Director, AI Center of Excellence

Summary:

The leader of the Artificial Intelligence Center of Excellence (AI COE) is a critical leadership role responsible for driving Cardinal Health's AI strategy, fostering innovation, and ensuring the successful implementation of AI solutions across the enterprise. This individual will lead a team of AI specialists, collaborate with business units, and champion the adoption of responsible and ethical AI practices. The ideal candidate will possess a blend of executive leadership, technical expertise, and business acumen, with a proven track record of building and scaling AI capabilities within a complex organization.

Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership & Vision:
  • Develop and execute a comprehensive AI strategy aligned with the organization's overall business objectives.
  • Maintain an enterprise perspective, identifying opportunities to leverage AI for competitive advantage and operational efficiency.
  • Drive continuous improvement and innovation within the AI COE, staying abreast of the latest advancements in AI and related technologies.
  • Apply critical thinking to complex problems and make strategic decisions, even when dealing with ambiguity and incomplete information.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development:
  • Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of AI specialists, including data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI architects.  This role also leads other Director-level employees. 
  • Develop and implement talent planning strategies to attract, retain, and develop top AI talent.
  • Foster a collaborative and innovative culture within the AI COE, encouraging knowledge sharing and experimentation.
• Stakeholder Management & Communication:
  • Effectively communicate the AI strategy and roadmap to stakeholders at all levels of the organization (developers to CEO/Board of Directors)
  • Build strong relationships with business unit leaders, IT partners, and other key stakeholders to drive AI adoption and alignment.
  • Present complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, tailoring the message to the specific audience.
  • Demonstrate influence and navigate the corporate landscape to secure resources and support for AI initiatives.
• AI Project Execution & Delivery:
  • Oversee the entire lifecycle of AI projects, from ideation and proof-of-concept to deployment and ongoing maintenance.
  • Ensure the successful execution of AI projects, adhering to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
  • Manage global resources, including FTEs, contractors, and external partners
  • Apply financial acumen to develop business cases, manage budgets, and track the ROI of AI investments.
• Operational Excellence & Governance:
  • Establish and maintain operational metrics to track the performance and impact of AI solutions.
  • Implement robust AI governance and AI ethics frameworks to ensure responsible and compliant AI practices.
  • Oversee IT risk, security, and controls related to AI systems and data.
  • Drive simplification and efficiency in AI operations.
• Partnerships & Collaboration:
  • Collaborate effectively with partner roles across the organization, including IT, SOX, EA, and OpEx teams.
  • Maintain a strong understanding of business processes and industry trends to identify opportunities for AI innovation.
• Technology & Innovation:
  • Maintain a strong understanding of digital technologies and trends, with a focus on AI, machine learning, data analytics, and cloud computing.
  • Promote a culture of innovation and experimentation within the AI COE, encouraging the exploration of new AI techniques and technologies.
  • Ensure the security and appropriate controls are in place for AI systems and data.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, execute effectively, and drive continuous improvement. Strong social/emotional intelligence and critical thinking skills.
• Proven experience leading and managing high-performing technical teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts and present them effectively to diverse audiences at all levels of the organization.

• Ability to influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization and build strong working relationships.  Experience with change management methodologies to guide stakeholders through change.

• Strong understanding of financial principles, including budgeting, business case development, and ROI analysis.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and programs, delivering results on time and within budget.
• Te