Director – Cloud and AI strategy and implementation

Position Overview:

We are seeking a Director of AI & Cloud Strategy and Implementation to lead and drive the strategic direction, development, and deployment of AI and Cloud-based solutions. This is a critical leadership role that will require a visionary leader with deep technical expertise, business acumen, and a proven track record of successfully executing AI and Cloud transformation initiatives.

As the Director of AI & Cloud Strategy and Implementation, you will be responsible for defining and driving the AI and Cloud strategy for the company, ensuring that all AI-driven and Cloud-enabled products and services are developed and implemented to meet our business goals. You will also work closely with cross-functional teams including engineering, product management, sales, and marketing to ensure the successful integration of AI and Cloud solutions into our product offerings.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive AI & Cloud strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives.
• Lead the vision and execution of AI and Cloud initiatives, ensuring they deliver measurable business value.
• Stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in AI, Cloud, and related fields, and assess their potential for innovation and application to the company’s product offerings. AI & Cloud Solutions Implementation:
• Oversee the end-to-end execution of AI and Cloud-based solutions, ensuring that products are scalable, secure, and reliable.
• Work with internal teams to design, implement, and continuously optimize AI algorithms, machine learning models, data pipelines, and cloud architecture.
• Ensure seamless integration of AI capabilities into Cloud environments (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) to enhance product functionality and performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate closely with the CTO, product teams, and engineering leadership to define and prioritize AI & Cloud initiatives within the product roadmap.
• Partner with data scientists, software engineers, and architects to drive the development of AI-driven features and Cloud infrastructure.
• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, to understand their AI and Cloud needs and translate them into actionable strategies.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing team of AI experts, cloud architects, and engineers.
• Provide technical leadership, guidance, and coaching to the team while promoting a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented culture.
• Promote continuous learning and professional development to ensure the team stays on the cutting edge of AI and Cloud technologies.

Governance & Best Practices:

• Establish governance processes, best practices, and methodologies for AI and Cloud solution development and implementation.
• Ensure adherence to security, compliance, and ethical standards related to AI and Cloud technologies.
• Monitor performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency of AI models and Cloud resources, ensuring that they meet business and customer expectations.

Metrics & Reporting

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for AI & Cloud initiatives and track progress against established goals.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership on the status of AI and Cloud initiatives, including risks, challenges, and opportunities.

Performance Optimization:

• Define KPIs to measure AI strategy success.
• Monitor and optimize implemented solutions.
• Facilitate AI adoption through change management plans.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.

Relevant certifications in AI, Cloud Computing, or related disciplines are a plus (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect, etc.).

Experience:

• 10- 15 years of experience in software development, with at least 5 years in AI and Cloud strategy and implementation.
• Proven track record of successfully leading AI and Cloud transformation initiatives in a product-based company.
• Extensive experience in designing and deploying scalable AI solutions and Cloud architectures.
• Strong expertise with major Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to manage cross-functional teams and deliver complex technology projects on time and within budget.

Technical Skills:

• Strong understanding of machine learning algorithms, data science, and AI tools.
• Expertise in Cloud computing services (e.g., AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform) and Cloud-native application development.
• Hands-on experience with containerization (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD pipelines.
• Knowledge of data architecture, data engineering, and big data technologies.

Leadership Skills:

• Strong leadership skills with a proven ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities and projects.

Soft Skills:

• Strong problem-solving abilities and critical thinking.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Collaborative and team-oriented mindset with a passion for innovation and excellence.