Artificial Intelligence & Digital Transformation Manager at Quanex in Akron, OH

Job description

• Quanex is looking for a Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Manager in Akron, Ohio or Houston, Texas.
• The Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Manager will be responsible for developing, governing, and leading enterprise digital transformation and artificial intelligence strategies for Quanex, with a focus on organizational-level change, practical implementation, and measurable business outcomes across manufacturing operations, corporate functions, and core business processes.
• Shape the Future: Lead Quanex's enterprise AI strategy and drive innovation that transforms manufacturing operations and business performance.
• Make a Visible Impact: Partner with executive, operational, and technology leaders to deliver AI solutions that improve productivity, quality, and customer outcomes.
• Build Something Bigger: Create scalable AI capabilities, governance, and adoption programs that influence the future of a growing global manufacturing organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the company's enterprise AI strategy, roadmap, governance framework, and adoption initiatives.
• Identify, prioritize, and implement AI and digital transformation opportunities that improve operational efficiency, quality, safety, customer experience, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Partner with business, manufacturing, and IT leaders to translate operational challenges into practical, scalable technology solutions.
• Lead AI initiatives across manufacturing operations, including production planning, predictive maintenance, quality inspection, computer vision, process optimization, supply chain management, inventory optimization, and shop floor productivity.
• Establish policies, standards, and governance processes that ensure the responsible, secure, ethical, and compliant use of AI technologies.
• Assess and prioritize AI opportunities based on business value, technical feasibility, risk, data readiness, implementation complexity, and return on investment.
• Oversee AI pilots, proofs of concept, vendor evaluations, solution selection, implementation planning, deployment, and ongoing support models.
• Lead enterprise automation and business enablement initiatives that improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and reduce manual processes.
• Drive organizational change management efforts, including stakeholder engagement, communications, training, adoption measurement, and long-term sustainment.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity, legal, compliance, HR, audit, data, infrastructure, and architecture teams to identify and mitigate AI-related risks.
• Measure and communicate program success through key performance indicators such as productivity improvements, cost savings, quality enhancements, risk reduction, and employee adoption.
• Monitor emerging AI technologies, industry trends, regulations, and manufacturing best practices to keep the organization competitive and forward-looking.
• Provide leadership, coaching, and direction to internal teams, business stakeholders, vendors, and implementation partners.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business Analytics, Operations Management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.
• 7+ years in information technology, data analytics, digital transformation, manufacturing technology, enterprise applications, or related business technology functions.
• 5+ years leading complex technology, automation, analytics, or transformation initiatives across multiple business areas.
• 3+ years directly supporting AI, advanced analytics, automation, or digital transformation programs.
• 2+ years leading teams, programs, or cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated success implementing AI, machine learning, automation, advanced analytics, or data-driven solutions within manufacturing environments.
• Experience with manufacturing systems and processes such as ERP, MES, quality systems, maintenance systems, supply chain systems, production planning, and plant operations preferred.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, including generative AI, machine learning, natural language processing, predictive analytics, computer vision, automation, data governance, and model lifecycle management.
• Proven ability to build business cases, develop technology roadmaps, establish governance models, and deliver executive-level reporting.
• Experience leading organizational change management programs, including stakeholder engagement, communication planning, training, adoption strategy, and sustainment.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to influence executive leadership, plant leadership, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Knowledge of responsible AI principles, cybersecurity, data privacy, compliance, and risk management practices.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, vendors, initiatives, and stakeholders within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Professional certifications in AI, machine learning, data analytics, project management, change management, or AI governance are preferred.

Skills

Required

• Strong business acumen

Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• 401K Match w/ 2-year vesting period
• Bonus Potential
• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans
• Paid Time Off & Holidays
• Various Work Schedules
• Tuition Assistance
• Wellness/Fitness Resources
• Training/Development
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Dynamic Culture & People - just to name a few!
• The salary range for this position is $140K-170K with the potential to earn an annual bonus.