We are seeking a Director – AI & Data Strategy (Retail Transformation) to lead executive-level AI initiatives and build a scalable retail delivery practice for Intellibus.
This role sits at the intersection of:
- Retail business strategy
- AI & data platforms
- Engineering execution
You will partner directly with CIO, CTO, CDO, and business executives, translate strategy into executable programs, and oversee delivery across multiple squads covering:
- AI experimentation
- Data foundations
- Engineering modernization
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone equally comfortable in the boardroom and deep in delivery planning and technical reviews.
What We Are Specifically Looking For
We are targeting leaders with experience in:
- Brick-and-mortar retail, grocery, or omnichannel enterprises
- Merchandising and supply chain platforms
- Store operations and POS ecosystems
- Retail data platforms and analytics
- AI applied to operational decision-making
Ideal backgrounds include companies such as:
Large grocery chains, big-box retailers, or retail technology divisions where technology had to coexist with real-world operations.
Retail transformation experience is mandatory.
Key Responsibilities:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
- Serve as the primary Intellibus partner to the client’s Executive Leadership Team.
- Translate business priorities into a prioritized portfolio of AI and data initiatives.
- Lead executive AI roadmap reviews and value realization discussions.
- Ensure all initiatives align with governance, compliance, and ethical AI standards.
- Act as a trusted advisor balancing ambition with technical and operational reality.
Program Direction & Delivery Oversight
- Own delivery across three core workstreams
- AI pilots and rapid experimentation
- Data foundations and integration platforms
- Engineering excellence and modernization
- Coordinate ~20–30 engineers, data scientists, and delivery leads
- Manage execution plans, sprint cadence, and dependency resolution
- Track KPIs including productivity, cycle time, and business impact
- Ensure integration across AI, data, and engineering initiatives
Technical & Operational Leadership
- Provide architectural oversight for AI and data platforms
- Guide AI problem framing, experimentation design, and success metrics
- Advise on cloud platforms, MLOps, and data engineering practices
- Understand retail systems (POS, loyalty, merchandising, supply chain) and how AI enhances them
- Review and approve major technical deliverables
Team & Practice Leadership
- Build and scale Intellibus’ Retail AI delivery practice
- Mentor squad leads and technical managers
- Standardize methodologies across AI, data, and engineering teams
- Partner with internal operations to scale delivery globally
- Represent Intellibus’ standards of engineering excellence and ethical AI
Governance, Reporting & Value Realization
- Establish operating cadence:
- Weekly squad syncs
- Bi-weekly sprint reviews
- Monthly executive checkpoints
- Deliver executive dashboards quantifying ROI and operational impact
- Publish quarterly AI practice updates and roadmap adjustments
- Drive continuous improvement across delivery and governance
Required Qualifications
- 12–20 years in technology, AI, data, or digital transformation
- 5+ years in executive-facing leadership or consulting roles
- Direct retail, grocery, or supply chain domain experience (mandatory)
- Strong understanding of:
- AI/ML systems and experimentation
- Data engineering and analytics platforms
- Cloud and modern software architecture
- Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams (20–30+)
- Executive communication and influence skills
- Consulting or systems integration background strongly preferred
- Based in or near Phoenix, AZ (hybrid presence required)
Interview Process
- 15-minute introductory video call with a member of our team
- Proctored GQ assessment and slide presentation exercise to evaluate problem-solving and presentation skills
- Leadership and Executive interviews (panel or individual sessions, as needed)
- Offer decision and onboarding
If you are interested in contacting us, please apply, and our team will reach out to you within the hour.