Director of IT & AI Innovation

Job Description

Job DescriptionJob Title: Director of IT & AI InnovationLocation: Buffalo, NYHire Type: Direct HirePay Range: $140,000–$190,000 total compensation, depending on experience and compensation mixWork Model: 100% OnsiteSchedule: Monday – Friday, approximately 8:30 AM–5:00 PM; additional availability as business needs requireRecruiter Contact: Samantha Marranca | smarranca@imaginegroup.comThe compensation range discussed represents total compensation rather than base salary alone and may include variable compensation tied to overall company performance. This is an onsite leadership role.Nature & Scope:Positional OverviewOur client is seeking a Director of IT & AI Innovation to lead the strategic direction and execution of technology initiatives while overseeing the company’s core IT environment. The Director will be responsible for aligning IT and AI strategy with business objectives, improving operational efficiency, and identifying opportunities to apply emerging technologies across the organization.The position leads an IT organization that includes ERP, infrastructure, systems administration, vendors, security, and technology operations. The incoming Director will also have an opportunity to help shape the future structure of the IT team as the organization plans for upcoming staffing changes and future hires.In addition to traditional IT leadership, this role will drive AI innovation, evaluate emerging technologies, and lead the development and implementation of AI-enabled solutions that improve business processes and decision-making.Role & Responsibility:Tasks That Will Lead To Your Success

• Develop and execute a comprehensive IT and AI strategy aligned with company goals and business priorities.
• Lead and manage the IT organization, including ERP, infrastructure, systems administration, technology operations, and related resources.
• Provide leadership, mentorship, accountability, and direction to IT professionals while helping shape the future structure of the team.
• Identify, evaluate, and lead AI-driven initiatives that improve business processes, operational efficiency, and decision-making.
• Oversee the design, development, implementation, security, scalability, and reliability of IT systems and infrastructure.
• Partner with business leaders and cross-functional teams to identify technology needs and opportunities for innovation.
• Maintain strong cybersecurity and data-protection practices across the technology environment.
• Manage external technology vendors and partners to ensure effective delivery of services and solutions.
• Manage IT budgets, resource allocation, project priorities, and large-scale technology initiatives.
• Monitor and report on IT and AI initiatives using data-driven insights to measure outcomes and guide decisions.
• Promote agile practices, continuous improvement, experimentation, and responsible adoption of emerging technologies.
• Remain engaged with critical technology needs outside standard business hours when necessary.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of IT management experience with responsibility for strategic planning and execution.
• Proven experience leading AI innovation projects or initiatives.
• Strong traditional IT leadership background spanning infrastructure, systems, applications/ERP, security, vendors, and technology operations.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with stakeholders at multiple levels of an organization.
• Demonstrated experience with budget management and resource allocation for significant IT initiatives.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, machine learning concepts, and data analytics.
• Excellent leadership, team-management, strategic-thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical business stakeholders.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA, master’s degree, or other relevant advanced degree.
• Leadership experience within a manufacturing or technology-driven organization.
• Experience modernizing ERP, infrastructure, applications, or other enterprise technology environments.
• Experience building or restructuring IT teams and developing internal technical talent.
• Experience driving enterprise adoption of AI and emerging technologies.

Team & Environment

• Executive-level technology leadership role responsible for the company’s IT and AI direction.
• Oversees an IT environment that includes ERP and systems/infrastructure resources, with future team-building expected.
• Works closely with company leadership and cross-functional business teams.
• Fully onsite in Buffalo, with an expectation of remaining engaged when technology needs arise outside normal business hours.