AI Solutions Manager

Magnolia is seeking an experienced and highly motivated AI Solutions Manager to lead the coordination, evaluation, and deployment of enterprise AI initiatives across the organization. This individual will serve as a key liaison between the AI Governance Committee, department stakeholders, Infrastructure, Applications, Security, Data teams, and approved third-party AI partners, ensuring solutions are delivered in alignment with Magnolia's AI Policy, Governance Framework, security standards, and measurable business value objectives. This role will play a critical part in translating business opportunities into practical AI solutions that improve productivity, enhance decision making, and support scalable growth. The AI Solutions Manager will help ensure that initiatives are implemented responsibly, securely, and in a manner consistent with our strategic roadmap, including Microsoft Copilot enablement and broader AI platform capabilities. This position carries significant influence across the organization and will help shape Magnolia's long-term AI operating model. Key Responsibilities: AI Strategy Execution * Partner with IT leadership and the AI Governance Committee to operationalize Magnolia's AI strategy, governance framework, and intake process * Translate approved AI use cases into actionable implementation plans aligned to enterprise architecture and security standards * Ensure AI initiatives are aligned to measurable ROI, business value, and operational efficiency improvements * Maintain alignment with Magnolia's broader digital transformation and technology roadmap Cross-Functional Coordination * Serve as the primary liaison between: * IT teams * Business stakeholders * External AI solution providers * Facilitate collaboration across infrastructure, networking, cloud, cybersecurity, application development, and business teams to ensure AI solutions are properly integrated within existing systems, workflows, and enterprise architecture * Coordinate technical and business resources required to deploy AI capabilities successfully AI Governance & Risk Alignment * Ensure all AI initiatives follow Magnolia's AI policy, security standards, and data governance requirements * Support risk evaluation activities related to privacy, cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, and data protection * Assist in maintaining documentation supporting governance committee review and approval processes * Help define appropriate controls to monitor and manage AI usage across the organization Vendor & Solution Management * Work closely with infrastructure and application development teams to evaluate technical feasibility, integration requirements, scalability, and operational support considerations for proposed AI solutions * Coordinate with approved AI vendors and consulting partners to ensure solutions are implemented according to Magnolia standards * Evaluate third-party AI capabilities for alignment with technical architecture, security requirements, and business needs * Assist with vendor selection processes, proof of concept evaluations, and solution validation * Ensure vendors adhere to Magnolia's architecture, data, and security expectations Solution Enablement & Adoption * Work with business units to understand workflows and identify practical opportunities for AI enablement * Support adoption of Microsoft Copilot and related AI capabilities across the Microsoft ecosystem * Assist in identifying opportunities to improve productivity, automate repetitive tasks, and enhance decision-making capabilities * Help promote responsible and effective use of AI technologies throughout the organization Program Tracking & Communication * Coordinate and participate in project planning, stakeholder communications, implementation activities, and solution delivery efforts associated with AI initiatives * Track progress of AI initiatives from ideation through deployment * Maintain visibility into initiative status, risks, dependencies, and expected business outcomes * Provide updates to IT leadership and the AI Governance Committee * Help ensure transparency and alignment across stakeholders Qualifications: Required Experience * 10+ years of experience in IT, technology consulting, digital transformation, or solution delivery roles * Bachelor's degree in Information Technology or related discipline * Experience coordinating cross-functional technology initiatives * Working knowledge of enterprise infrastructure environments including servers, cloud platforms, networking, and enterprise application ecosystems * Experience participating in or coordinating technology solution delivery, software/application development efforts, and enterprise project implementations * Strong ability to engage with technical teams, business stakeholders, vendors, and end users to gather requirements, communicate expectations, and support solution adoption * Experience collaborating with vendors and third-party solution providers * Strong understanding of technology governance, risk management, and security * Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into technical solutions Preferred Experience * Experience working with AI, machine learning, or automation technologies * Familiarity with Microsoft ecosystem including Microsoft 365, Azure, and Copilot capabilities * Working knowledge of modern programming and scripting languages such as Python, JavaScript, C#, SQL, or similar technologies used in automation, integration, analytics, and AI solution development * Experience supporting technology governance frameworks or intake processes * Experience participating in proof of concept or pilot program delivery * Background in data management, analytics, or enterprise architecture * Knowledge of oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) operations Core Competencies * Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills * Ability to operate effectively in environments with evolving technologies * Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills * Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences * Ability to influence without direct authority * Strong organizational and coordination skills * High degree of professionalism and business acumen * Ability to balance innovation with risk management * Ability to coordinate multiple initiatives and stakeholders within a project-oriented environment