Sr. Manager, Artificial Intelligence at Element Solutions in Apex, North Carolina

Job Description:

Challenge Yourself and Impact the Future!

Element Solutions Inc (NYSE: ESI) is a leading specialty chemicals company whose operating businesses formulate a broad range of solutions that enhance the performance of products people use every day. Developed in multi-step technological processes, our innovative solutions enable our customer's manufacturing processes in several key segments, including electronic circuitry, communication infrastructure, automotive systems, industrial surface finishing, consumer packaging, and offshore energy.

Customers of our businesses use our innovation as a competitive advantage, relying on us to help them navigate in fast-paced, high-growth markets. For example, in-car technology, from infotainment to driver assistance, is accelerating the pace of new product development and changing the competitive playing field for automotive manufacturers. With a long-standing presence in automotive markets and a deep market expertise in electronics, we sit at the intersection of this fast-growing market.

We strive to embody the five Elements of our Culture, our 5Cs: Challenge, Commit, Collaborate, Choose and Care. These core values are the foundation of our organization which our employees embrace in their interactions with customers, colleagues and other stakeholders to drive financial performance and create a rewarding work environment.

Who are we looking for?

This is an exciting opportunity to join an organization at the forefront of accelerating its adoption and strategic use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation. As the Sr. Manager, Artificial Intelligence, you will play a critical role in building and leading a specialized team within the IT department, focused on developing and implementing AI and machine learning (ML) capabilities, with an emphasis on driving automation and optimizing business processes across the organization. In this high-impact role, you will oversee the research, development, and deployment of AI/ML solutions that automate key workflows, increase operational efficiency, and support business growth. You will collaborate with various business units to implement scalable AI-driven automation use cases that address both current and future business needs. Your objective as the leader of the AI team will be to ensure that AI/ML and automation initiatives deliver measurable business value and transform critical business operations.

What will you be doing?

• Develop and execute AI/ML strategies and projects that deliver business value by automating complex processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing decision-making across the organization.
• Drive the automation of repetitive, manual tasks by leveraging AI technologies to reduce time and cost while improving accuracy and operational throughput.
• Lead the design and implementation of end-to-end AI and automation solutions, ensuring seamless integration with existing IT infrastructure and business workflows.
• Provide thought leadership and oversight in building out the AI function, including Machine Learning Engineers (MLEs) and MLOps capabilities, to automate model deployment, monitoring, and scaling.
• Oversee the full AI/ML lifecycle, from model training and optimization to automation of processes for continuous improvement and real-time performance.
• Define AI/ML and automation best practices, standards, and governance policies for the organization, ensuring consistent and scalable solutions across departments.
• Conduct cutting-edge research on emerging AI technologies, automation tools, and methodologies, and recommend innovative solutions that address specific business challenges in the specialty chemicals and manufacturing sectors.
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of AI/ML and automation initiatives, ensuring that systems deliver expected results and continuously improve in alignment with business objectives.
• Build, lead, and manage a high-performance team of AI specialists, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
• Collaborate closely with business stakeholders to identify and prioritize high-impact AI use cases that align with strategic goals and unlock new automation opportunities.
• Communicate the value and progress of AI/ML and automation initiatives to senior leadership, clearly articulating the business impact and potential for future growth.
• Stay informed/knowledgeable of industry trends and advancements in AI technology, automation tools, and machine learning models.

Who are You?

• Degree: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Years of Related Experience (Min.): 3-5 years of hands-on experience designing and implementing machine learning models as well as AI technologies with a strong focus on automation, preferably within the specialty chemicals or manufacturing industry.
• Language: fluent English is essential.
• Deep understanding of AI methodologies, automation tools, and technologies, with the ability to apply them effectively to solve complex business problems and drive operational automation.
• Up-to-date knowledge of emerging machine learning models, automation frameworks, and relevant AI libraries and tools.
• Proven expertise in Generative AI (GenAI) and related technologies, including but not limited to Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Variational Autoencoders (VAEs), Foundation Models (FMs), and Large Language Models (LLMs) such as GPT-4, PaLM 2, DALL·E 2, and LaMDA.
• Expertise in cutting-edge automation technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA), AI-driven process mining, and intelligent task automation, with hands-on experience deploying these solutions at scale.
• Familiarity with advanced machine learning techniques such as transfer learning, unsupervised feature generation, meta-learning, reinforcement learning, and AI-driven predictive analytics.
• Experience with modern data management platforms, cloud environments (e.g., Azure), and scalable data ecosystems that support AI/ML and automation workloads.
• Normal expected travel is approximately 10%, possibly higher for key projects.

We understand that not all candidates may meet the requirements listed above. If you believe you have the skills and experience necessary to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply.

What competencies will you need?

• Proven experience in building and leading a small team, with strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to creatively apply AI and automation to a variety of business challenges.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
• Process-driven and are effective at project management.
• Strong communication skills and able to present objectives, strategies, concerns and impact assessments clearly to individuals in all departments and levels of the business including senior management.
• Ability to take ownership and proactively lead workstreams and tasks with limited supervision.

We are Offering...

As part of our team here, as well as receiving a competitive base salary, you will also participate in a generous performance related bonus plan. In addition, you will also receive a 401k plan with company matching, Life Insurance, and Medical Insurance as well as 9 holidays.

Innovative - At ESI, we are committed to solving the complex and evolving needs of our customers through innovation and high-quality standards. We are focused on bringing cutting edge and environmentally sustainable solutions to the market. Our people are the critical resource required to make that happen. We support your success by creating a strong, inclusive culture, competitive total rewards, and an appropriate work-life balance.

Socially Responsible - We care about what you care about. We respect the individual differences that make up our unique expanding organization. We prioritize both sustainability and social impact in both our business operations and our local communities through our various ESI Cares initiatives and the ESI Foundation. There are many ways to get involved from employee network groups that support your interests and sense of belonging to paid volunteer days.

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 status as a protected veteran.

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