Applied Science Manager - AI/GAI

About Us

CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud-based software to dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) across automotive and related industries. The Company’s cloud-based, software as a service (“SaaS”) platform enables dealerships to manage their end-to-end business operations including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. By automating and streamlining critical workflows, the integrated platform of modern solutions enables dealers to sell and service more vehicles by creating simple and convenient experiences for customers and improves their financial and operational performance. Visit www.cdkglobal.com

At CDK Global, we are focused on connections that allow us to deliver world-class software, support, and data insights. Our values define who we are and how we show up for each other, our customers, and our communities.  Our values: Stay Curious, Own It, Be Open, Create Possibilities

About the Role

We are seeking an exceptional Applied Science Manager-AI/GAI to lead a high-impact team of machine learning scientists and engineers. You will drive the design, development, and deployment of advanced ML/AI solutions ranging from recommendation engines and forecasting models to GenAI-powered applications. This is a hands-on leadership role where innovation meets execution.

Why Join Us?

• Build industry-defining AI systems that directly impact customers and business growth

• Work with a collaborative, mission-driven team at the cutting edge of ML and GenAI

• Opportunity to scale your impact through both hands-on work and strategic leadership

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of scientists and engineers to deliver high-quality ML/AI solutions.

• Own the full ML lifecycle—from data exploration and feature engineering to model deployment and monitoring.

• Architect and implement models for recommendation systems, classification, forecasting, and generative AI use-cases.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with product, engineering, and MLOps to translate business needs into scalable ML solutions.

• Leverage LLMs and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to build intelligent customer experiences.

• Champion model performance, interpretability, and reproducibility across varied domains.

• Contribute to reusable AI/ML tooling, pipelines, and best practices to improve development velocity

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or related field

• 5+ years of dedicated hands-on experience developing and deploying ML models at scale

• 2+ years of experience managing or mentoring data scientists or ML engineers

• Proficiency in Python and familiarity with languages like Java

• Solid foundation in ML techniques including regression, classification, deep learning, and collaborative filtering

• Experience with model deployment tools (e.g., FastAPI, Docker) and cloud ML platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure)

• Strong communication skills; ability to present complex ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep expertise in GenAI, NLP, time-series forecasting, or recommender systems

• Experience with LLM frameworks (e.g., OpenAI APIs, LangChain, Hugging Face Transformers)

• Proven success in deploying production-grade ML systems and managing MLOps workflows

• Track record of thought leadership via publications, patents, or internal innovations

• Ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with high autonomy

Salary Range: $144k - $184k

CDK Global is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation packages are based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, certifications, and work location.  The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans.We offer Medical, dental, and vision benefits in addition to:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401K Matching Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

At CDK, we believe inclusion and diversity are essential in inspiring meaningful connections to our people, customers and communities. We are open, curious and encourage different views, so that everyone can be their best selves and make an impact.

CDK is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workforce where everyone is valued. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed or religion, age, disability (including pregnancy), results of genetic testing, service in the military, veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Applicants for employment in the US must be authorized to work in the US.  CDK may offer employer visa sponsorship to applicants.