Reporting to the Senior Director, IT, the Director – Artificial Intelligence and Innovation is responsible for defining, structuring, and leading the adoption of artificial intelligence across the organization. He or she acts as a strategic and transformational leader, translating AI capabilities into concrete, measurable, and sustainable business outcomes. The incumbent plays a key role in prioritizing high–value-added use cases, establishing a responsible AI governance framework, and mobilizing teams around a data-driven culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement. He or she acts as a cross-functional orchestrator, working closely with IT, BI, manufacturing, and corporate teams. MISSION Define and lead the company’s overall artificial intelligence strategy, aligned with the IT vision and business priorities. Identify, prioritize, and deploy concrete AI use cases that generate measurable gains (productivity, quality, cost reduction, safety, decision‑making). Develop clear and realistic AI roadmaps, including required investments, resources, timelines, and expected benefits. Act as a strategic AI advisor to senior management, operational teams, and external partners. Ensure responsible, ethical, and secure use of AI, including governance, compliance, cybersecurity, and risk management. Define and monitor performance indicators to demonstrate the business value created by AI initiatives. Promote AI adoption through communication, training, and change management support for teams. Collaborate with Business Intelligence and IT teams to ensure alignment between data foundations, analytics, and AI initiatives, without replacing their operational responsibilities. ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES Lead, hierarchically or functionally depending on the initiative, internal teams and external partners involved in AI, data, and advanced analytics projects. Oversee the entire lifecycle of AI initiatives: ideation, proof of concept, industrialization, deployment, and continuous improvement. Work closely with: Manufacturing teams (quality, maintenance, processes, engineering), IT teams (infrastructure, cybersecurity, SAP, BI, service center) and Corporate functions (finance, HR, sales, supply chain, etc.). Establish a structured AI governance framework: standards, practices, architecture, security, data management, and data quality. Ensure seamless integration of AI solutions with existing systems (ERP, MES, SCADA, IoT, cloud platforms). Develop mechanisms that foster innovation (field pilots, controlled experimentation, technological or academic partnerships). Maintain continuous technology scouting on emerging AI technologies and their application potential in a manufacturing environment. Report regularly to the Senior Director, IT, and senior management on initiative progress, risks, and realized benefits. PROFILE AND SKILLS Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field. Relevant senior‑level experience (approximately 10+ years), including significant experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment. Demonstrated experience deploying AI solutions into production (beyond proof‑of‑concept). Strong understanding of AI concepts (including generative AI and advanced analytics) and data governance. Ability to connect AI solutions to manufacturing operational challenges (quality, yield, predictive maintenance, optimization). Solid experience managing complex projects and prioritizing initiatives based on business value. Inspirational leadership and ability to influence multidisciplinary, technical and non‑technical teams. Excellent communication, knowledge‑sharing, and change management skills. Strategic mindset, critical thinking, and ability to challenge the status‑quo. AI, data, or advanced analytics certifications or training are an asset. ST-AUGUSTIN-DE-DESMAURES Our Saint‑Augustin‑de‑Desmaures site is home to our head office and two of our plants, making it an exciting location with plenty of career opportunities. Our plants and offices are equipped with the latest technology and include a peanut‑free facility and a gluten‑free production environment. Located on the outskirts of Quebec City, our Saint-Augustin‑de‑Desmaures site is perfect for employees looking to avoid city traffic. #J-18808-Ljbffr