Director AI - AdFarm

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director AI - AdFarm based in Canada.

As Director of AI & Innovation, you will lead the development and implementation of practical artificial intelligence and automation solutions that improve business performance and deliver measurable value to clients. You will define and execute an AI roadmap aligned with organizational priorities, identifying opportunities where emerging technologies can solve real-world challenges. Working across multidisciplinary teams, you will transform complex business needs into scalable solutions, from early-stage prototypes to successful implementation.

You will also explore innovative applications of AI for client projects, developing repeatable approaches that enhance service delivery and operational efficiency. This leadership role combines strategic vision with hands-on technical expertise, stakeholder collaboration, and change management. You will help build a culture of innovation by ensuring AI adoption is responsible, effective, and focused on tangible business outcomes.

Accountabilities

AI Strategy and Prioritization:  Develop and maintain a practical AI and automation roadmap aligned with business objectives and client needs. Identify and prioritize opportunities based on business value, technical feasibility, data readiness, risk, and expected impact.

Solution Architecture and Prototyping:  Translate business challenges into clear technical requirements, solution concepts, and implementation plans. Design and prototype AI-powered applications, workflows, and automations, determining whether to build solutions internally, purchase existing tools, or collaborate with external partners.

Innovation and Experimentation:  Lead pilots and experiments to validate proposed solutions, measure their effectiveness, and determine which initiatives should be refined, scaled, or discontinued.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Partner with teams across strategy, analytics, operations, finance, project management, creative, media, agricultural intelligence, and client services to redesign workflows, integrate AI capabilities, and encourage adoption.

Client-Focused AI Solutions:  Identify and develop AI applications for selected client challenges, creating repeatable use cases, delivery frameworks, and value models that support innovation and measurable client outcomes.

Technical Evaluation and Governance:  Assess potential solutions for reliability, security, scalability, and maintainability while promoting responsible implementation and sustainable technology practices.

Change Management and Adoption:  Guide teams through the adoption of AI-powered tools and automated processes, helping stakeholders understand their benefits and integrate them effectively into everyday workflows.

Performance Measurement and Reporting:  Define success metrics, track outcomes, and communicate progress, trade-offs, risks, and investment requirements to senior leadership to support informed decision-making.

Requirements

Proven professional experience in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, innovation, marketing technology, product development, data and analytics, consulting, or a related field.

Mandatory industry experience:  Previous experience in an agency, consultancy, marketing organization, or professional services environment.

Hands-on experience designing, developing, and prototyping AI-enabled applications, automation solutions, or data-driven workflows.

Strong technical understanding of APIs, system integrations, databases, cloud platforms, and automation tools, with the ability to design practical solutions and guide implementation.

Experience evaluating technology solutions for reliability, security, scalability, and long-term maintainability.

Ability to translate business objectives and user workflows into clear technical requirements and actionable implementation strategies.

Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives, managing technical partners, facilitating organizational change, and influencing senior stakeholders.

Excellent communication, presentation, facilitation, and consultative problem-solving skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

A pragmatic, evidence-based approach to innovation, with a focus on business value and measurable outcomes rather than adopting technology for its own sake.

Strong strategic…