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 DoLead enterprise AI strategy by identifying, prioritizing, and scaling high-value use cases across the businessBuild and run the AI & Automation CoE, including governance, intake, and delivery frameworksServe as a trusted advisor to leaders, helping determine the right AI solutions while managing risk and security considerationsEstablish and enforce responsible AI and governance practicesDrive adoption of tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot, Power Platform, and other AI technologiesPartner across IT, data, security, and business teams to ensure scalable, secure deliveryDevelop and lead a team, fostering collaboration, growth, and innovationWhat You Bring5+ years of experience in AI, analytics, automation, or related fields5+ years of people leadership experience with strong coaching and team-building skillsProven success delivering AI or automation solutions from concept to productionStrong enterprise and systems thinking with the ability to assess risk and long-term impactExperience translating business challenges into practical technology solutionsConfidence working across teams and influencing senior stakeholdersBonus if you have:Experience with AI platforms (e.g., Copilot, Palantir, or similar)Background in governance, cybersecurity, or regulated environmentsFamiliarity with data platforms, MLOps, or automation frameworksWhy This RoleBe at the forefront of AI transformationShape how AI is used responsibly and strategically across the enterpriseLead high-visibility initiatives with enterprise-wide impactWork in a collaborative environment that values innovation, curiosity, and continuous learningIf you’re excited about leading AI at scale, navigating complexity, and making a meaningful impact—this is your opportunity.Position DescriptionThe 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.Key ResponsibilitiesEstablish 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 StrategyAI FoundationPartner 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 monitoringObservability, usage tracking, and responsible‑use controlsGuide and enable Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Platform, and related AI toolingPartner with IT Infrastructure & Operations to ensure scalable, reliable, and cost‑effective cloud execution of AI workloads.AI Workforce ReadinessDevelop 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 workEffectiveness – higher‑quality outcomesEmpowerment – capacity for higher‑value, meaningful workStrategic Use CasesIdentify, prioritize, and deliver strategic AI use cases, including:Advanced analytics and AI platformsRegulatory, compliance, and audit‑supporting use casesCustomer Experience (CX) improvementsPartner 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 OpportunitiesEstablish 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 AIOperationalize 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 useDelivery Excellence & ScaleEstablish delivery standards and reusable accelerators, including:Templates and reference implementationsModel evaluation and validation criteriaDeployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management practicesFacilitate enterprise knowledge sharing through internal portals, showcases, and communities.Continuously improve delivery speed, quality, and reusability.Management ResponsibilitiesEnsure 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 QualificationsBachelor’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 QualificationsExperience in regulated industries (utilities, energy).Experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Platform, and enterprise analytics platformsBackground in MLOps, automation platforms, or data product management.Familiarity with Responsible AI frameworks and enterprise IT governance models.ADA Requirements and Physical Demands:The physical demands as described are representative of those that must be met by the person in this position to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.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 UNS Energy Corporation