Principal Supply Chain AI Solution Lead

Job Summary:

• Champion the implementation and scale-up of advanced AI and AI Agent solutions (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot and custom generative AI assistants) across the global supply chain, bridging business needs with digital technology capabilities to accelerate transformation.
• Lead the introduction of new digitalization capabilities by integrating generative AI tools and AI co-worker (Copilot-style) functionalities into supply chain processes, driving greater efficiency, enhanced decision-making, and semi-automation of routine tasks.
• Serve as a cross-functional product owner for supply chain AI initiatives, coordinating with supply chain teams, IT, and data science to ensure AI tools align with business goals, integrate with enterprise systems (ERP, analytics platforms), and deliver measurable value.

A Day in the Life:

• Start the day by reviewing AI tool usage and adoption metrics (e.g., how employees are using new Copilot features or AI assistants). Address any overnight user feedback or technical incidents to continuously improve the AI tools’ performance and user experience.
• Mid-morning: Host a workshop with supply chain process owners to identify and prioritize new opportunities where AI co-workers or generative AI could streamline tasks (such as automating data analysis or augmenting planning decisions). Collaboratively outline use cases and gather requirements.
• Midday: Collaborate with IT and data engineering to fine-tune AI configurations or set up Copilot Studio agents and workflows, ensuring solutions are technically sound and securely integrated with SAP/Oracle ERP systems and data platforms.
• Afternoon: Lead a training session for end-users (planners, buyers, analysts) to drive adoption of a new AI capability. Demonstrate real-world scenarios (e.g., using a supply chain Copilot to expedite report generation or analyze inventory) and share best practices to build user confidence.
• Late afternoon: Develop or refine change management communications – such as announcements, how-to guides, FAQs – to support upcoming AI tool releases. Emphasize business benefits, user guidelines, and available support, fostering an environment of openness to digital change.
• End the day by compiling a progress update for leadership. Highlight key milestones (e.g., pilot results, adoption rates, early wins like time saved) and outline next steps or resource needs for the AI roadmap. Plan for future iterations and new AI pilots based on feedback and evolving technology.

Key Responsibilities:

• AI & Digital Capability Introduction: Identify, evaluate, and introduce new AI and digital automation tools (including generative AI co-pilots, AI assistants, multi-agent solutions) to digitize and improve supply chain processes. Translate manual or legacy workflows into AI-enabled, efficient operations.
• Enterprise AI Implementation & Integration: Lead cross-functional projects to implement and scale AI co-worker capabilities (e.g., Microsoft 365 Copilot features, custom Copilot Studio agents) in the supply chain environment. Ensure seamless integration of these solutions with existing systems (ERP, planning tools, data platforms) and embed AI outputs into daily workflows for direct business use.
• Product Ownership & Value Delivery: Act as the Product Owner for supply chain AI initiatives from concept through deployment. Develop business cases, define scope and success metrics, and coordinate development and deployment. Track and communicate value delivered (operational improvements, ROI) to stakeholders.
• Change Management & Adoption: Own the change management strategy for AI tool rollout. Drive user adoption through comprehensive plans – stakeholder alignment, training programs, internal marketing, user support, and feedback loops. Ensure high end-user engagement and smooth transitions to AI-enhanced processes.
• Governance & Compliance: Ensure AI solutions adhere to enterprise governance, security, and responsible AI policies. Obtain necessary approvals (e.g., for sensitive data usage in AI), maintain clear documentation, and enforce guidelines for safe, ethical AI usage in supply chain contexts.
• Continuous Innovation: Stay abreast of emerging AI and digital trends (advances in co-pilot capabilities, new automation tools, enhancements in generative AI) and proactively recommend new pilot projects or improvements. Foster a culture of innovation, regularly refining the digital supply chain roadmap to incorporate promising technologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Education & Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field (Master’s/MBA preferred). 8+ years of combined experience in supply chain operations and digital/technology implementation roles, with at least 3+ years leading AI-driven or digital transformation initiatives.
• AI & Digital Tools Expertise: Hands-on experience launching and scaling enterprise AI “co‑worker” solutions – such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, generative AI assistants/chatbots, or custom Copilot Studio agents. Demonstrated ability to define use cases, configure/implement these tools, manage their rollout and drive successful adoption in a business environment.
• Project & Change Leadership: Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects introducing new technology. Strong skills in change management, including developing user adoption strategies, training plans, and communications to ensure new digital capabilities are embraced by target users.
• Technical & Analytical Skills: Familiarity with AI/ML technologies (e.g., basic understanding of large language models, prompt engineering, data analytics). Comfortable working with enterprise systems and integrating digital tools via APIs or low-code platforms (e.g., Power Platform). Able to analyze process data and AI output to refine solutions and demonstrate value.
• Supply Chain Domain Knowledge: Solid knowledge of supply chain processes and systems (planning, procurement, sourcing, logistics) in a manufacturing or operations environment. Understanding of ERP data (SAP/Oracle) and analytics tools in decision-making, to effectively integrate and tailor AI solutions.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and interpersonal skills. Able to translate between technical and non-technical stakeholders – explaining AI solutions in business terms and gathering business requirements for technical teams. A collaborative team player who can align diverse groups toward common digital goals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Education: MBA or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Analytics, Supply Chain Management, Data Science) is a plus.
• Strategic & Innovative Mindset: Demonstrated ability to shape and execute a digital transformation strategy. Experience identifying opportunities to use AI/digital solutions to solve business challenges, and balancing innovation with governance in a large enterprise context.
• Broader Technology Skills: Familiarity with cloud-based AI platforms (e.g., Azure OpenAI, AWS AI/ML services). Exposure to Robotic Process Automation (RPA) or similar process automation tools. Understanding of data architecture and data governance principles.
• Global Business Experience: Experience working in global, cross-functional teams or multi-site projects. Proven success leading change across different regions or cultures, ensuring consistency while adapting to local needs.
• Certifications: Professional certifications in project management (PMP, Agile/Scrum) or change management (e.g., Prosci) are desirable. Any relevant AI/ML or data analytics certifications (e.g., Azure AI, data science) is an advantage, signaling continuous learning.

Success Measures:

• Deployment & Adoption: Number and reach of new AI capabilities delivered, and their adoption rates among target users. Measured by active usage metrics and user satisfaction scores, indicating that AI co-worker tools (like Copilot features) are being utilized effectively.
• Process Efficiency Gains: Improvements in supply chain process metrics attributable to AI tools – such as reductions in manual work hours, faster planning cycles or data analysis, increased throughput, or improved accuracy in routine tasks due to AI support.
• Business Impact & ROI: Tangible business value realized from AI initiatives, demonstrated by return on investment or impact on key performance indicators. Examples include cost savings, faster decision making, improved inventory management or service levels, and other quantifiable benefits tied to AI-enabled solutions.

Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to various export control regulations.  Applicants for these positions may be limited (by, for example, their countries of citizenship, country of origin, or immigration status) where required by law or governmental contact, and/or employment made contingent upon the issuance of appropriate governmental licensing.

MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.

MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: [email protected].

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