Director, Smart Ops & Digital Enablement

Role Description

The Director, Smart Ops & Digital Enablement is Newell Brands' operational AI leader, responsible for running the enterprise AI program across the global operations network — spanning more than 40 manufacturing sites, 60 distribution centers, and markets in 140 countries. This role owns the full arc of AI deployment for operations: from program governance and Navigator-to-Voyager execution within the Quantum Leap (QL) corporate transformation program, through hands-on deployment of AI tools across manufacturing, distribution, logistics, reliability, and automation.

The Director is the connective tissue between QL strategy and operational execution, partnering directly with Operations, ERA, Quality, PEAK, SEAL, and productivity teams to ensure AI use cases are prioritized, deployed, and generating measurable value across the network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the ERA AI Enablement function as the primary technical director for AI deployment across all of Newell Brands' operations.
• Define and execute the ERA AI Enablement technical roadmap.
• Serve as the primary AI technical liaison for all operational functions.
• Partner with the Automation Operations team to integrate AI capabilities into automation and robotics deployments.
• Serve as ERA's designated Navigator within Quantum Leap (QL).
• Own ERA's QL value tracking obligations.
• Oversee and coordinate the Navigators and Voyagers program within ERA.
• Facilitate the AI Steering Committee.
• Oversee deployment of OTTO/ODIN platforms, Wrenchie, Ask-an-Engineer AI, OEE Power BI, MDE rollout, AI vision applications, and Project LIFT.
• Maintain vendor and partner relationships with AI platform providers.
• Drive delivery of the Newell-IQ MES program across manufacturing sites.
• Oversee CMMS and OT connectivity platforms.
• Lead manufacturing data strategy for AI model training pipelines.
• Collaborate with IT, OT, and business intelligence teams.
• Lead cross-functional engineering technology projects.
• Evaluate and introduce emerging technologies relevant to manufacturing operations.
• Represent ERA in Quantum Leap (QL) and AI Enablement governance forums.
• Manage portfolio of technology initiatives with full P&L accountability.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of AI engineers, digital program managers, and training specialists.
• Develop direct reports through coaching, career pathing, and performance management.
• Present program status, strategic initiatives, and investment proposals to GPSN leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, or a related technical discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in engineering, technology program management, or AI/digital transformation roles.
• Demonstrated experience deploying AI, ML, or industrial analytics platforms at scale.
• Proven leadership of cross-functional programs in a global, matrixed organization.
• Strong financial acumen; experience managing program budgets.
• Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience leading operational technology, automation, manufacturing, distribution, logistics, or supply chain transformation initiatives.
• Experience leveraging operational KPIs to drive business results.
• Proven ability to translate operational challenges into scalable digital solutions.
• Experience working within complex manufacturing and distribution environments.
• Track record of delivering productivity, cost reduction, quality, service, capacity, or reliability improvements.
• Experience leading initiatives involving Operations, Engineering, Reliability, Continuous Improvement, Quality, Supply Chain, and IT stakeholders.

Preferred

• Experience with manufacturing execution systems (MES), CMMS platforms, OT/ICS architecture, or SCADA/PLC environments.
• Familiarity with PEAK, Lean, or Six Sigma continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience operating within a large CPG or industrial goods supply chain organization.
• Prior ownership of an AI center of excellence, innovation lab, or digital transformation program office.
• Experience supporting highly automated manufacturing facilities or distribution centers.
• Working knowledge of Power BI, manufacturing analytics platforms, digital twins, predictive maintenance, OEE reporting, or operational performance management systems.
• Experience deploying AI-powered solutions within frontline operational environments.

Benefits

• Remote base pay range for this position is from $165,200- $227,250.