Job Description : Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer (CAIO)
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership :
- Define ITMs and S2As AI vision, strategy, and roadmap, aligned with business and technology objectives.
- Identify and prioritize AI opportunities across commercial, engineering, production, and innovation areas.
- Create the ITM and S2A AI Governance Framework ensuring alignment with data protection, data ethics, and group standards.
Technology & Integration
- Evaluate, select, and deploy AI tools and platforms, balancing external technologies (OpenAI, Microsoft, etc.) with internal development.
- Oversee integration of AI with ERP, CRM, PLM, and CAD systems.
- Lead the design and scaling of predictive models, forecasting tools, and generative applications in engineering and business functions.
Organization & Capability Building
- Build and lead a distributed AI team, with a strong development hub in India.
- Develop internal know-how through training, mentoring, and documentation.
- Collaborate with universities, research centres, and AI start-ups for partnerships and scouting.
Data Governance & Security
- Implement robust data management and security policies.
- Ensure data privacy, traceability, and explainability of AI decisions.
- Maintain continuous alignment with EU AI Act and Prettl Group data compliance.
Innovation & Business Value
- Drive AI-enabled innovation : product design automation, predictive maintenance, and smart quoting tools.
- Quantify ROI of AI initiatives and deliver measurable business results.
- Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making throughout the organization.
Required Experience
- 10+ years in technology, data science, or digital transformation, with at least 35 years in a leadership or strategic AI role.
- Proven experience implementing AI in industrial/manufacturing or mobility sectors (preferred).
- Strong technical understanding of machine learning, data analytics, LLMs, and AI integration architectures.
- Hands-on experience with ERP/CRM systems (SAP, MS Dynamics, Salesforce) and CAD/PLM environments.
- Familiarity with cloud and hybrid infrastructures, data engineering, and cybersecurity principles.
- Track record of managing international teams, ideally including India or similar offshore competence centres.
- Excellent communication and influencing skills with senior management and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Fluent in English (Italian or German a plus).
Personal Characteristics
- Strategic and visionary thinker with strong execution ability.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and passion for innovation.
- Capable of balancing technology depth with business pragmatism.
- Natural mentor and builder of talent.
- Ethical, trustworthy, and culturally adaptable.
(ref:hirist.tech)
