AI Strategy and Applications Manager

Founded in 1987 and headquartered in Frederick, MD, WLR Automotive Group, Inc. is a leading automotive service company dedicated to keeping vehicles running safely and smoothly. With over 30 locations across Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, our team of nearly 600 employees provides expert preventative maintenance, repairs, and car wash services. We’ve proudly served nearly 16 million customers and their vehicles, earning a reputation for quality, convenience, and exceptional customer care.

WLR Automotive Group, Inc. is looking for an individual who is not only skilled but also passionate about driving innovation and transformation through AI. This role will report directly to the President & CEO and be responsible for defining and driving the AI roadmap, aligning business goals with AI capabilities, and overseeing cross-functional implementation of AI solutions to create long-term business value & efficiencies. You’ll partner directly with internal departments to design, deploy, and scale AI workflows that transform their operations.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of AI technologies, a strategic mindset, and technology skills to guide our AI technology transformation. Join a trusted, growing company that values teamwork, integrity, and service excellence.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and lead an AI strategy alignment and roadmap with the company's business objectives.
• Work closely with the Executive Board and Department Heads to find practical applications for AI, identify and prioritize AI projects, ensuring they meet business objectives, timelines, and budgets to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance user experience.
• Identify opportunities to integrate AI into our processes and operations to increase efficiency and enhance quality.
• Audit current processes and software, ensuring use of available AI technology and solutions into daily workflows.
• Stay current on AI tools, platforms, and trends.
• Identify strategic opportunities and shape AI-enabled business transformation.

What We’re Looking For:

• Customer-Centric Mindset: Deep empathy for users and ability to connect technical capabilities with business value.
• Strategic Communication: Comfortable engaging both technical stakeholders and senior leadership, translating between the two.
• Technical Acumen: Subject matter expert with AI/ML concepts and tools.
• Builder Mentality: Bias for action, comfort with ambiguity, and ability to create structure where none exists.
• Passion for AI: Strong conviction in AI’s transformative potential and excitement about making it accessible.

Qualifications:

• 6 years of experience in technology consulting, digital transformation, or AI-driven business solutions.
• 3 years of leading AI/ML projects, including team management and executives.
• Strong expertise in AI platforms and tools.
• Proven track record of leading AI/ML projects from concept to production.
• Ability to build and manage relationships effectively.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills to develop solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders at all levels.