Global Director of AI

Position Title: Director, Global AI

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: President/CEO of Tempel

Grade: Director Level

Summary/Objective

As the global AI Leader at Tempel Steel, you will serve as the subject matter expert and champion for Artificial Intelligence. You will champion Tempel's AI strategy, identifying and prioritizing opportunities across manufacturing, supply chain, customer engagement, and corporate functions, while leading cross-functional teams to deliver measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, quality, throughput, cost, safety and working capital. This position will serve as the primary liaison with Worthington Steel's corporate AI office and external consulting partners, ensuring Tempel's operational needs and workforce realities are represented in enterprise-wide initiatives. Over time, this role may expand to include leadership of other strategic transformation programs.

Essential Functions

• Own Tempel's AI deployment, monitoring advancements in technology, benchmarks, and best practices. Build workforce capability by developing AI training, awareness, and adoption programs.
• Member of Tempel's Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) as direct report to the CEO
• Partner with Worthington Steel's corporate AI office and consulting firms to align enterprise and local strategies.
• Identify and prioritize AI opportunities - Define the project, build and lead the team from project conception to scaled deployment across our global facility network.
• Champion Tempel's AI project portfolio management utilizing a stage-gate governance process and quarterly reviews with the SLT.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, working collaboratively with operations teams, works councils, and employee representatives.
• Own the buy-vs-build decision. Manage vendor and consulting relationships, ensuring deliverables meet business needs for outsourced initiatives.
• Operationalize Responsible AI - Partner with cross-functional teams to co-create and implement an AI governance framework that strengthens responsible AI practices, data privacy, information management, and cybersecurity standards, ensuring these are upheld, audited, and continuously improved across all initiatives.
• Collaborate with legal/compliance to assure proper information privacy, data retention, cyber and safety risk mitigations controls are in place.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, Electrical/Computer Engineering, Data Science, or related field.
• 5+ years in digital transformation, advanced analytics, or operations, preferably in industrial product manufacturing or the information technology industries.
• Proven track record of leading AI/ML initiatives at scale and delivering measurable value-enhancing business impacts
• Experience with global organizations and cross-border teams.
• Exposure to IT and OT systems (MES, quality systems, automation).

Competencies

• Deep understanding in AI/ML frameworks, cloud platforms and ERP systems.
• Strong technical understanding of AI/ML applications in manufacturing and customer engagement environments.
• Excellent communication skills for translating technical concepts to non-experts.
• Demonstrated program and vendor management skills.
• Proficiency in ethical AI practices and data governance
• Strategic thinker with ability to translate emerging technologies into business outcomes.
• Empathetic leader, skilled in workforce management across cultures.
• High learning ability, able to adapt to new challenges and drive innovation.

Work Environment

General office environment with regular interaction in manufacturing environments across multiple global sites. Hybrid option for one/two days of remote collaboration per week is available based on business needs and manager approval.

The role requires close engagement with both plant-floor operations and corporate functions. Travel and relocation as required to fulfill position responsibilities and deliverables. Relocation assistance is provided.