Manager, Artificial Intelligence & Automation

We are looking for talented individuals who are passionate about making an impact in the company and the community. Apply now and become part of the dynamic energy industry! Help shape the future of AI across the enterprise. We’re looking for a forward-thinking leader to serve as the face of AI and automation within our organization. In this role, you’ll build and lead our enterprise AI & Automation Center of Excellence (CoE), guiding how we evaluate, govern, and scale AI solutions to deliver real business value. This is a high-impact role for someone who thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous environments, enjoys solving complex problems, and brings both strategic vision and hands‑on execution to AI innovation. What You’ll Do Lead enterprise AI strategy by identifying, prioritizing, and scaling high-value use cases across the business Build and run the AI & Automation CoE, including governance, intake, and delivery frameworks Serve as a trusted advisor to leaders, helping determine the right AI solutions while managing risk and security considerations Establish and enforce responsible AI and governance practices Drive adoption of tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform, and other AI technologies Partner across IT, data, security, and business teams to ensure scalable, secure delivery Develop and lead a team, fostering collaboration, growth, and innovation What You Bring 5+ years of experience in AI, analytics, automation, or related fields 5+ years of people leadership experience with strong coaching and team‑building skills Proven success delivering AI or automation solutions from concept to production Strong enterprise and systems thinking with the ability to assess risk and long‑term impact Experience translating business challenges into practical technology solutions Confidence working across teams and influencing senior stakeholders Bonus If You Have Experience with AI platforms (e.g., Copilot, Palantir, or similar) Background in governance, cybersecurity, or regulated environments Familiarity with data platforms, MLOps, or automation frameworks Why This Role Be at the forefront of AI transformation Shape how AI is used responsibly and strategically across the enterprise Lead high‑visibility initiatives with enterprise‑wide impact Work in a collaborative environment that values innovation, curiosity, and continuous learning Position Description The Manager, Artificial Intelligence & Automation is responsible for establishing and leading the enterprise AI and automation capability Center of Excellence (CoE), delivering measurable business value through disciplined execution, strong foundations, and responsible governance. This role builds the structure, operating model, and delivery engine required to scale AI and automation across the organization. As the AI / Automation CoE matures, this role is expected to operate with enterprise‑wide scope and influence, functioning as a senior IT role aligned with the broader IT strategy. The role operates as a key contributor to senior IT leadership, working closely with IT and business leaders to help establish and execute the enterprise IT vision and roadmap aligned with corporate strategy. The Manager, AI & Automation ensures AI and automation initiatives are integrated with enterprise application strategy, data platforms, infrastructure, security, and governance. Responsibilities Key Responsibilities Establish AI / Automation Center of Excellence (CoE) Build and operate the enterprise AI / Automation CoE, defining its mission, scope, operating model, and delivery cadence. Establish clear intake, prioritization, governance, and delivery processes for AI and automation initiatives. Coordinate a federated network of AI and automation champions embedded across business units and IT domains. Serve as the central point of accountability for enterprise AI and automation standards, reusable patterns, and best practices. Execute AI Strategy AI Foundation Partner with Enterprise Data & Analytics to ensure AI‑ready data foundations, including data quality, lineage, access, and MLOps enablement. Own the AI platform build and run, including: Model lifecycle management, orchestration, and monitoring Observability, usage tracking, and responsible‑use controls Guide and enable Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Platform, and related AI tooling Partner with IT Infrastructure & Operations to ensure scalable, reliable, and cost‑effective cloud execution of AI workloads. AI Workforce Readiness Develop and execute an AI workforce readiness strategy, including role‑based learning paths, training programs, and certification support. Build communities of practice and publish playbooks, reference architectures, and reusable assets. Enable employees to achieve: Efficiency – automation of routine work Effectiveness – higher‑quality outcomes Empowerment – capacity for higher‑value, meaningful work Strategic Use Cases Identify, prioritize, and deliver strategic AI use cases, including: Advanced analytics and AI platforms Regulatory, compliance, and audit‑supporting use cases Customer Experience (CX) improvements Partner with business and application leaders to define value cases, success metrics, and scale‑up criteria. Ensure pilots transition to production through repeatable, governed delivery patterns. Identify, Prioritize, and Address Automation Opportunities Establish a structured, enterprise‑wide approach to identify, assess, and prioritize automation opportunities. Leverage AI‑driven automation, workflow automation, and low‑code/no‑code platforms where appropriate. Maintain an enterprise automation pipeline and benefits‑tracking framework. Drive reuse of automation assets and patterns to maximize scale and return on investment. Coordinate with Enterprise Applications and I&O teams to ensure automations are supportable and sustainable. Governance, Risk & Responsible AI Operationalize Responsible AI governance in coordination with the AI Steering Committee and IT Governance. Ensure AI and automation initiatives meet enterprise requirements for security, privacy, compliance, and model risk management. Partner with Enterprise Security to align delivery with security guardrails, Zero Trust principles, and risk acceptance processes. Ensure design adherence to policies underpinned by ethical and responsible AI use. Delivery Excellence & Scale Establish delivery standards and reusable accelerators, including: Templates and reference implementations Model evaluation and validation criteria Deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management practices Facilitate enterprise knowledge sharing through internal portals, showcases, and communities. Continuously improve delivery speed, quality, and reusability. Management Responsibilities Ensure that the Company’s management principles, policies and programs are consistently practiced and continually support the affirmative action plan. Assume fiduciary responsibility for operating the business and provide recommendations on cost improvement measures. Ensure that the performance management program is administered uniformly and effectively. Comply with and administer the terms and conditions of the collective bargaining agreement when applicable. Administers personnel functions, including recruiting, review and approval of job descriptions and salary classifications, and selection and placement of personnel. Participates in hiring, termination, promoting, assignment and direction of staff. Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state and federal laws, regulations and standards, company policies, practices and ethical obligations to investigate, evaluate and recommend appropriate resolution to employee complaints. Promotes and participates in the professional development, personal growth and career planning of staff. Motivate, recognize and reward, coach, counsel, train; provide feedback to employees during performance reviews. Participates in Leadership Development programs. Addresses disciplinary and/or performance issues, according to company policy, and communicates effectively with employees regarding corrective action. Has input into the adjustment of grievances and administration of discipline. Plans day‑to‑day operations, estimates personnel needs and schedules and assigns work. Evaluate the structure and team plan for continual improvement of the efficiency and effectiveness of the group. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.) Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience). 5+ years of experience in AI, analytics, automation, or data‑centric roles in an enterprise environment. 5+ years of experience leading, mentoring, or managing AI, analytics, automation or data‑centric professionals, including performance development and work prioritization. Demonstrated success delivering AI and/or automation solutions from concept to production. Proven ability to translate business problems into AI and/or automation value cases. Strong cross‑functional leadership and stakeholder management skills. Preferred Qualifications Experience in regulated industries (utilities, energy). Experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Platform, and enterprise analytics platforms. Background in MLOps, automation platforms, or data product management. Familiarity with Responsible AI frameworks and enterprise IT governance models. ADA Requirements And Physical Demands Office Work: Sit, Stand, Walk and Bend: This position regularly requires prolonged periods of sitting. Occasionally requires standing, walking, or bending for short periods of time. Use of Hands/Fingers: To operate a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment. Speech/Hearing: This position frequently communicates with others via phone and in‑person. Visual Acuity: For reviewing detailed operational reports. Lifting: Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 15 pounds, as needed. Safety Sensitive: This position does not perform safety sensitive functions. Travel: Regular travel to operational sites, industry events, and stakeholder meetings. #J-18808-Ljbffr Tucson Electric Power