Director of AI/IT

Job Title: Director of Enterprise AI & Technology Location: Ocala, FL Position Summary The Director of Enterprise AI & Technology will lead our client's next phase of technology-enabled transformation, serving as the organization's primary AI leader, hands-on builder, and strategic partner to the business. The primary focus of this role is to shape and execute the enterprise AI strategy, identify high-value opportunities, and build practical solutions that improve how the organization operates, makes decisions, and serves its customers. Working directly with executive and functional leaders, this individual will translate business challenges into AI-enabled solutions, lead adoption and change management, establish responsible governance, and demonstrate measurable business value. This is a highly visible working leadership role for someone who can move fluidly from strategy to execution by evaluating emerging technologies, developing solutions, guiding implementation, and helping leaders reimagine how work gets done. In addition to leading the AI transformation, the Director will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the established Information Technology function, including enterprise applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity, end-user support, and SAP. The role is not intended to serve as the primary SAP technical or functional expert. Rather, this leader will ensure the broader technology environment remains secure, reliable, and aligned with the company's evolving business and transformation priorities. Key Responsibilities Enterprise AI Transformation & Adoption Develop and execute the enterprise AI strategy and implementation roadmap, aligned with business priorities and measurable outcomesServe as a trusted AI transformation partner to executive and functional leaders, identifying high-value opportunities across Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, Operations, and other business functionsTranslate business problems and operational opportunities into prioritized AI, automation, and data-enabled use cases with clearly defined success measuresPersonally evaluate, prototype, build, deploy, and scale AI and automation solutions, including large language model applications, intelligent workflows, machine learning solutions, data pipelines, and business-system integrationsLead build-versus-buy decisions and determine when the company should develop, purchase, configure, or partner for AI capabilitiesGuide solutions from concept and pilot through implementation, adoption, ongoing support, and enterprise scalePartner with business leaders to redesign processes and workflows rather than simply layering technology onto existing practicesLead enterprise-wide AI adoption through practical training, education, change management, and development of internal AI championsEstablish responsible AI governance addressing cybersecurity, data privacy, intellectual property, vendor risk, acceptable use, human oversight, and applicable regulatory considerationsDevelop and communicate performance measures for AI initiatives, including adoption, productivity, cost savings, decision quality, risk reduction, and return on investmentProvide leadership with clear, practical updates regarding AI priorities, progress, risks, investment needs, and business outcomes Technology Leadership & Oversight Provide strategic oversight of enterprise applications, infrastructure, network operations, cybersecurity, technical support, system administration, and technology vendorsLead and develop the Information Technology team, establishing clear accountability for reliable day-to-day technology operations and responsive business supportEnsure the security, availability, continuity, and performance of systems supporting manufacturing and business operationsProvide oversight of SAP and related reporting and integration technologies, relying on internal and external subject-matter experts for detailed configuration and functional supportOversee technology policies, system controls, data governance standards, business continuity planning, disaster recovery, contracts, vendors, and technology budgets What Success Looks Like (First-Year Outcomes) Establishes a prioritized enterprise AI roadmap tied to company objectives and defined business outcomesAssesses the organization's current AI capabilities, tools, data readiness, governance requirements, and adoption barriersDeploys and scales practical AI solutions across multiple business functionsEstablishes responsible AI governance and acceptable-use standardsBuilds AI literacy and adoption among leaders and associates through practical education and supportDefines and communicates measurable business value from AI investmentsMaintains effective strategic oversight of Information Technology without allowing routine IT demands to displace the AI transformation mandate Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related technical field; equivalent relevant experience may be consideredHands-on experience personally designing and building AI and automation solutions, and deploying them in a business environment (large language model applications, machine learning, data pipelines, intelligent workflows), not only directing or purchasing them; depth of personal build experience is the primary screen for this rolePractical, current command of modern AI tooling sufficient to build and evaluate solutions directly: large language models and their APIs, prompt and agent design, retrieval (RAG), and working scripting ability (Python or equivalent)Demonstrated experience leading enterprise AI transformation from strategy through implementation, adoption, and measurable business impactExperience partnering with executive and functional leaders to identify high-value use cases and translate business needs into practical technology solutionsExperience leading organizational adoption, process redesign, training, and change management associated with emerging technologyExperience establishing artificial intelligence governance and responsible-use frameworksStrong understanding of data, cloud platforms, enterprise integration, cybersecurity, and technology architectureLeadership experience overseeing technical teams, enterprise applications, vendors, or technology partnersSound judgment regarding build-versus-buy decisions and the ability to explain technical opportunities, limitations, trade-offs, and risks clearly to nontechnical audiencesAbility to balance hands-on solution development with enterprise leadership, governance, and executive partnershipCandidates are encouraged to share examples of AI solutions they have personally built and shipped: a demo, a deployed tool, a repository, or a measurable business outcome Preferred Qualifications Experience overseeing an ERP-enabled technology environmentFamiliarity with SAP, including S/4HANA, BW, SAC, EDI, or related technologiesExperience with Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or comparable cloud platformsExperience in manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, distribution, or another operationally complex environment Ideal Candidate Profile The successful candidate is a business-minded AI transformation leader who builds, influences, and delivers. This person combines enough technical depth to create and evaluate solutions with the leadership presence to partner with executives, shape organizational priorities, drive adoption, and translate emerging technology into measurable business performance.