Director of Innovation
Overview
Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a Director of Innovation to lead the firm's enterprise AI strategy, governance framework, and innovation initiatives. This role will define and maintain an AI and automation roadmap, enabling modernization of operations, streamlining workflows, and fostering a culture of continuous innovation.
Responsibilities
Define and maintain a short and longer term AI and automation roadmap aligned to firm priorities with operations and corporate services; translate emerging AI (including GenAI) capabilities into business-ready opportunities; provide leadership with regular updates on priorities, progress, outcomes, and ROI.
Evaluate, prioritize, and enable adoption of AI initiatives through partnerships with project executives, design managers, and end users; build and sustain an AI champion network; partner with HR/learning and knowledge to build AI fluency through training, playbooks, and change management.
Partner with Technology leadership to align initiatives with approved platforms, architecture, and security standards; coordinate with Legal, Risk, and Information Security on responsible AI practices (including handling of client/project data, contracts, drawings, specifications, and models); establish guardrails for vendor tools and data access; maintain documentation to support audit and contractual compliance.
Transition approved initiatives into implementation with clear business requirements, target workflows, training/adoption plans (including field enablement), and success metrics—while maintaining appropriate separation between pilot ownership and large-scale delivery.
Identify, evaluate, and lead initiatives that improve operational efficiency, system integration, and enterprise connectivity through the adoption of innovative technologies and scalable digital solutions.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems/Management, Computer/Data Science, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience) required. Advanced degree (MBA/MS) preferred.
10+ years of progressive experience in strategy, operations, transformation, or digital enablement, with demonstrated success delivering measurable outcomes in a AEC environment (or similarly complex, project-based services).
Working knowledge of security, privacy, compliance, and responsible AI practices.
Experience with common AEC technology ecosystems (e.g., BIM/VDC platforms, ERP systems, project management/document control, estimating and scheduling tools) and deploying digital solutions throughout company.
Demonstrated experience applying AI/ML (including generative AI) to real-world business processes; ability to translate opportunities from AEC data sources (project documents, contracts, schedules, cost data, drawings/specifications, BIM/VDC models) into usable solutions.
Experience establishing roadmaps, use-case intake/backlogs, data governance, and delivery guardrails; comfort running pilots with clear success metrics and scale/stop decisions; familiarity with BIM/VDC standards and project information management concepts is a plus.
Ability to read, write, and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically and innovatively, with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
Proven leadership and influencing skills with the ability to drive alignment and collaboration across cross-functional teams and stakeholders without direct authority.
Exceptional facilitation, presentation, and executive communication skills.
Working knowledge of cybersecurity, data privacy, compliance, and responsible AI principles, with the ability to effectively partner with Legal, Risk Management, and IT Security teams.
Advanced and consistent understanding of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and operational standards.
Ability to partner effectively with Legal, Risk, and IT Security.
Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, perform effectively under pressure, and meet critical deadlines.
Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively within and across teams, balancing competing priorities while fostering a positive and respectful team environment.
Demonstrates a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results with accountability and attention to detail.
Maintains the highest level of professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive, confidential, and proprietary information.
Travel will be required to other CED offices.
What We Offer
Company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Paid pregnancy disability leave.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Lifetime life insurance.
A company-matched 401(k)/Roth.
Paid time off that includes parental and military leave.
Employee referral and professional license bonuses.
A straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.
Reimbursement for education.
A free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses.
Mentorship program.
Wellness program.
Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.