Director, AI Strategist

Xylem is a Fortune 500 global water solutions company dedicated to advancing sustainable impact and empowering the people who make water work every day. As a leading water technology company with 23,000 employees operating in over 150 countries, Xylem is at the forefront of addressing the world's most critical water challenges. We invite passionate individuals to join our team, dedicated to exceeding customer expectations through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Director, AI Technology Strategist

Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced AI Technical Leader to join our dynamic AI team at Xylem. This role will report directly to the VP of AI and will serve as the enterprise AI subject matter expert, responsible for shaping the technical direction of AI initiatives, while partnering in the development of Xylem’s AI strategy, ensuring a strong alignment with the overall organizational goals.  This role will oversee all AI technical solutions, platform and ecosystem and enterprise standards, and will be responsible for identifying key areas for AI investment and innovation, ensuring scalability and responsible, ethical use of AI technologies.  The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background in AI and machine learning, coupled with leadership experience in managing cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the enterprise AI subject matter expert, providing deep technical leadership across AI and data science domains.
• Lead and oversee multiple concurrent AI-driven automation portfolios and programs, coordinating cross-functional stakeholders and technical teams to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Collaborate across enterprise to guide the architecture and delivery of AI-driven technology solutions that support strategic objectives and enhance operational efficiency.
• Support the strategic direction of responsible AI governance by advising on ethical, transparent, and compliant AI practices in close partnership with security, legal and compliance leaders.
• Apply analytical and strategic thinking to complex AI challenges, evaluating multiple perspectives and recommending optimal, data-driven solutions that align with business objectives.
• Champion an AI-driven approach across the organization, influencing solution design and fostering cross-functional collaboration and innovation to maximize the impact of AI initiatives.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and advancements in AI and digital product technologies to ensure Xylem maintains a competitive edge.
• Actively participate in the AI Governance Council, contributing technical and strategic insights to guide enterprise-wide policies, risk management, and ethical standards for AI development and deployment

Key Experience:

• 10+ years of relevant business experience in a global/international company, with a focus on AI, automation, or agent-based systems
• Proven experience in AI and machine learning, with a strong understanding of relevant technologies and frameworks.
• Demonstrated experience leading the development and deployment of AI agentic automation solutions (e.g., autonomous agents, RPA, intelligent process automation)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams, including engineering, data science, and business stakeholders

Qualifications: Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred
• MBA, MPP, or other business/strategic advanced degree.

Qualifications: Competencies

• Strong technical background with a deep understanding of AI and machine learning.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration abilities.
• Excellent overall business acumen and organizational savvy
• Ability to simplify and clarify complex and ambiguous problems.

The salary range for this position is $175,000 to $300,000 plus bonus. Starting pay is dependent on multiple factors, such as skills, experience, and work location, and is not typically at the top of the range. At Xylem, we offer a competitive compensation package with a generous benefit package, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, 401(k) with company contribution, paid time off, paid parental leave, and tuition reimbursement.

Join the global Xylem team to be a part of innovative technology solutions transforming water usage, conservation, and re-use. Our products impact public utilities, industrial sectors, residential areas, and commercial buildings, with a commitment to providing smart metering, network technologies, and advanced analytics for water, electric, and gas utilities. Partner with us in creating a world where water challenges are met with ingenuity and dedication; where we recognize the power of inclusion and belonging in driving innovation and allowing us to compete more effectively around the world.