Director of AI & Automation

OWN, Inc. is an engineering firm that believes in the power of employee-ownership. Our talented team builds futures while helping shape the built environment across the country from our offices in Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas. We serve the Private Development and Public Infrastructure markets with core offerings of Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, and Field Services. No matter the project or scope, our clients enjoy problem-solving and service that goes beyond the expected.

We are seeking a strategic and hands-on Director of AI & Automation to lead the implementation of artificial intelligence, automation, and business systems across our employee-owned company. This role will drive practical AI solutions that improve efficiency, support growth, and create value across the organization.

The Director of AI will support both client-facing services and internal business operations by helping teams streamline processes, reduce manual work, improve decision-making, and build scalable systems across functions including operations, engineering, finance, HR, and marketing. This team member will use technology to maximize growth and opportunities and work closely with IT to ensure safe deployment of AI tools.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical capability with operational business thinking and has a passion for implementing real-world AI tools that create measurable impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute OWN’s AI and automation roadmap
• Build AI agents and automated workflows using Google Workspace, APIs, and AI platforms
• Educate/leverage native tools (Gemini), or introduce competing tools to get the most out of our Google platform
• Integrate AI tools with Google Drive, Sheets, Gmail, CRM, project management, and operational systems such as Deltek and Monday.com
• Create automated executive dashboards and reporting systems
• Develop AI-assisted proposal and opportunity screening workflows
• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement automation solutions
• Establish AI governance, security, and approval workflows
• Train leaders and teams on practical AI usage
• Evaluate emerging AI platforms and vendors
• Measure ROI and operational impact of implemented systems
• Partner with executive leadership on long-term digital strategy
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• 3 years leading AI, automation, or transformation initiatives
• 7 years of progressive experience in technology leadership, automation, digital transformation, systems implementation, and/or operational improvement
• Experience building workflow automations or AI agents
• Implementing AI tools in real business operations
• Leading automation and process improvement initiatives
• Strong understanding of Google Workspace ecosystem
• Experience with APIs, scripting, or automation tools

Familiarity with LLM platforms such as:

• Google Gemini
• OpenAI ChatGPT
• Anthropic Claude
• Experience with Python, Apps Script, Zapier, Make, or workflow tools preferred
• Strong business process improvement mindset
• Ability to work well and communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical teams
• Experience in engineering, professional services, or operations environments a plus
• Flexible work arrangement with both remote and onsite time
  
  

When you join us, you can find your OWN way through:

• Community. Giving of time, treasures, and talents to fulfill personal passions and show up in your community.
• Empowerment. Our employees are given full reign and the trust to make decisions in the best interest of their clients and teams.
• Flexibility. The freedom to be a professional. The freedom to be a person.
• ESOP. Our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is owned 100% by employees – equitably, a fact most employee-owned firms can’t claim.
• Having fun. Laughing, jokes, high fives, celebrations – we take our work seriously but not ourselves.
• Teamwork. A sense of belonging, learning from those around you, and feeling like you’re on the winning team.
  
  

It is the policy of OWN, Inc. to provide equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to their race, age, color, physical handicap or disability, military service record, religion, sex, national origin or any other categorization protected by law, and to promote the full realization of equal employment opportunity through a positive continuing program.