Job Summary

We are seeking a dynamic AI Center of Excellence (COE) Lead to steward our newly established AI COE and help scale AI capabilities in a sustainable and collaborative way across our federated global organization. Reporting directly to our global Chief Information Officer (CIO), this role will serve as the central connector, capturing what's working, scaling successful practices, bringing thought leadership and driving our overall aligned AI strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Vision

Build and steward an operating model for AI adoption across businesses and functionsDevelop and execute a comprehensive AI strategy that aligns with business objectivesDrive the development of AI-powered products and services that deliver measurable business valuePartner with digital leaders across business units to identify and prioritize AI opportunitiesCreate frameworks for evaluating, prioritizing, and scaling AI initiatives

Collaboration & Partnership Management

Work closely with legal, privacy, and security teams to ensure responsible AI implementationCollaborate with our technology teams to connect data, infrastructure, platforms, and integrationsPartner with transformation teams to identify and execute process transformation opportunities enabled by AILeverage native AI capabilities within existing enterprise platforms (ERP, CRM, data lakes) while ensuring interoperabilityManage relationships with external partner network to source capacity, services, and acceleratorsFacilitate cross-functional collaboration between business units and technical teams

Knowledge Management & Scaling

Capture and document successful AI practices, lessons learned, and best practicesEstablish and scale AI development standards, reusable frameworks, and best practices across business units and technical teamsCreate systems for sharing knowledge and preventing duplication of efforts across business unitsDevelop benchmarking data and performance metrics for AI initiativesEstablish processes for scaling proven approaches across the organization

Stakeholder Engagement & Communication

Engage with business leaders to understand their productivity and growth challengesTranslate complex AI concepts into business value propositions for various stakeholdersDevelop compelling narratives and presentations to secure buy-in and supportProvide subject matter expertise and guidance on AI opportunities and implementations

Operational Excellence

Establish governance frameworks for AI projects and initiativesCreate standardized processes for AI project lifecycle managementDevelop training programs and resources to build AI literacy across the organizationMonitor and measure success of AI initiatives against business objectives

Required Qualifications

Experience & Background

Ten or more (10+) years of experience leading data, AI, machine learning, or analytics teamsProven track record of building and scaling AI/ML solutions in enterprise environmentsSignificant experience in digital transformation initiatives and process reengineeringExperience working in cross-functional roles with business and technical stakeholdersBackground in establishing and operating centers of excellence or similar centralized functionsDemonstrated success in driving organizational change through technology-enabled process transformationBachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Business, or a related quantitative field

Technical Expertise

Deep understanding of AI/ML technologies, platforms, and implementation approachesExperience with data architecture, infrastructure, and integration challengesKnowledge of AI governance, ethics, and responsible AI practicesFamiliarity with enterprise technology ecosystems and digital transformationProven experience working with large commercial enterprise platforms (ERP, CRM, enterprise data lakes, etc.)Expertise in leveraging native AI/ML capabilities within enterprise platforms in an interoperable mannerUnderstanding of API integration, data orchestration, and platform-to-platform connectivity

Leadership & Communication Skills

Strong product mindset with ability to define and deliver value-driven solutionsExcellent communication and storytelling abilitiesProven ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all organizational levelsExperience advising senior executives and boards on AI strategy, with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable business decisions

Industry Knowledge

Understanding of manufacturing, CPG, or related industries preferredExperience with regulatory and compliance requirements in global organizationsKnowledge of innovation processes and product development lifecycles

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MS in AI/ML) or equivalent professional experience is strongly preferred.Consulting or advisory experience in AI/digital transformationExperience with flavors, fragrances, ingredients, or biosciences industriesTrack record of successful large-scale organizational change managementExperience with global, multi-business unit organizations

Success Metrics

Success in this role will be measured by:Acceleration of AI adoption across business unitsReduction in duplicated efforts and improved resource efficiencyMeasurable business impact from scaled AI initiativesStakeholder satisfaction and engagement scoresDevelopment of reusable frameworks and best practices

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.

Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more

Salary Ranges:

$269200- $336500