Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation Manager

About the role

Quanex is seeking a Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Manager to be based in Akron, Ohio or Houston, Texas. The role focuses on developing, governing, and leading enterprise digital transformation and AI strategies, driving organizational change, practical implementation, and measurable business outcomes across manufacturing operations, corporate functions, and core business processes.

Quanex (NYSE: NX) is a global, publicly traded manufacturing company serving OEMs in fenestration, cabinetry, solar, refrigeration and outdoor products markets, committed to innovation, community impact, shareholder value, and employee growth.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the company's enterprise AI strategy, roadmap, governance framework, and adoption initiatives.
• Identify, prioritize, and implement AI and digital transformation opportunities that improve operational efficiency, quality, safety, customer experience, forecasting, and decision‑making.
• Partner with business, manufacturing, and IT leaders to translate operational challenges into practical, scalable technology solutions.
• Lead AI initiatives across manufacturing operations, including production planning, predictive maintenance, quality inspection, computer vision, process optimization, supply chain management, inventory optimization, and shop floor productivity.
• Establish policies, standards, and governance processes that ensure the responsible, secure, ethical, and compliant use of AI technologies.
• Assess and prioritize AI opportunities based on business value, technical feasibility, risk, data readiness, implementation complexity, and return on investment.
• Oversee AI pilots, proofs of concept, vendor evaluations, solution selection, implementation planning, deployment, and ongoing support models.
• Lead enterprise automation and business enablement initiatives that improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and reduce manual processes.
• Drive organizational change management efforts, including stakeholder engagement, communications, training, adoption measurement, and long‑term sustainment.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, legal, compliance, HR, audit, data, infrastructure, and architecture teams to identify and mitigate AI‑related risks.
• Measure and communicate program success through key performance indicators such as productivity improvements, cost savings, quality enhancements, risk reduction, and employee adoption.
• Monitor emerging AI technologies, industry trends,