AI & Innovation Associate

Now Hiring: AI & Innovation Associate Schedule: Full-Time, Exempt Location: Commerce, CA Work Arrangement: Hybrid — Remote Mondays and Fridays; in-office Tuesday through Thursday at our Commerce location. Compensation: $20-$25/hr About Us Work World is the largest specialty retailer of workwear and work boots in the Western U.S. From humble beginnings in 1990, we now operate 30+ stores under the Work World, Shoeteria and Whistle Workwear brand names California, Nevada, and Washington. We sell boots, apparel, scrubs and safety gear from top vendors in the industry including Carhartt, Wolverine, Timberland Pro, and more. We are dedicated to putting our customers first, and we believe blue collar workers are the backbone of our communities and our country. We are committed to our values of honesty, respect, and integrity, and require each employee to demonstrate these values. We are investing in Artificial Intelligence, automation, analytics, and technology to make our business more efficient and improve customer and employee experience. Position Overview We are looking for an AI & Innovation Associate to help identify and build technology solutions that solve real business problems. This is a hands-on role working across Finance, Operations, Sales, Customer Service, Distribution, Manufacturing, and Retail. You’ll use AI, automation, data, and business intelligence to improve processes, reporting, and decision-making. You’ll work directly with the CFO and IT Director and have the opportunity to take ideas from initial concept to working solutions. What You’ll Be Doing Build practical AI tools, assistants, and automated workflows Use AI platforms such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to solve business problems Identify repetitive processes that can be automated Build and maintain Power BI dashboards and business reports Develop data pipelines and integrations using Python and SQL Connect business systems such as ERP, CRM, eCommerce, and accounting platforms Analyze data and develop KPIs that support better decision-making Research new AI technologies and recommend practical business applications Work with department leaders to understand problems and develop technology solutions Help improve data quality, reporting, and business processes Support the rollout and training of new AI and automation tools What You’ll Need Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field 0–5 years of experience in AI, data analytics, software development, business intelligence, automation, or data engineering Strong Python and SQL skills Experience with Power BI Familiarity with APIs and systems integration Experience using AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or similar platforms Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Excellent communication skills Ability to manage multiple projects and work with both technical and non-technical teams Nice to Have Experience with retail, manufacturing, distribution, or supply chain Experience with ERP/MRP systems Knowledge of machine learning or predictive analytics Experience building AI agents or automated workflows Familiarity with Microsoft Azure or Microsoft Fabric Experience with Git and modern development practices What We Offer Opportunity to help shape our company’s AI and technology strategy Direct exposure to executive leadership and high-impact projects Opportunity to build solutions that make an immediate business impact Significant autonomy and hands-on experience Employee Merchandise Discounts Supportive and collaborative work environment Opportunity to grow with a strategic and expanding area of business What It’s Like Working Here We value teamwork, professionalism, continuous improvement, and practical problem-solving. This role is a great fit for someone who enjoys building things, experimenting with new technology, and finding better ways to get work done. If you’re curious about AI and excited about applying technology to real-world business challenges, we’d love to hear from you. Equal Opportunity Employer Work World is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.