Role Overview for Chief AI Officer – Mid-Market Industrial Manufacturing Group | Atlanta, GA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a forward-thinking, mid-market industrial manufacturing group in their exclusive search for a transformative Chief AI Officer (CAIO). Based in the vibrant technology hub of Atlanta, GA, this is a career-defining opportunity to build and lead an enterprise-wide Artificial Intelligence strategy from the ground up. Our client is a well-established leader in their sector, with a strong commitment to innovation and a clear vision for leveraging technology to create a sustainable competitive advantage. They recognize that the future of manufacturing lies in the intelligent application of data and are seeking an executive leader to architect that future.
As the Chief AI Officer, you will be a pivotal member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. You will be the organization’s chief evangelist and strategist for all things related to AI, machine learning, and data science. This role is not merely technical; it is a strategic business function responsible for driving significant ROI, enhancing operational efficiency, fostering product innovation, and fundamentally reshaping how the company operates and competes. You will be tasked with creating a cohesive vision for how AI can be embedded across the entire value chain—from supply chain logistics and predictive maintenance on the factory floor to quality control, product design, and customer engagement.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a deep technical foundation and a proven track record of implementing impactful AI solutions within an industrial or manufacturing context. You must be adept at translating complex technological concepts into clear business strategies and capable of leading a cultural transformation towards a data-first mindset. This position requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, business acumen, technical expertise, and inspirational leadership to guide the company through the next phase of its digital evolution and solidify its position as a pioneer in revolutionizing industrial operations through smart manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities of Chief AI Officer – Mid-Market Industrial Manufacturing Group | Atlanta, GA
The Chief AI Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities include:
AI Strategy Development and Execution
Design, articulate, and implement a comprehensive, long-term enterprise AI strategy that aligns directly with the company’s core business objectives, growth targets, and market position. Develop a detailed roadmap for AI adoption, including key initiatives, timelines, and resource allocation.
Leadership and Team Cultivation
Build, mentor, and lead a world-class, multi-disciplinary AI and Data Science organization. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning that attracts and retains top talent in data science, machine learning engineering, and data analytics.
Innovation and Research & Development
Act as the primary driver of AI-led innovation. Constantly scan the horizon for emerging technologies, methodologies, and applications in AI, robotics, and automation that can be applied to the manufacturing sector to create new value streams or operational efficiencies.
Operational Integration and Optimization
Champion the integration of AI/ML models into core business processes. Focus areas will include, but are not limited to, predictive maintenance for factory equipment, computer vision for automated quality control, supply chain optimization, demand forecasting, and the enhancement of robotic process automation (RPA).
Data Governance and Ethical AI Frameworks
Establish and enforce a robust data governance strategy to ensure data quality, integrity, security, and accessibility. Develop and champion an ethical AI framework that governs the responsible use of data and algorithms, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with all relevant regulations.
Executive Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
Serve as a key advisor to the C-suite and Board of Directors on AI-related matters. Collaborate closely with the CTO, COO, CFO, and other business unit leaders to identify opportunities, secure buy-in, and ensure the seamless integration of AI initiatives across the organization.
Performance Measurement and ROI Analysis
Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to rigorously measure the business impact and return on investment (ROI) of all AI initiatives. Regularly report on progress, successes, and challenges to the executive team and key stakeholders.
Technology and Vendor Ecosystem Management
Evaluate, select, and manage relationships with external technology vendors, cloud platform providers, research institutions, and AI startups. Build a strategic partner ecosystem to accelerate innovation and implementation.
Change Management and AI Evangelism
Lead the organizational change required to become an AI-driven company. Promote data literacy and an understanding of AI’s potential at all levels of the organization through training, communication, and the demonstration of clear value.
Financial and Budgetary Oversight
Develop and manage the annual budget for the AI department, ensuring optimal allocation of capital and operational expenditures to achieve strategic goals.
Requirements for the Chief AI Officer – Mid-Market Industrial Manufacturing Group | Atlanta, GA
We are seeking a seasoned executive with a rare combination of technical depth, strategic vision, and leadership prowess. The successful candidate will meet the following qualifications:
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Statistics, or a related quantitative field is required.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of overall professional experience, with at least 7-10 years in senior technology leadership roles. Demonstrable experience operating at a strategic, executive level is essential.
Industrial Sector Expertise
Proven, hands-on experience in developing and deploying AI/ML solutions within an industrial manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, automotive, or related heavy-asset industry. This is a critical requirement. The candidate must understand the unique challenges and opportunities of applying AI to physical operations and machinery.
Technical Proficiency
Deep, expert-level understanding of the AI/ML landscape, including machine learning, deep learning (CNNs, RNNs), natural language processing (NLP), computer vision, and reinforcement learning. Strong familiarity with the modern data stack, including cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop), and MLOps principles.
Strategic and Business Acumen
A strong business-oriented mindset with the ability to connect deep technology initiatives to tangible business outcomes like revenue growth, cost reduction, and risk mitigation. Experience developing business cases and financial models for technology investments.
Transformational Leadership Skills
Exceptional ability to inspire, influence, and lead large, cross-functional teams. A track record of successfully driving large-scale change management initiatives within complex organizations.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
World-class communication skills with the ability to effectively articulate a compelling vision and translate complex technical topics for a wide range of audiences, from the Board of Directors to engineers on the factory floor.
Problem-Solving and Analytical Mindset
A highly analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making, with a passion for solving complex, unstructured business problems with technology.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. The package includes:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A lucrative package including a substantial base salary, an aggressive annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term equity/incentive plan.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Top-tier medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company matching contribution.
Generous Paid Time Off
Executive-level paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and sick leave to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to move to the Atlanta, GA area.
Professional Development
A significant budget for continuous learning, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and certifications.
Impact and Autonomy
The unique opportunity to build a legacy by defining the AI strategy for an entire industry-leading organization, with the full backing of the executive team and board.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this confidential Chief AI Officer engagement. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and strategic vision. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality.
We encourage you to learn more about our dedicated executive search capabilities by visiting the JRG Partners’ Chief AI Officers practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can shape the future of industrial manufacturing.
