About the Role:

The Director of AI Architecture and Operations will be an integral member of the AI Leadership Team, responsible for shaping and executing the Trace3’s AI product strategy. This role will serve as one of Trace3’s AI Thought Leaders and be responsible for providing technical expertise and consultative guidance in AI Architecture and Operations solutions to our clients. Key responsibilities strategizing, implementing, and overseeing Trace3’s AI platform and services solutions, ensuring seamless integration and optimal performance to meet client needs and drive market growth. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, business development, consultative approach and strong interpersonal skills to successfully navigate the complex, rapidly changing landscape of AI solutions and drive value for Trace3 and our clients.

What You’ll Do:

I.  AI Capabilities Development

• Develop and maintain annual capabilities roadmap and resource plan
• Develop and apply structured methodologies to assist clients in the evaluating, acquiring, and implementing GenAI architectures (e.g., Common RAG System Architectures (Naïve, Advanced, Modular) and technologies (LLMs, Vector Stores, Knowledge Graphs)
• Develop comprehensive AI operations strategies, including defining ML/Ops capabilities and operating models to manage AI solutions effectively.
• Develop and maintain AI Architecture and Operations product and service portfolio, aligning with market demands and company strategy

II.  Teamwork

• Collaborate with vendors to curate and integrate cutting-edge AI solutions into the company’s offerings
• Collaborate with executives to align AI initiatives with overall business objectives
• Support sales/account teams by providing expertise in AI architecture evaluation and implementation during sales pursuits and client engagements
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align AI architecture and operations strategies with overall product and services strategy

III.  Talent Development

• Support talent management efforts to attract, develop and retain highly competitive AI resources
• Mentor and lead a team of AI architects and product managers, ensuring successful project delivery and continuous development

IV.  AI Capabilities Sales and Delivery

• Partner with clients to align our Trace3 capabilities and offerings to their needs, develop and tailor proposals for clients.
• Drive sales and GTM activities around the AI Architecture space working with our sales leaders and account teams.
• Act as project director and subject matter expert on strategic client projects and sales pursuits
• Guide clients through technology deployment and adoption strategies, leveraging expertise in Azure OpenAI, Snowflake, Databricks, Nvidia, HPE, Dell, and advanced storage solutions such as Weka, Vast, and Hammerspace

V.  Thought Leadership

• Stay updated on latest AI trends, technologies, and best practices to inform strategy development and implementation.
• Drive thought leadership initiatives through white papers, presentations, and industry events

Qualifications & Interests:

• Master’s degree/Ph.D. preferred, focus on AI, Machine Learning, or Business Administration
• 10+ years’ architecture experience including data science, computer science, AI architecture, advance analytics, consulting, and AI product management
• 5+ years’ experience in IT architecture and operations, with a strong track record of successful client engagements
• 5+ years’ product management experience in AI, Advanced Analytics, or digital transformation
• Experience in a consulting or solutions-oriented environment
• Relevant AI/ML certifications preferred but not required (e.g., Azure Machine Learning Specialty, Google Cloud Professional Machine Learning Engineer, etc.)
• Knowledge and familiarity of various AI and Machine Learning technologies and methods including MLOps practices and tools, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), programming languages (Python, R, etc.), and data architecture
• Up-to-date understanding of AI industry trends and emerging technologies
• Familiarity with AI vendors and their ecosystems
• Strategic thinker with a proactive and innovative approach to AI adoption and operations
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, excellent time management skills and able to effectively prioritize tasks in a fast-paced, high-volume, and evolving work environment
• Ability to approach customer requests with a proactive and consultative manner; listen and understand user requests and needs and effectively deliver
• Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills with an ability to present security related concepts to C-Level Executives and non-technical audience
• Conflict negotiation and problem-solving skills and agility
• Demonstrated track record of thought leadership content creation
• Ability to travel when needed.