Lead AI

Confidential Search – AI & RPA Program Manager with Big Data

Enterprise Manufacturing & Distribution Leader | Southern California

Hybrid Role – Premier Opportunity to Own AI Transformation

We are conducting an exclusive, retained search for a rare, high-impact AI leader who wants to step in and truly own the future of intelligent automation at a $1B+ revenue manufacturing and distribution organization.

This is a greenfield role reporting directly to the VP of IT with a mandate to build and execute the enterprise AI & Intelligent Automation strategy from the ground up.

What Makes This Role Stand Out

• Direct C-suite access and real budget authority – your roadmap will be funded
• True ownership: strategy → discovery → delivery → measurable P&L impact
• Expectation of two high-visibility wins in the first 6–9 months (one IT efficiency, one revenue/cost impact), with quick wins along the way
• Future Automation Center of Excellence will be built around you
• Highly autonomous, entrepreneurial environment with zero bureaucracy

Key Deliverables

• 3-year AI/RPA/GenAI roadmap tied directly to CEO priorities (demand forecasting, supply chain optimization, intelligent process automation, etc.)
• End-to-end leadership of high-ROI AI & automation initiatives
• Integration with Oracle ERP, Salesforce, major WMS, Power Automate, Automation Anywhere, Azure AI, etc.
• Hard ROI tracking: cost savings, revenue contribution, forecast accuracy, cycle-time reduction

We Are Looking For

• 7+ years driving enterprise AI, ML, or RPA programs (manufacturing, distribution, logistics, automotive, or CPG backgrounds move to the front)
• Proven track record delivering ≥$3–5M annualized value through AI/automation
• Deep technical intelligence balanced with executive presence and storytelling
• Strong data foundation (modeling, governance, engineering, analytics)
• Hands-on experience with at least one major RPA platform + cloud AI services
• A hungry, intellectually curious builder who gets energized by ambiguity and greenfield challenges

Compensation $125,000 – $175,000 base + 10% target bonus

Full benefits, 401(k) match, etc.

Location Hybrid –Southern California

(Must already live in Southern California and be commutable – no relocation)

This role will move very quickly and is expected to be filled before the end of 2025.

Strictly confidential – company name revealed only after mutual interest is established.

Interested?

Reply with your resume and a more importantly a quick note on your single biggest AI/automation impact with an enterprise level organization (with metrics) and we will reach out within 24 hours for a 15-minute exploratory call.