated enterprise data for AI solutions.
• Partner with Reporting and Analytics teams to embed AI outputs into business insights and decision tools.
• Work with business stakeholders to translate operational challenges into AI-enabled and automated solutions.
• Communicate AI and automation capabilities, risks, and value to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Organizational & Professional Responsibilities

• Adheres specifically to all company policies and procedures, Federal and State regulations, and laws.
• Displays dedication to position responsibilities and achieves assigned goals and objectives.
• Represents the Company in a professional manner and appearance.
• Works effectively with co-workers, internal and external customers by sharing ideas constructively and addressing issues collaboratively.
• Keeps stakeholders informed of work progress, timelines, and issues.
• Complies with the policies and procedures stated in the Injury and Illness Prevention Program.
• Ensures conduct is consistent with all Compliance Program Policies when engaging in company activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Required Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or four (4) years relevant experience in lieu of degree.

Required Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and generative AI technologies.
• Knowledge of agent-based AI architectures and multi-agent systems.
• Knowledge of robotic process automation (RPA) concepts and intelligent automation strategies.
• Understanding of enterprise AI governance, security, and model lifecycle management.

Preferred Knowledge:

• Familiarity with Microsoft Copilot platforms and conversational AI technologies.
• Familiarity with Databricks AI platform capabilities including MLflow and vector search.
• Knowledge of vector databases, embeddings, and semantic AI architectures.

Required Experience:

• At least 10 years of experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, or related technical roles, including 5 years of leadership experience managing technical teams

Preferred Experience:

• At least 12–15 years of progressive experience in AI engineering, machine learning engineering, intelligent automation, or enterprise data platform development.
• Experience leading AI and automation initiatives using modern platforms such as Databricks, Microsoft Copilot, and Microsoft Power Automate is strongly preferred.

Required Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Expertise designing enterprise AI architectures and machine learning platforms.
• Experience implementing generative AI and agent-based systems.
• Experience with Databricks AI capabilities including MLflow and model serving.
• Experience integrating AI capabilities with Microsoft Copilot platforms.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to translate business challenges into AI and automation solutions.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience implementing robotic process automation using Microsoft Power Automate.
• Experience with conversational AI platforms such as Databricks Genie.
• Experience implementing multi-agent orchestration frameworks.
• Experience integrating AI and automation systems with enterprise applications such as ERP, CRM, or logistics platforms.
• Experience with AI-based video or image processing technologies.

Physical requirements

Vision, hearing, speech, movements requiring the use of wrists, hands and/or fingers. Must have the ability to view a computer screen for prolonged periods and the ability to sit for extended periods. Must have the ability to work the hours and days required to complete the essential functions of the position, as scheduled.  The employee occasionally lifts to 20 lbs. and occasionally kneels and bends. Must have the ability to travel occasionally. Working condition include normal office setting.

Mental Demands

Learning, thinking, concentration and the ability to work under pressure, particularly during busy times.   Must be able to pay close attention to detail and be able to work as a member of a team to ensure excellent customer service.  Must have the ability to interact effectively with co-workers and customers, and exercise self-control and diplomacy in customer and employee relations’ situations.  Must have the ability to exercise discretion as well as appropriate judgments when necessary.  Must be proactive in finding solutions.

Direct Reports

Yes or No

EEO/AAP Statement

FFF Enterprises and Nufactor are an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on the following characteristics: race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, gender, age (40 years and over) qualified veteran and any other characteristic protected by state or federal anti-discrimination law covering employment. These categories are defined according to Government Code section 12920. The Company prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.

Acknowledgement

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of all personnel so classified. 

The undersigned employee acknowledges receipt of the Job Description for the employee’s position and understands the essential functions, responsibilities, and qualifications of the position.  Furthermore, the employee acknowledges that this Job Description does not include all the essential functions of this position, and that these essential functions may change as deemed necessary by the manager.