Head of AI

Optimas is a leading global Fastener Distribution and Manufacturing company, committed to embracing technological advances driving sustainable growth through innovation. We are dedicated to integrating AI into every aspect of our business, ensuring a positive impact on the efficiency of our processes and people. We are seeking a visionary and strategic leader to join our team as the Head of AI.

To learn more, please visit our website http://www.optimas.com/

Job Purpose:

The Head of AI will be responsible for creating the Strategy and driving the adoption and implementation of AI solutions within the company. This leadership role will focus on leveraging AI and integrating into our business operations ensuring alignment with our corporate values and long-term. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with executive leadership, cross-functional teams, and external stakeholders to identify high-impact areas where AI can improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability across the business.

This role reports directly to the Vice President, Global Business Intelligence.

Role of Department:

The Business Intelligence (BI) department plays a pivotal role in driving data-informed decision-making across the organization. This department is responsible for collecting, managing, and analyzing data to provide actionable insights that support strategic goals and operational excellence.

The department combines technical expertise, strategic thinking, and a focus on actionable outcomes to ensure the organization remains competitive and adaptive in an increasingly data-centric world.

Key Result Areas:

Strategic Leadership: Lead the development of the company’s AI strategy to align with business goals, focusing on automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making to enhance efficiency.

Implementation: Oversee AI-related projects from ideation to deployment, managing timelines, budgets, and resources to ensure successful project delivery and measurable results.

Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including employees, customers, investors, regulatory bodies, and community organizations, to promote and communicate the company’s sustainability initiatives.

Data Analysis & Machine Learning: Where necessary Design and implement machine learning models to increase operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Collaborative Solution Design: Partner with IT and other Key functions to develop AI solutions that are technically sound and aligned with operational workflows and challenges within the business.

Automation & Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for AI-driven automation in supply chain processes, order processing, warehouse management, and customer service, reducing manual workloads and error rates.

Monitoring & Optimization: Develop methods to monitor and evaluate AI model performance in real-time, ensuring solutions remain accurate, relevant, and impactful.

Compliance & Ethics: Ensure AI practices adhere to legal, regulatory, and ethical standards, maintaining data privacy and promoting responsible AI use throughout the company.

Perform as part of the International Leadership Team, supporting and implementing crucial measures and initiatives as required.

"The post-holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may be reasonably expected within the scope and level of the role".

Experience: A track record of leading AI initiatives that delivered measurable business results at a Strategic Level within a global or multinational organisation.

Knowledge: In-depth understanding of AI data platforms and programming skills, proficiency in machine learning algorithms, data mining, statistical analysis and deep learning frameworks. Experience in the Fastener or Manufacturing sector is a plus.

Leadership Skills: Proven ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, drive change, and achieve results in a complex, multinational environment.

Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to convey complex AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders and secure buy-in.

Analytical Skills: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, Ability to think critically and translate business problems into AI-driven solutions with a strong ROI focus.

Project Management: Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale projects and initiatives from concept to implementation.

This is an exciting opportunity to work within a fast-paced environment, where there is never a dull moment! We are looking for the right person who can make an impact in a short period of time, ‘hit-the-ground-running’ and embark on the role with full enthusiasm and determination.