Artificial Intelligence Manager

About the role

The Artificial Intelligence Manager will be responsible for developing, governing, and leading the enterprise artificial intelligence strategy for Quanex, with a focus on practical implementation across manufacturing operations, corporate functions, and business processes. This role will partner with IT, Operations, Engineering, Finance, HR, Legal, and business leadership to identify high-value AI opportunities, prioritize use cases, guide responsible adoption, and deliver measurable business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead Quanex’s AI strategy and help shape how AI is used across manufacturing operations, corporate functions, and business processes.
• Establish the company’s AI roadmap, governance framework, policies, standards, and operating model from the ground up.
• Apply AI to real-world challenges such as predictive maintenance, quality inspection, production planning, process optimization, supply chain, and plant productivity.
• Identify, prioritize, and convert high-value AI use cases into successful pilots and production implementations.
• Ensure AI solutions deliver measurable business outcomes, including productivity improvements, cost reductions, quality gains, improved forecasting, reduced downtime, and better decision-making.
• Implement AI initiatives with appropriate attention to security, privacy, compliance, data quality, risk, and responsible AI principles.
• Establish strong partnerships across IT, Operations, Engineering, Finance, HR, Legal, Cybersecurity, and business leadership.
• Provide education, tools, guidance, and confidence needed for employees and leaders to use approved AI technologies effectively and responsibly.
• Evaluate AI vendors, platforms, and technology investments based on business value, scalability, risk, and long-term supportability.
• Ensure executive leadership has clear visibility into AI priorities, investment, progress, adoption, risks, and value realization.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and responsible innovation, integrating AI into how Quanex operates and solves business problems.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, information systems, engineering, business analytics, operations management, or related field required.
• Master’s degree in business administration, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering, or related field preferred.
• Professional certification or training in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, project management, change management, or AI governance preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in information technology, data analytics, digital transformation, operations technology, enterprise applications, or related business technology roles.
• 5+ years of experience leading complex technology, analytics, automation, or digital transformation initiatives across multiple business functions.
• Demonstrated experience implementing AI, automation, advanced analytics, machine learning, or data-driven solutions in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience working with manufacturing systems and processes such as ERP, MES, quality systems, maintenance systems, supply chain systems, production planning, plant operations, and shop floor data preferred.
• Strong understanding of AI concepts, including generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics, computer vision, automation, data governance, and model lifecycle management.
• Experience developing business cases, roadmaps, governance models, program metrics, and executive-level reporting for technology initiatives.
• Requires at least 10 years’ total relevant work experience, with at least 3 years of experience directly supporting AI, advanced analytics, automation, or digital transformation initiatives and at least 2 years leading teams, programs, or cross-functional initiatives.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 401K Match with 2-year vesting period
• Bonus Potential
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Various Work Schedules
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness/Fitness Resources
• Training/Development
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Dynamic Culture & People

Pay

The salary range for this position is $140K–$170K with the potential to earn an annual bonus.