IT MANAGER - AI

Job Summary

An IT Manager – AI plans, directs, and manages the adoption, governance, and support of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies across Knife River Corporation and its subsidiaries. This role provides leadership in developing and executing an AI technology vision, aligned with the company’s business process improvement framework, to responsibly integrate AI capabilities into information systems, operational processes, and long-term strategic objectives.

Responsibilities

• Consults with department managers and operating companies to develop system solutions and implementation schedules consistent with organizational objectives.
• Aid in the preparation and administration of Company’s information technology budget, procurement and contract negotiations with vendors and service providers to contribute to the cost-effective operations of the corporation.
• Directs, manages and motivates qualified staff to effectively carry out departmental functions and provide continuity of specialized skills.
• Provide formal and informal management of Information Technology staff located at various operating companies to insure consistent communication and implementation of IT strategy and the efficient utilization of IT skills.
• Provide training and education to Information Technology personnel to enhance their job performance as well as promote personal and professional growth within the company.
• Responsible for all IT general controls across KRC companies to ensure SOX compliance.
• Ensures the accuracy and enforcement of IT policies, standards and security measures to safeguard information resources.
• Develops and communicates standards for use, operations, and security of network, personal computers, and data in coordination with the Knife River technology group.
• Makes recommendations on available technologies and directs development and implementation efforts to ensure company’s ability to adopt new technologies quickly and efficiently.
• Represent the company at regional and national meetings regarding information technology matters.
• Direct and manage Knife River and external Information Technology services providers.
• Defines the level of service and deliverables that are to be provided to the Knife River Corporation as well as negotiate associated fees for that service.
• Travel to subsidiary companies for application implementations and support will be required.
• Available to assist with scheduled on-call support and technical emergencies as required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data/Information Systems, or a related field — or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three+ years of progressive IT experience, including the delivery and support of enterprise business applications and integrations.
• Two+ years of hands-on experience with AI/ML or generative-AI technologies — evaluating, deploying, or supporting tools such as Microsoft Copilot, large language models, or AI-enabled operational systems.
• Three+ of supervisory, team-lead, or project-management experience leading technical staff and cross-functional initiatives.
• Working knowledge of data governance, privacy, and security as they apply to AI — including how data is shared with, processed by, and retained in AI systems.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business problems into AI use cases and to manage the full lifecycle from pilot to production (idea → pilot → scale).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills — able to explain AI concepts, benefits, and risks clearly to both executives and frontline operations staff.

Preferred Requirements

• Exposure to MLOps / AI solution operations— model/version management, monitoring for accuracy and drift, and human-in-the-loop review.
• Data foundation skills— relational databases (SQL Server/Oracle), data platforms, and analytics/BI (e.g., Power BI), supporting your data-modernization effort.
• Financial modeling for ROI / business-case developmenton technology and AI investments.
• Change-management and training experience— driving adoption and AI literacy across a distributed, non-technical workforce.
• Relevant certifications— e.g., Microsoft AI/Azure (AI-102, AI-900), PMP, ITIL, or a recognized AI-governance/security credential.
• Awareness of compliance regimes touching AI/data— SOX (IT general controls) and CMMC, given your current planning.
• Vendor and consultant management experience— evaluating and negotiating with AI/technology providers.