Manager, AI & Automation

Position Overview

a.k.a. Brands is seeking an AI & Automation Manager to scale the strategic implementation, technical execution, and organizational adoption of AI and automation technologies across our enterprise. This is a manager-level role reporting to the CIO, combining hands-on development and engineering with platform scaling and team building.

Key Responsibilities

• Hands-On Technical Execution (50% of time)
• Design, develop, and deploy AI/automation implementations across merchandising, marketing, supply chain, retail, and operations; balance quick wins with strategic platform projects
• Build and iterate proof-of-concepts using Claude Code, n8n, OpenAI, and other tools; evaluate technical feasibility, cost trade-offs, and ROI before scaling
• Write production code (Python, JavaScript) and review implementation code from team members and partners
• Architecture and integration: APIs, webhooks, data pipelines, error handling, logging, deployment patterns, and cost optimization
• Capture and codify what works; build reusable templates, patterns, and decision frameworks that scale across brands
• Virtual Team Building & Enablement (30% of time)
• Build and lead a virtual team of AI/Automation specialists across brands
• Develop and deliver hands-on training programs (workshops, documentation, office hours, certifications) to enable teams to adopt and extend AI tools independently
• Mentor individual contributors and managers on AI/automation best practices; identify emerging talent and mobilize them to high-impact projects
• Create and curate AI/Automation communities of practice across the organization; foster peer learning, code sharing, and idea-sharing
• Set up internal learning infrastructure: wikis, Slack channels, documentation standards, mentorship programs
• Platform Governance & Strategy (15% of time)
• Design and operationalize the AI/Automation platform strategy, architecture, and governance framework (building on existing vendor relationships)
• Manage vendor relationships with Claude/Anthropic, n8n, OpenAI, and emerging vendors; optimize licensing, feature fit, and cost
• Establish standards for AI ethics, responsible use, data privacy, and risk management; develop governance policies that scale across brands
• Define success metrics, ROI frameworks, and dashboards; track and communicate impact to leadership and the board
• Prioritize roadmap: balance quick wins with strategic platform investments; make resource allocation recommendations
• Change Leadership & Organizational Impact (5% of time)
• Be the visible change agent and champion for AI adoption; evangelize opportunities and de-risk concerns across the organization
• Communicate with C-suite and boards on AI strategy, roadmap, and business impact; influence portfolio-level decisions
• Monitor AI/automation industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging best practices; recommend new tools and methodologies
• Work with CFO/Finance to forecast AI/automation spend, optimize platform costs, and track ROI

Required Qualifications

• 4-6 years hands-on experience building, deploying, or scaling AI/ML applications or automation tools; demonstrated ability to operate at increasing levels of complexity
• Proven ability to write and ship production code in Python, JavaScript, or similar; comfortable in full-stack implementation and code review
• Hands-on proficiency with one or more AI platforms (Claude API, ChatGPT/OpenAI API, or other LLMs); shipped at least one project in production
• Solid understanding of workflow automation platforms (n8n, Zapier, Make, or similar); experience with API integrations and building multi-step workflows
• Track record of enabling others, mentoring, documenting, or creating internal tools that scale beyond your own work
• Experience managing vendor relationships, evaluating SaaS platforms, or negotiating contracts (at any level)
• Able to translate between technical detail and business impact; comfort presenting to executives and cross-functional leaders
• Strong project management and bias-toward-execution; thrives in ambiguous environments with competing priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication; creates playbooks, documentation, and training materials

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with Claude, Claude Code, Claude API, or Anthropic products
• E-commerce, retail, supply chain, or logistics technology background; understands operational complexity at scale
• First manager or team lead experience; hired, mentored, or grew early-stage technical teams
• Data warehousing (Snowflake) or analytics platform experience
• Built internal tools, platforms, or playbooks that became org-wide standards
• Open source contributions or community participation in AI/automation spaces

The pay range for this role is:

• 180,000 - 225,000 USD per year (San Francisco Office)

IT

San Francisco, CA