Director, Artificial Intelligence Strategy & Transformation

The Director, Artificial Intelligence Strategy & Transformation, plays a critical leadership role within the Office of Digital Transformation. This position is responsible for developing and executing the organization's artificial intelligence (AI) strategy, enabling business sectors to identify, prioritize, and implement AI-driven initiatives that support corporate objectives and create measurable business value.

The successful candidate serves as a strategic advisor to senior leadership, business stakeholders, and governance committees, guiding the responsible adoption of AI technologies while ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, regulatory requirements, and ethical standards. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, change leadership, and the ability to influence stakeholders across a complex and dynamic organization.

Key Responsibilities
AI Strategy & Vision
Develop and maintain the organization's AI and machine learning roadmap.
Define long-term AI priorities and align initiatives with business objectives and strategic plans.
Help business sectors create, prioritize, and adopt AI opportunities that support operational and financial goals.
Support the development of AI strategies across business functions.
Business Partnership & Advisory
Serve as the primary AI liaison between the Office of Digital Transformation and business sectors.
Advise senior leaders on high-value AI solutions, automation opportunities, and technology investments.
Partner with stakeholders to understand business challenges and identify opportunities where AI can deliver measurable improvements.
Recommend and prioritize AI initiatives to maximize business impact and return on investment.
AI Program Leadership
Lead the identification, evaluation, and execution of AI initiatives across the organization.
Facilitate brainstorming and discovery workshops to uncover AI opportunities and process improvements.
Create and maintain AI opportunity assessments and business cases, including:
Business objectives
Current-state challenges
Expected value and outcomes
Data requirements
Complexity assessments
Implementation considerations
Oversee AI model development, testing, deployment, and continuous improvement activities.
Governance, Risk & Ethics
Participate in governance committees and strategic decision-making forums.
Establish and promote responsible AI practices across the organization.
Ensure AI solutions comply with legal, regulatory, privacy, security, and ethical standards.
Contribute to the ongoing development of organizational AI governance frameworks, policies, and strategic technology documentation.
Organizational Transformation & Enablement
Support enterprise-wide adoption of data-driven decision-making and AI capabilities.
Educate leaders and employees on AI technologies, prompt engineering, and effective AI workflows.
Champion AI literacy and change management initiatives across the organization.
Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive AI developments to identify new opportunities.
Leadership Responsibilities
Lead cross-functional AI initiatives involving multiple business sectors.
Influence executive stakeholders and decision-makers through strategic recommendations and business insights.
Foster collaboration between business, technology, analytics, and operational teams.
Support the organization's digital transformation and innovation agenda through effective AI implementation.

Qualifications
Education
Master's degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Experience
Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in artificial intelligence, analytics, digital transformation, consulting, or related fields.
Experience leading cross-functional and enterprise-wide initiatives.
Experience presenting recommendations and influencing senior leadership teams.
Experience supporting organizational transformation through data and analytics-driven decision-making.
Experience identifying business process inefficiencies and developing AI-enabled solutions that deliver measurable value.
Experience building strong partnerships and collaborating across multiple functions.
Experience in AI consulting or strategic advisory environments is considered an asset.
Technical Knowledge & Skills
Strong understanding of artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, automation technologies, and emerging digital trends.
Expertise in evaluating and prioritizing AI opportunities aligned to business strategy.
Knowledge of analytics platforms, machine learning tools, data visualization technologies, and cloud-based data environments.
Familiarity with AI governance, risk management, privacy, and ethical AI principles.
Strong business analysis, strategic planning, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business-focused recommendations.
Preferred Qualifications
Knowledge of the distribution industry and its operational challenges.
Demonstrated success implementing enterprise AI strategies and governance frameworks.
Experience establishing AI adoption programs, training, or centers of excellence.
Language Requirements
Fluent in French (required).
Advanced English proficiency required due to the nature of the role and regular interaction with English-speaking partners, stakeholders, members, and clients.
Key Competencies
Strategic Thinking
Executive Presence and Influence
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Business Acumen
Change Leadership
Relationship Building
Collaboration and Teamwork
Problem Solving and Analytical Thinking
Communication and Facilitation
Ethical Decision-Making

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonab