Director of Artificial Intelligence

AI Program Director – Transform Manufacturing with Artificial Intelligence

Your Impact

As the AI Program Director, you will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive AI strategy that drives measurable improvements across our manufacturing business. You will define the roadmap for AI initiatives, implement solutions that enhance efficiency and customer experience, and build a company-wide AI capability that accelerates decision making and business growth. This role blends visionary leadership, technical expertise, and organizational influence to transform how we leverage AI in industrial operations.

What You'll Be Doing

• AI Strategy and Execution (70%)
• Develop, deliver, and maintain a comprehensive AI roadmap, including foundational systems, quick wins, and high-impact opportunities aligned with business objectives
• Drive adoption of AI-enabled tools across teams through effective training, communication, and change management
• Implement AI solutions that measurably improve efficiency, productivity, and resource utilization across functions
• Partner with the Business Intelligence team to establish AI and analytics capabilities that empower leaders with actionable insights
• Leverage AI to enhance customer experience, personalization, and identify new market opportunities
• Ensure all AI platforms and solutions comply with security and governance standards
• Organizational Development (30%)
• Build and lead a dedicated AI team
• Establish a cross-divisional AI network to maximize opportunities and drive overall EBITDA growth

What You'll Bring

• Proven track record of driving progressive AI initiatives across all aspects of an organization, with 5 years dedicated to investigating and implementing AI solutions, ideally in a manufacturing setting.
• Visionary leadership with the ability to set a long-term AI strategy aligned with manufacturing goals
• Expertise in program and portfolio management, leading multiple AI initiatives with measurable ROI
• Strong AI and machine learning knowledge, including model development, training, deployment, and lifecycle management
• Solid understanding of data strategy, governance, and AI best practices
• Experience building, mentoring, and developing AI or data science teams in an industrial or manufacturing setting
• Excellent communication skills to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization

Who We Are

M2S Group is a leader in materials science and engineered coatings, bringing together four innovative companies: Nekoosa, Appvion, Decorative Films, and Iconex. Together, we deliver six specialized solutions across application tapes, carbonless paper, architectural window films, direct thermal products, extruded films, and specialty print media.

As a Wynnchurch Capital L.P. portfolio company, we combine the energy and agility of a growing organization with the resources of a market leader. Our teams are focused on driving innovation, operational excellence, and creating real value for our customers around the world.

Our culture is guided by four core values: Safety First, Growth Focused, Be Authentic, and Win Together. These values shape how we collaborate, how we innovate, and how we make an impact every day.

M2S Group is a community of forward-thinking professionals who are shaping the future of materials science and engineered coatings. We embrace new ideas, challenge the status quo, and are committed to growing together as a company and as individuals.

What We Can Offer You

We prioritize the health and happiness of our employees by granting new hires eligibility for benefits starting on the 1st of the month following their hire date. Our comprehensive benefits package includes full, low-cost coverage for health, vision, and dental insurance. Additionally, we provide an array of other perks, including:

• Complimentary access to our 24/7, onsite fitness center.
• 100% 401(k) match up to the first 5% contributed, with full vesting day 1.
• Generous annual time off package: including vacation, paid volunteer time, sick or emergency time, and 12 holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250 per year), scholarships for dependents, and more!

The Fine Print

A post-offer background check, and drug screen is required.

Appvion provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact human resources at recruiter@m2sgroup.com.