AI Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Work Authorization Requirement: Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Universal Corporation is unable to provide visa sponsorship or transfer sponsorship for this position now or in the future.

Position: AI Specialist

Location/Department: Richmond Headquarters/ Information Systems

Work Arrangement:  Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote)

Status:  Full-Time/ Salaried Exempt
Reports To:  AI Project Manager

Our Company

The Global Leader in Premium Leaf Tobacco Supply 

Universal Leaf Tobacco Company is the world’s leading supplier of premium leaf tobacco, with over 100 years of experience sourcing, processing, and delivering tobacco crops tailored to customer specifications. With operations spanning major tobacco-regions across five continents, we connect hundreds of thousands of farmers to global manufacturers through a reliable, transparent, and traceable supply chain.

Our portfolio includes flue-cured, burley, oriental, and dark tobaccos, supported by deep agronomic expertise and advanced processing capabilities. Beyond the leaf, we offer value-added services such as customized blending, next-generation nicotine solutions, recycled by-products, and digital traceability tools that enhance efficiency and sustainability across the supply chain.

Universal Leaf Tobacco is more than a supplier – we are a long-term partner committed to responsible sourcing, farmer support, and continuous innovation. By investing in agricultural communities and upholding the highest standards of quality and compliance, we help ensure a resilient tobacco supply for generations to come.

Summary

As an AI Specialist at Universal, you will support the Global AI Program by helping business teams identify, test, document, and adopt practical AI and automation solutions. This role works across business and technical teams to support AI use case intake, mid-code solution development, user enablement, and responsible adoption of approved technologies such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Automate, Power Platform, and other AI-enabled tools. 

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

• Assist the AI Project Manager and business stakeholders with identifying, documenting, assessing, prioritizing, and tracking AI and automation opportunities across global business functions.
• Support the design, configuration, testing, documentation, and maintenance of AI agents, copilots, automation workflows, prototypes, pilots, and knowledge-based solutions using approved AI technologies.
• Work with business users, technical teams, vendors, IT, and project owners to support AI solution implementation from concept through deployment.
• Provide end-user support, troubleshooting, training, demonstrations, office hours, quick reference materials, and adoption guidance to increase AI literacy and effective use of approved tools.
• Assist Global AI Team with AI governance activities, including use case documentation, responsible AI practices, data privacy awareness, information security considerations, and follow-up with global Advisors and Champions.
• Track solution performance, user adoption, business value, open action items, lessons learned, and improvement opportunities to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
• Stay informed on emerging AI technologies and share relevant ideas, risks, and observations with the Global AI Team.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in information systems, business, data analytics, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Two or more years of experience in business analysis, AI automation, technology support, project coordination, process improvement, technology enablement, or a related field.
• Experience gathering business requirements and translating business needs into practical technology solutions.
• Strong analytical, organizational, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to manage assigned tasks and action items with guidance in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in preparing presentations, reports, training materials, process documentation, or business communications.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and responsible technology adoption.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, AI agents, Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI, or other Microsoft Power Platform technologies.
• Familiarity with workflow automation, process mapping, data analysis, reporting, or business process measurement.
• Experience supporting training sessions, workshops, demonstrations, office hours, or technology adoption activities.
• Knowledge of data governance, information security, AI governance, privacy requirements, or responsible AI practices.
• Relevant certifications or coursework in Microsoft Power Platform, Azure AI, analytics, project management, AI fundamentals, automation, or change management.
• Experience working in a global or cross-functional business environment.
  
  
  
  

Benefits
We offer a wide range of market-competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long-term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.

EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet Employer


All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The salary range for this position is $66,000 – $88,333. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and internal equity, in alignment with our compensation structure.