Role Overview for Fractional Chief AI Officer – Construction & Engineering Group | Boca Raton / Palm Beach, FL
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in placing transformative leaders, has been exclusively retained by a forward-thinking and highly respected Construction & Engineering conglomerate based in the vibrant economic hub of Boca Raton, Florida. Our client stands as a pillar in the industry, renowned for delivering large-scale, complex projects with unparalleled quality and integrity. As the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector stands on the precipice of a technological revolution, our client is committed to leading this charge by embedding artificial intelligence into the core of their operations. To spearhead this critical transformation, we are seeking a visionary and strategic leader for the newly created position of Fractional Chief AI Officer (CAIO).
This is not a traditional, full-time executive role; it is a high-impact, strategic partnership. The Fractional CAIO will serve as the principal architect of the company’s AI-powered future, dedicating focused, strategic time to guide the organization without the constraints of day-to-day operational management. You will be a member of the senior leadership team, acting as a trusted advisor to the CEO and the board, responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and overseeing the implementation of a comprehensive AI strategy. Your mission will be to harness the power of machine learning, data analytics, computer vision, and other intelligent technologies to revolutionize every facet of the business—from pre-construction planning and generative design to project execution, safety monitoring, risk management, and sustainable asset lifecycle management.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned technology executive who possesses a rare blend of deep AI expertise, strategic business acumen, and an innate understanding of how to apply technology to solve complex, real-world problems in the physical world. You are a pioneer, an evangelist, and a pragmatist who can translate the vast potential of AI into a tangible roadmap that delivers measurable business value. This role offers a unique opportunity to leave an indelible mark on a major industry player and redefine the standards of excellence in construction and engineering for decades to come.
Key Responsibilities of Fractional Chief AI Officer – Construction & Engineering Group | Boca Raton / Palm Beach, FL
Strategic AI Vision and Roadmap Development
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the company’s current digital maturity and operational workflows to identify the highest-impact opportunities for AI integration. You will develop and champion a multi-year AI roadmap that is deeply aligned with the company’s long-term business objectives, such as enhancing profitability, improving safety outcomes, accelerating project delivery, and promoting sustainable building practices. This includes creating compelling business cases, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), and securing executive buy-in and investment for all AI initiatives.
Technology Integration and Governance Framework
Lead the evaluation, selection, and implementation of cutting-edge AI platforms and tools. This includes leveraging technologies like computer vision for real-time site safety monitoring (e.g., PPE detection, hazard identification), predictive analytics for forecasting project costs and timelines, Natural Language Processing (NLP) for intelligent contract analysis, and leveraging generative design for optimizing building performance and material usage. Crucially, you will also establish a robust governance framework for AI, ensuring all applications are developed and deployed ethically, securely, and in compliance with relevant regulations.
Data Ecosystem Orchestration and Management
Champion the principle that high-quality data is the lifeblood of effective AI. You will be responsible for architecting a cohesive data strategy that breaks down existing silos across various systems (BIM, ERP, IoT sensors, project management software). This involves establishing stringent data governance policies, ensuring data quality and integrity, and creating a scalable data infrastructure that can support advanced analytics and machine learning models at scale.
Cultivating an AI-First Culture
Act as the primary AI evangelist across the organization. You will be responsible for demystifying artificial intelligence for non-technical stakeholders and fostering a culture of data-driven decision-making and continuous innovation. This includes designing and promoting training and upskilling programs for employees, establishing a cross-functional AI Center of Excellence (CoE), and creating clear communication channels to share successes and learnings from AI pilot programs and deployments.
Executive Advisory and Cross-Functional Leadership
Serve as the trusted AI advisor to the C-suite and Board of Directors. You will translate complex technical concepts into clear business implications, guiding strategic planning and investment decisions. You will collaborate closely with leaders across all departments—including Pre-Construction, Operations, Engineering, Finance, and Safety—to ensure that AI solutions are co-developed to meet their specific needs and are seamlessly integrated into their existing workflows.
Innovation Scouting and Partnership Ecosystem
Keep the organization at the absolute forefront of technological innovation. You will continuously scan the horizon for emerging AI trends, disruptive technologies, and innovative startups in the ConTech space. You will build and manage a strategic ecosystem of technology vendors, research institutions, and industry partners to accelerate the company’s R&D efforts and pilot next-generation AI solutions.
Requirements for the Fractional Chief AI Officer – Construction & Engineering Group | Boca Raton / Palm Beach, FL
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in technology, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Head of AI, Chief Data Scientist, VP of Technology) with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data strategy. Proven experience reporting to and advising C-level executives and boards is essential.
Industry Domain Expertise
Deep familiarity with the AEC (Architecture, Engineering, Construction) industry is highly preferred. Candidates with experience in adjacent, asset-heavy industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, logistics, or energy, where AI has been applied to complex physical operations and project management, will also be strongly considered.
Profound Technical Acumen
A deep, intuitive understanding of the entire machine learning lifecycle, from data ingestion and feature engineering to model training, validation, deployment (MLOps), and monitoring. You must possess the technical credibility to lead and challenge teams of data scientists and AI engineers, evaluate vendor technologies, and architect scalable AI solutions. Expertise in areas such as computer vision, predictive modeling, NLP, and reinforcement learning is required.
Strategic and Commercial Mindset
A demonstrated ability to think beyond technical projects and architect enterprise-wide strategic capabilities. You must have a proven track record of developing compelling business cases, securing significant investment, and delivering measurable ROI for large-scale technology initiatives. A P&L mindset is critical.
Transformational Change Management
Verifiable success in driving significant technological and cultural transformation within a large, established organization. Expertise in stakeholder management, influencing without direct authority, and communicating a compelling vision to diverse audiences are paramount for success in this role.
Educational Background
An advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related Engineering discipline is strongly preferred. An MBA combined with a technical undergraduate degree presents a compelling alternative.
Fractional Mindset
Prior experience and a clear aptitude for working in a fractional or strategic consulting capacity is highly desirable. You must be adept at maximizing impact in a part-time, high-influence engagement, focusing on strategy and governance over day-to-day execution.
Benefits & Perks Offered
As a strategic fractional partner, your engagement with our client will be structured to recognize your executive-level contribution and expertise:
Executive-Level Compensation
A highly competitive compensation package designed for a C-level fractional executive, reflecting the strategic importance and anticipated impact of this role.
Unparalleled Strategic Influence
A rare opportunity to operate at the highest echelon of the organization, directly shaping the strategic direction, competitive positioning, and long-term future of a multi-billion-dollar industry leader.
Flexible and Autonomous Engagement
Enjoy the autonomy and flexibility inherent in a fractional role, allowing for a balanced portfolio of professional engagements while making a profound impact.
Greenfield Opportunity
The chance to be the foundational architect of the company’s entire AI capability. You will build a world-class function from the ground up, leaving a lasting legacy on the organization and the broader construction industry.
Significant Resource Allocation
Direct access to significant capital and resources to build a team, acquire necessary technology, and execute your strategic vision without bureaucratic impediments.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the search for this pivotal role. If you are a visionary AI leader ready to redefine the future of the construction and engineering industry, we invite you to apply.
Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and your strategic vision for AI in the AEC sector. Qualified candidates will be contacted for an initial confidential discussion.
To learn more about our expertise in placing transformative technology leaders, please visit the JRG Partners’ Fractional & Interim Chief AI Officer Search practice page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
