Vice President, Artificial Intelligence Integration & Optimization

Job Description Vice President, Artificial Intelligence Integration & Optimization(# Job Number: 25000D3Z)
* We are a group of passionate people who utilize our unique talents to help our guests outfit their families for less.
* We strive to hire and develop talented and diverse associates by fostering a culture of inclusion, respect and authenticity that benefits from and thrives on a wide range of skills, styles, backgrounds and experiences.
* We believe we are better when we work together, leveraging collaboration and relationships throughout our organization and the broader retail industry to help accomplish our goals.
* We are continuously pursuing solutions that address environmental impact and advance sustainable practices, while strengthening relationships with our communities, our associates, and our industry partners.
* Practices that associates experience when joining include Authenticity, Acceptance, Accountability, Empowerment, Gratitude, Openness, Presence and Transparency.
** Location**:
Our corporate offices are in beautiful and sunny Bradenton, FL. We offer corporate associates the flexibility of hybrid work schedules, with variations by department.

** Benefits:
** We provide weekly pay and comprehensive benefits, health and wellness perks, including paid time off and retirement saving plans because associate well-being is a priority.
** Connection:
** Surround yourself with others who find purpose, passion, and fulfillment in their work, with an organization that believes in making communities safer and healthier for generations to come.
* Establish a unified AI intake and prioritization process, integrating governance, security, and value case evaluation; publish the first Bealls quarterly AI Roadmap.
* Deliver 3–5 scaled AI wins (examples: service optimization, assortment planning, workforce forecasting, lease/real-estate insights).
* Stand up AI adoption dashboards and communities of practice, tracking use-case maturity, skill development, and value delivery.
* Work with CFO to create an AI evaluation ROI model
* Work with Security to prioritize identified Risk Framework opportunities. Publish the first quarterly AI Governance Roadmap.
* Operationalize AI training programs by function, extending Bealls Inc. AI skills curriculum into department based, hands-on learning tracks.
* Lead AI Integration & Optimization Engine:
Drive the enterprise AI Integration & Optimization operating rhythm, including the AI Council, quarterly business value reviews, and monthly showcases.
* Drive Change Adoption:
Develop and institutionalize playbooks, clinics, and “day-in-the-life” AI patterns that embed new tools into core work streams.
* Partner Across Functions:
Collaborate with company-wide SVPs and business VPs to translate strategic goals into practical AI initiatives aligned with company practices.
* Vendor & Risk Governance:
Partner with Security, Privacy, Legal, and Procurement to de-risk AI vendors under the Bealls Inc. AI Policy and Responsible AI framework.
* Measure Impact:
Create enterprise-level visibility into adoption, productivity, and value realization through standardized dashboards and quarterly reports.
* Champion Integration & Optimization Culture:
Foster curiosity, inclusion, and learning through internal showcases, cross-functional communities, and partnerships with academia and retail peers.
* Additional duties as assigned.
* 10+ years of progressive experience in data, analytics, and digital transformation, including 5+ years leading AI/ML Integration & Optimization or Centers of Excellence in a multi-unit retail or consumer business.
* Proven success driving AI adoption at scale, from ideation to measurable ROI, across distributed field and corporate teams.
* Deep familiarity with GenAI and classical ML use cases under governance, compliance, and disclosure requirements.
* Strong grasp of AI risk frameworks, model explainability, bias mitigation, and vendor due diligence.
* Skilled in organizational change leadership—able to align diverse stakeholders, influence without authority, and translate technical concepts into business narratives.
* Strong industry presence with deep AI peer relationships
* Adept communicator and network builder with VP-to-SVP executive presence; experienced engaging cross-functional leaders in a matrixed organization.
* Familiarity with emerging AI agents, vendor-native integrations, and enterprise adoption lifecycle metrics.
* Experience leading AI transformation programs at top retail innovators preferred.
* Master’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, Data Science, or Organizational Transformation strongly preferred.
* Passion for helping teams work smarter, faster, and more creatively through ethical and human-centered AI.
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