AI & Automation Strategy Manager

NOW HIRINGAI & Automation Strategy ManagerAn industrial company in the energy sector is building out its digital capabilities and needs someone who can make it happen on the ground.📍 Houston, TX (In-Person)| 🕐 Full-Time| 📈 4–8 Years Experience| 🏭 Energy & ManufacturingThe OpportunityThis role is hands-on. You will work alongside manufacturing operations, production teams, and senior leadership to find where AI and automation can create genuine, measurable value, then see those projects through from concept to deployment.This company manufactures pipe and tube products for the energy industry and are actively building our digital capabilities. The person we are looking for understands both technology and operations, knows how to evaluate vendors critically, and can take a pilot project and turn it into something that runs in production.You will report to the Lead for Smart Manufacturing and Corporate Strategy and work across production, quality, safety, sales, IT, and HR. The roadmap is still being built, and this person will have real input into how it takes shape.Where You’ll WorkPrimary base: Downtown Houston, TX (Sales & Marketing Office)Field travel: Regional travel to Texas and Mississippi manufacturing facilities, potentially multiple times per week depending on active projects.Note: This is a fully in-person role. Remote or hybrid arrangements are not available.What You’ll DoDevelop and maintain a realistic AI, automation, and digital transformation roadmap that reflects actual operational constraintsIdentify technology opportunities across operations, quality, safety, and reporting, and help leadership decide what to tackle firstTake open-ended operational problems and turn them into defined technology requirements and actionable project plansResearch vendors and platforms, run evaluations, and bring leadership clear comparisons with a recommendation and the reasoning behind itManage execution across demos, pilots, and rollouts, including milestone tracking and post-launch reviewsSpend time on the plant floor learning how work actually gets done, then figure out where technology can make a real differenceEvaluate proposed projects for feasibility, cost, and business value before the company commits resources to themNo prior experience in steel or pipe manufacturing is required but manufacturing experience in general is required. Strong analytical instincts, a willingness to learn the business quickly, and comfort working in an environment without a lot of established process are what matter.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Business Analytics, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Operations, Information Systems, or a related discipline4 to 8 years of experience in AI, automation, digital transformation, technology consulting, industrial technology, data analytics, or manufacturing systemsAt least 2 years in a lead or management role within those areasWorking knowledge of how AI, machine learning, automation, IoT, and data platforms get applied to real operational problems inside a manufacturing environment.Experience evaluating technology vendors, scoping pilots, or leading digital transformation projects from start to finishSelf-directed, with the ability to bring structure to unclear problems and keep projects moving without constant directionCommunicates clearly in writing and in person, and can adjust the message depending on whether the audience is a plant operator or a senior executiveFamiliarity with Industry 4.0, smart manufacturing, or connected factory systemsProficient in Excel and PowerPoint; experienced with project management and documentation toolsPreferred QualificationsMBA or master's degree in a related fieldWorking knowledge of Python, SQL, or API-based integrationsHands-on experience with Power BI, Tableau, Azure, AWS, or comparable BI or cloud platformsExposure to ERP systems, CRM platforms, or low-code automation toolsExperience with large language model platforms or evaluating AI productsFamiliarity with manufacturing quality standards such as API, ISO, ASTM, or ASME Candidates already based in the greater Houston area are preferred, but relocation may be considered for the right candidate.