Director, AI Lab

As a Director of AI Lab at McDonalds Corporation, you will play a crucial role in driving research and evaluation of cutting-edge AI technologies to enhance the organization's innovation and AI strategy. Your primary responsibilities will include defining and executing a comprehensive AI ecosystem strategy aligned with business goals, leading a team of AI experts, overseeing the development of advanced AI models, fostering collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and promoting ethical AI practices. Your strategic vision will involve identifying high-impact AI use cases, establishing a roadmap for AI development, and prioritizing research initiatives. You will be expected to build and manage a high-performing team of AI professionals, create a culture of innovation and experimentation, and provide mentorship for career development. Additionally, you will lead the development of advanced AI models, conduct research to explore new techniques, and validate AI solutions through proof-of-concept projects. Collaboration and stakeholder management will be essential aspects of your role, as you partner with cross-functional teams to implement AI solutions, communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and build relationships with external partners to enhance the AI ecosystem community. Furthermore, you will champion ethical AI practices by ensuring data privacy, fairness, and responsible development of AI models, while establishing guidelines for data governance and model transparency. To qualify for this position, you should possess a Bachelor's degree in data science, Computer Science, Business, or Analytics, with a preference for a Masters or PhD. You should have 15+ years of experience in AI/ML or related fields, with hands-on experience in building and deploying AI solutions. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java, as well as experience with AI/ML frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch, is required. Familiarity with AI techniques such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, generative AI, Agentic AI, and Edge AI is essential, along with experience in ML frameworks and large-scale AI system design. Start-up and entrepreneurship experience will be considered a plus, and the ability to effectively communicate complex AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders is crucial. This full-time role is based in Hyderabad, India, and follows a hybrid work mode. If you are a seasoned AI professional with a passion for driving innovation and leading high-performing teams, we invite you to join us at McDonalds Corporation and make a significant impact on our global AI strategy.,