Director Artificial Intelligence

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Job Title

Director Artificial Intelligence

Leads the strategy, delivery, and adoption of AI and automation solutions across CoorsTek. This role is responsible for turning data, GenAI, and automation capabilities into practical tools that improve safety, quality, throughput, customer experience, and cost efficiency in a global advanced ceramics manufacturing environment. This role will have supervisory responsibilities for the automation team providing leadership for close integrations between AI, Agents and transactional system to system interactions. The Director partners closely with IT, Operations, R&D, Finance, HR, and Commercial teams to build a scalable, secure AI and automation foundation that supports CoorsTek’s long-term growth.

Roles & Responsibilities:

• Strategic Vision and Execution. Set and maintain the AI and automation roadmap aligned to CoorsTek’s business strategy, IT strategy, and key value streams (smart manufacturing, supply chain, commercial, and corporate functions). Prioritize a clear portfolio of use cases, balancing quick wins with multi-year platform investments.
• Solution Delivery and Platforms. Oversee design and implementation of AI, GenAI, and automation solutions (e.g., copilots, machine learning models, RPA, workflow automation, intelligent document processing, MCP/A2A, etc.). Ensure these solutions integrate with core platforms such as SAP, MES, and the enterprise data platform.
• Data, Governance, and Risk Management. Partner with Data & Analytics, Cybersecurity, and Legal/Compliance to ensure responsible use of AI. Establish and run light-weight governance for model lifecycle, security/privacy, regulatory considerations, and alignment with CoorsTek policies and standards.
• Monitoring the performance and suggests improvements. Define and track KPIs (e.g., hours saved, cycle time reduction, defect reduction, improved forecast accuracy, revenue impact). Regularly report outcomes and recommendations to IT and business leadership, adjusting priorities based on realized value and capacity.
• Change Management and Adoption. Establish end user integration and adoption strategies aligned with broader CoorsTek AI strategy to drive AI and automation literacy across CoorsTek through playbooks, training, and internal communities of practice. Work with HR and Communications to support adoption, clarify impacts on roles and skills, and highlight success stories from plants and functions.
• Leadership, Team, and Vendor Management. Lead a small, high-impact internal team and coordinate external partners as needed. Manage relationships with key AI and automation vendors and systems integrators, ensuring CoorsTek gets both value and flexibility from its investments.

Job Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.

Experience:

• 10 years of experience in IT, Data & Analytics, or Digital roles, including 3–5 years leading AI, data science, or intelligent automation initiatives.
• Experience in manufacturing or other asset-intensive industries strongly preferred.
• Prior people leadership experience (direct or matrix) and experience working in a global organization are strongly preferred.

Functional/Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Advanced AI / Automation Skills - Strong understanding of AI/ML (including GenAI), RPA, workflow automation, and integration patterns. Able to review solution designs and guide teams on architecture, security, and scalability.
• Strong Communication and Leadership Skills - Effective at translating technical concepts into clear business outcomes for plant managers, functional leaders, and executives. Experienced in leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing without direct authority in a global setting.
• Strong Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills - Comfortable breaking down complex operational and business challenges, using data to size opportunities and measure impact. Skilled in prioritizing initiatives under capacity and budget constraints.
• Relationship Building - Builds trusted partnerships with Operations, R&D, Finance, HR, and Commercial leaders. Listens well, understands plant and functional realities, and co-creates solutions rather than “pushing tools.”
• Strategic and Practical Orientation - Thinks long-term about AI capabilities while staying grounded in what can be delivered and supported today in a manufacturing environment. Balances experimentation with reliability and supportability.

Target Hiring Range

Annual Salary: USD 140,000.00 - USD 198,000.00

Actual compensation is commensurate with experience, skills and education. CoorsTek strives to give all qualified applicants equal opportunity and to make selection decisions on job related factors. Do not provide any information on the application which will indicate your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law or regulation.

If you like working for a company that makes a real difference in the world, you'll enjoy your career with us!