Director, Automation & AI (Naperville)

NOTE: Candidates/applicants must be able to work onsite in the west suburbs of Chicago in a hybrid working arrangement. We will not accept candidates submitted by third parties or recruiting agencies – direct applicants only.DIRECTOR, AUTOMATION & AIWe're partnering with a large enterprise organization undergoing significant technology and operational modernization. As part of this transformation, the company is building out a next-generation IT leadership team focused on innovation, automation, and AI enablement across the business.This newly created leadership role will be responsible for establishing and scaling enterprise AI, automation, and digital engineering capabilities while partnering closely with senior business and technology stakeholders.The ideal candidate is a hands-on technical leader who can operate as both architect and builder – someone comfortable defining strategy while remaining engaged in solution design, development oversight, and technical execution.What You'll Be DoingLead enterprise initiatives focused on AI, automation, digital engineering, and intelligent process optimizationBuild and mature automation and AI capabilities across business operations, ERP environments, and enterprise platformsEvaluate and recommend emerging AI and automation technologies, platforms, and toolsPartner with business leaders to identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and operational efficiencyEstablish architecture, development standards, governance, and scalable engineering practices for automation and AI solutionsDrive modernization efforts within complex SAP environments, including streamlining customizations and improving integration capabilitiesOversee development efforts related to RPA, workflow automation, AI-enabled solutions, EDI integrations, and application developmentCollaborate across enterprise applications, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and analytics teams to deliver scalable solutionsHelp build and scale a high-performing engineering organization, including future hiring and team expansionEnvironment & TechnologySAP ecosystem with significant customization and modernization initiatives underwayData & analytics environment leveraging SAP HANA and Power BIExposure to tools such as Claude, Microsoft Copilot, GitHub, and other AI enablement technologiesOpportunity to influence long-term AI and automation platform strategyWhat We're Looking For7-15+ years of experience leading software engineering, automation, AI, or digital transformation initiativesStrong background in enterprise architecture, automation strategy, and modern development practicesHands-on experience with technologies such as RPA, workflow automation, AI/ML enablement, low-code/no-code platforms, or enterprise integrationsExperience operating in complex enterprise environments, ideally within manufacturing, supply chain, or consumer products organizationsAbility to function as a "player-coach" leader who can balance strategy, architecture, and technical executionProven ability to build programs, teams, and scalable processes within evolving organizationsThis is a high-visibility opportunity to help shape the future-state technology organization of a company investing heavily in digital transformation and AI-driven innovation.