Director, AI Technology COE

Southern Company - Naperville, IL

Full-time - Senior

Naperville, IL

5,001-10,000 employees

Utilities

About the position

We are seeking a visionary leader of the AI Technology Center of Excellence (COE) responsible for overseeing and driving the strategic development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives across the organization. This role offers the opportunity to innovate and lead, shaping the direction of AI integration while collaborating closely with business units to identify and capitalize on transformative opportunities. The ideal candidate will partner with business stakeholders to drive strategic initiatives that enhance our operational efficiency, customer satisfaction, and environmental stewardship. They will oversee and lead the COE's operations related to AI and technology modernization, including building out the team. They will play a crucial role in leveraging state-of-the-art AI technologies to propel Southern Company towards a smarter, more sustainable future. Working closely with cross-functional teams, the AI Technology COE leader will identify opportunities for AI application and drive the adoption of AI solutions. This position will report directly to the Vice President of Technology Services. Major Job Responsibilities include developing and implementing a comprehensive AI technology strategy, aligned with company objectives, to guide technological advancements and innovations. The leader will manage a team of AI experts, providing guidance, mentorship, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Collaboration with cross-functional teams to design, prototype, and deploy AI models, algorithms, tools, and solutions across various business units is essential, as is leading the implementation of AI solutions at scale, including developing strategic roadmaps and ensuring alignment with business objectives to drive transformative outcomes. The role also involves monitoring and evaluating the performance of AI solutions, ensuring compliance with ethical and legal standards in AI development and deployment, and engaging with stakeholders to understand their AI needs and provide strategic recommendations. The leader will foster innovation by exploring new AI technologies and applications relevant to the energy sector, stay updated with the latest advancements in AI technology, and showcase AI advancements to build credibility and foster collaboration with other organizations. Additionally, they will manage relationships with external AI technology vendors, partners, and research institutions, and represent the company at conferences, forums, and professional groups.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive AI technology strategy, aligned with company objectives, to guide technological advancements and innovations.
• Lead and manage a team of AI experts, providing guidance, mentorship, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design, prototype, and deploy AI models, algorithms, tools and solutions across various business units.
• Lead and oversee the implementation of AI solutions at scale, including developing strategic roadmaps and establishing governance frameworks.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of AI solutions, making necessary adjustments and improvements as required.
• Define and lead the development of the organization's AI architecture, ensuring scalability, efficiency, security and alignment with business goals.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and legal standards in AI development and deployment.
• Ensure rigorous data governance and security practices in all AI implementations.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand their AI needs and provide strategic recommendations.
• Foster innovation by exploring new AI technologies and applications relevant to the energy sector.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in AI technology and assess their potential impact on the company's operations and offerings.
• Showcase AI advancements and demonstrate the art of the possible, highlighting successful projects and innovations to build credibility and foster collaboration with other organizations.
• Demonstrate thought leadership in AI by staying abreast of industry trends, pioneering new approaches, and guiding the team towards innovative solutions.
• Manage relationships with external AI technology vendors, partners, and research institutions.
• Provide education, events, and workshops to promote a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree, preferably in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data & Analytics, Data Science Engineering, Information Systems, Engineering or related field. Advanced degree highly desirable.
• Ten or more years of experience in IT, five or more years of IT management experience.
• Three or more years of experience in implementing full lifecycle ML automation using MLOps.
• Proven experience in leading and deploying AI initiatives at scale.
• Experience with cloud platforms and technologies such as Azure or Google Cloud.
• Experience with generative AI technologies, including vector indexes, knowledge graphs, and Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Familiarity with big data technologies and analytics tools.

Nice-to-haves

• Technical expertise to pair with strategic vision and the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines and teams.
• Deep understanding of various AI technologies, including machine learning (ML), natural language processing, computer vision, deep learning, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and generative AI models, and programming languages such as Python, R, or Java.
• Proficiency in data science and analytics to effectively leverage data-driven insights and develop AI models.
• Exhibits transformational leadership skills with a proven record of challenging the status quo.
• Sophisticated change management capabilities, including the ability to lead, influence, and manage through change.
• Outstanding credibility and demonstrated ability to build strong relationships within the company and industry, as well as with vendors/suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior-level management and key stakeholders.
• Team player with a collaborative approach to drive solutions for the good of Southern Company.
• Ability to operate successfully in a regulated environment with an understanding and appreciation of risk, compliance, corporate policy and procedures, internal controls, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to connect the dots and apply sound business judgement.
• Ability to attract top talent and build high-performing teams. Recognized as an outstanding people manager with the ability to delegate responsibility effectively.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Vision insurance coverage
• 401k benefit for retirement savings plan
• 401(k) matching benefit
• Paid holidays
• Paid volunteer time
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discount programs
• Life insurance coverage
• Disability insurance coverage
• Mental health days
• Wellness programs