Associate Director, Digital Manufacturing - AI/ML

Reporting into the Head of Digital Manufacturing – As the Associate Director, Digital Manufacturing – AI/ML, your role is to drive the strategic vision and execution of digital transformation initiatives within the North American manufacturing environment focusing on AI and ML product implementation. You will leverage cutting-edge technologies and data-driven insights to optimize production processes, enhance operational efficiency, and accelerate innovation. By leading cross-functional teams and collaborating with key stakeholders, you will champion the adoption of digital solutions, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and deliver tangible business outcomes. Ultimately, your expertise will enable the organization to stay competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of manufacturing, while ensuring the production of high-quality products and enhanced customer satisfaction.

Job Description

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of digital manufacturing initiatives, including the integration of technologies and processes to drive operational excellence, improve productivity, and reduce costs
• Guide the organization through the digital journey, fostering innovation and change management
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with key stakeholders, including engineering, production, supply chain, and IT teams to align digital initiatives with business needs. Foster strong working relationships and facilitate effective communication across departments.
• Technology Evaluation and Selection: Stay abreast of emerging technologies and evaluate their suitability for digital manufacturing applications. Conduct thorough assessments, feasibility studies, and ROI analysis to guide technology selection and investment decisions.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and establish monitoring systems to track the effectiveness of digital manufacturing initiatives. Prepare regular reports and presentations to communicate progress, outcomes, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of continuous improvement by fostering innovation, encouraging experimentation, and implementing lessons learned from digital manufacturing projects. Seek feedback from stakeholders and actively pursue opportunities to enhance processes and outcomes.
• Senior Leadership Alignment: Prepare business cases to support the implementation of leading digital manufacturing initiatives that can be easily understood at the senior leadership level of the organization tying operational strategy to value creation

Essential Experience & Skills

• Strong background and experience in manufacturing operations in a leadership role. In-depth understanding of production processes, supply chain management, and quality control within a manufacturing environment
• Proven track record in driving digital transformation initiatives within the manufacturing industry. Deep knowledge of digital manufacturing technologies, such as MES, IoT, GenAI, Digital Twins, ML, and data analytics
• Proven experience delivering complex business analytics, consumer, or quality systems data with clear and concise outputs leading to tangible business insights or actions
• Proven experience in leading complex projects and programs related to digital manufacturing. Strong project management skills, including planning, execution, risk management, and resource allocation
• Ability to understand and align digital manufacturing initiatives with business objectives. Experience in developing business cases, conducting ROI analysis, and making data-driven recommendations to senior leadership
• Proven ability to manage organizational change associated with digital transformation initiatives. Skill in navigating resistance, driving adoption, and ensuring successful implementation of new technologies and processes
• Excellent leadership, communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional

Expected Background

• A bachelor’s degree in business management, engineering or related field/experience is required. Master’s degree in business management, advanced analytics, or related field/experience is preferred.
• 10+ years of manufacturing experience is required with the ability to articulate & implement new technologies and process designs.
• Possess a deep understanding of Manufacturing KPIs. Data management, database architecture, or complex modeling experience is preferred.
• Able to lead a team (matrix relationship) of Process Managers & highly technical individuals.
• Able to influence senior leaders within the Manufacturing Leadership Team.
• Able to facilitate highly technical statistical approaches to problem solving, gathering and analyzing Network data.
• Able to provide mentoring and coaching to seasoned technical Leaders / professionals.
• Act as the resident domain expert within their field.

Work Environment & Schedule

This position is considered a Normal office environment with moderate travel to customer locations, stores, manufacturing facilities, etc.; offices are open workspaces Role will travel 35% of the time. Additionally, this role requires 5 days/week following our company in-office policy of 3 days/week in office.

Our Total Rewards philosophy is to provide a meaningful and flexible spectrum of programs that equitably support our diverse workforce and their families and complement Kraft Heinz’ strategy and values.

New Hire Base Salary Range

$164,200.00 - $205,200.00

Bonus: This position is eligible for a performance-based bonus as provided by the plan terms and governing documents.

The compensation offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors

Benefits: Coverage for employees (and their eligible dependents) through affordable access to healthcare, protection, and saving for the future, we offer plans tailored to meet you and your family’s needs. Coverage for benefits will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plans and associated governing plan documents.

Wellbeing: We offer events, resources, and learning opportunities that inspire a physical, social, emotional, and financial well-being lifestyle for our employees and their families.

Benefits

You’ll be able to participate in a variety of benefits and wellbeing programs that may vary by role, country, region, union status, and other employment status factors, for example:

• Physical - Medical, Prescription Drug, Dental, Vision, Screenings/Assessments
• Social - Paid Time Off, Company Holidays, Leave of Absence, Flexible Work Arrangements, Recognition, Training
• Emotional – Employee Assistance Program , Wellbeing Programs, Family Support Programs
• Financial – 401k, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Disability

Location(s)

Chicago/Aon Center

Kraft Heinz is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Underrepresented Ethnic Minority Groups/Women/Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and other protected classes. In order to ensure reasonable accommodation for protected individuals, applicants that require accommodation in the job application process may contact [email protected] for assistance.