Director - AI & Data Strategy (Retail Transformation)

Job Description

Intellibus Consulting is a boutique engineering and AI transformation firm that builds Intelligent Business Platforms for enterprises undergoing large-scale digital modernization.

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Hybrid role based in or near Phoenix, AZ (client HQ proximity required)

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We are not slide-only consultants. We are hands-on builders , and everyone, including leadership, is expected to roll up their sleeves in delivery.

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We are leading AI-driven modernization for a large brick-and-mortar retail organization , spanning:

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• Store operations systems
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• Merchandising platforms
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• Supply chain and logistics
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• Customer-facing digital experiences
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• Enterprise data and AI platforms
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This role will own AI strategy, execution, and retail business transformation , while also building and scaling Intellibus’ Retail Business Unit.

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Job Description

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We are seeking a Director – AI & Data Strategy (Retail Transformation) to lead executive-level AI initiatives and build a scalable retail delivery practice for Intellibus.

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This role sits at the intersection of:

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• Retail business strategy
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• AI & data platforms
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• Engineering execution
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You will partner directly with CIO, CTO, CDO, and business executives , translate strategy into executable programs, and oversee delivery across multiple squads covering:

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• AI experimentation
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• Data foundations
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• Engineering modernization
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This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is equally comfortable in the boardroom and deep in delivery planning and technical reviews.

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What We Are Specifically Looking For

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We are targeting leaders with experience in:

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• Brick-and-mortar retail, grocery, or omnichannel enterprises
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• Merchandising and supply chain platforms
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• Store operations and POS ecosystems
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• Retail data platforms and analytics
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• AI applied to operational decision-making
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Ideal backgrounds include companies such as:

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large grocery chains, big-box retailers, or retail technology divisions where technology had to coexist with real-world operations.

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Retail transformation experience is mandatory.

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Key Responsibilities

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Executive Leadership & Strategy

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• Serve as the primary Intellibus partner to the client’s Executive Leadership Team.
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• Translate business priorities into a prioritized portfolio of AI and data initiatives.
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• Lead executive AI roadmap reviews and value realization discussions.
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• Ensure all initiatives align with governance, compliance, and ethical AI standards.
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• Act as a trusted advisor balancing ambition with technical and operational reality.
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Program Direction & Delivery Oversight

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• Own delivery across three core workstreams.
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• AI pilots and rapid experimentation.
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• Data foundations and integration platforms.
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• Engineering excellence and modernization.
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• Coordinate ~20–30 engineers, data scientists, and delivery leads.
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• Manage execution plans, sprint cadence, and dependency resolution.
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• Track KPIs including productivity, cycle time, and business impact.
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• Ensure integration across AI, data, and engineering initiatives.
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Technical & Operational Leadership

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• Provide architectural oversight for AI and data platforms.
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• Guide AI problem framing, experimentation design, and success metrics.
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• Advise on cloud platforms, MLOps, and data engineering practices.
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• Understand retail systems (POS, loyalty, merchandising, supply chain) and how AI enhances them.
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• Review and approve major technical deliverables.
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Team & Practice Leadership

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• Build and scale Intellibus’ Retail AI delivery practice.
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• Mentor squad leads and technical managers.
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• Standardize methodologies across AI, data, and engineering teams.
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• Partner with internal operations to scale delivery globally.
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• Represent Intellibus’ standards of engineering excellence and ethical AI.
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Governance, Reporting & Value Realization

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• Establish operating cadence.
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• Weekly squad syncs.
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• Bi-weekly sprint reviews.
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• Monthly executive checkpoints.
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• Deliver executive dashboards quantifying ROI and operational impact.
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• Publish quarterly AI practice updates and roadmap adjustments.
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• Drive continuous improvement across delivery and governance.
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Required Qualifications

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• 12–20 years in technology, AI, data, or digital transformation.
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• 5+ years in executive-facing leadership or consulting roles.
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• Direct retail, grocery, or supply chain domain experience (mandatory).
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Strong understanding of :

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• AI/ML systems and experimentation.
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• Data engineering and analytics platforms.
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• Cloud and modern software architecture.
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• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams (20–30+).
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• Executive communication and influence skills.
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• Consulting or systems integration background strongly preferred.
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Compensation: $80-$100/hr

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Interview Process

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1. 15-minute introductory video call with a member of our team.
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2. Proctored GQ assessment and slide-ware exercise to evaluate problem-solving and presentation skills.
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3. Leadership and Executive interviews (panel or individual sessions, as needed).
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4. Offer decision and onboarding.
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If you are interested in reaching out, please apply, and our team will contact you within the hour.