Location: preference for Midwest or East Coast candidates near plant locations (Chicago, Kansas City, Springfield, MO, The Woodlands, TX, Gainesville, GA).
Summary
The Manager – AI Solutions & Automation (Procurement) is a hands-on role responsible for designing, building, and deploying AI-driven tools to enhance global procurement processes. This role partners directly with procurement teams to identify challenges through interviews, process observation, and on-site engagement, translating needs into practical AI-enabled solutions. It owns the end-to-end lifecycle—from problem definition through deployment and iteration. The focus is on improving visibility, speed, and decision-making through lightweight, internally built AI tools and automation (vs. large enterprise platforms). The ideal candidate brings strong problem-solving skills, hands-on experience building AI/automation solutions, and the ability to translate business needs into functional tools. Procurement experience is a plus but not required.
Key Responsibilities
Business Discovery & Prioritization
- Partner with stakeholders to understand workflows, challenges, and inefficiencies
- Identify and prioritize AI/automation opportunities based on impact and feasibility
- Translate business needs into clear use cases and requirements
AI Solution Development
- Design, build, and deploy AI agents and automation tools
- Support use cases such as spend visibility, supplier insights, risk monitoring, RFQs, contract analysis, and workflow automation
- Develop both prototypes and production-ready solutions using modern AI tools and APIs
Testing, Deployment & Adoption
- Rapidly prototype, test, and refine solutions with end users
- Deploy tools into live workflows and drive adoption through training and support
- Iterate based on feedback and performance metrics
Data Integration & Enablement
- Leverage internal data to power AI-driven insights
- Integrate solutions with ERP and procurement systems as needed
- Ensure solutions are simple, scalable, and effective
Continuous Improvement
- Identify new opportunities for AI within procurement
- Stay current on emerging technologies and expand tool capabilities over time
Qualifications
- 5–8 years in analytics, automation, AI, or digital solutions
- Proven experience building and deploying AI tools or automation workflows
- Strong experience partnering with business stakeholders to solve operational problems
- Experience with AI agents or intelligent automation solutions
Preferred
- Procurement, supply chain, or operations experience
- Familiarity with ERP/procurement systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, SAP Ariba)
- Experience with data visualization tools
- Background in manufacturing or industrial environments