SCOPE
The AI Developer designs, builds, and deploys AI-powered solutions, automation workflows, and integrations that support HeartlandFPG business objectives. Working under the direction of the AI Architect, this role translates approved AI use cases from the intake process into functional, production-ready applications. The AI Developer is a hands-on technical contributor who partners with the AI Architect and AI Administration to operationalize the company's AI platforms and deliver measurable value to functional business units.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Solution Development & Deployment
- Design, build, test, and deploy AI agents, automation workflows, and integrations on approved platforms (primarily Abacus.AI).
- Translate approved AI use cases and requirements into functional, production-ready solutions.
- Build and deploy AI agents and automations for CPG use cases such as promotional lift analysis, demand planning support, and retail execution across HeartlandFPG brands.
- Develop prompts, configurations, and supporting logic in line with the department's prompt engineering and AI integration standards.
- Build integrations between AI platforms and enterprise data sources, respecting governed data access controls.
- Document solution designs, configurations, and deployment steps to support maintainability and knowledge transfer.
Technical Operations & Support
- Monitor deployed AI solutions for performance, reliability, and accuracy; troubleshoot and resolve issues.
- Maintain and enhance existing AI solutions as business needs and platform capabilities evolve.
- Integrate AI solutions with the enterprise data ecosystem (ERP/SAP, Microsoft Fabric) in partnership with Information Technology (IT).
- Support user onboarding, access provisioning, and training in coordination with AI Administration.
- Participate in testing and validation of AI outputs per SOP-005 (AI Agent Output Review and Human Validation).
Collaboration & Governance
- Work under the technical direction of the AI Architect, escalating architectural and security decisions as appropriate.
- Partner with Functional Data Analysts to understand business requirements and deliver fit-for-purpose solutions.
- Develop solutions that respect food industry regulatory, labeling, and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliance data requirements.
- Ensure all development complies with the Enterprise AI Usage Policy V1 and applicable data privacy and security standards.
- Contribute to the AI tool inventory, reusable components, and best-practice documentation.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Must be able to sit for extended periods of time and interact with computers, telephone and other electronic media. Overtime hours may be required to meet project deadlines.
- Overtime hours may be required to meet project deadlines.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or related field required.
- 3+ years of experience building software, automation, or AI/ML solutions in a business environment.
- Hands-on experience developing on AI or automation platforms; familiarity with enterprise AI platforms (e.g., Abacus.AI) preferred.
- Proficiency with programming/scripting (e.g., Python, SQL) and API-based integrations.
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
- Self-motivated, accountable, and able to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Effective written and verbal communication; able to explain technical concepts to non-technical partners.
- Commitment to responsible, secure, and policy-compliant AI development.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and collaboratively, and deliver results under pressure.
KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE
- Experience deploying and maintaining production applications or automation workflows.
- Understanding of prompt engineering, large language models, and AI agent design patterns.
- Familiarity with data quality, security, and governance considerations in AI solution delivery.
- Experience integrating with enterprise data environments (e.g., Microsoft Fabric) is a plus.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related field
- 3+ years of experience building software, automation, or AI/ML solutions in a business environment
- Hands-on experience developing on AI or automation platforms
- Proficiency with programming or scripting, such as Python and SQL
- Experience with API-based integrations
- Familiarity with enterprise AI platforms such as Abacus.AI
- Experience integrating with enterprise data environments such as Microsoft Fabric
- Experience deploying and maintaining production applications or automation workflows
- Understanding of prompt engineering, large language models, and AI agent design patterns
- Familiarity with data quality, security, and governance considerations in AI solution delivery
Heartland Food Products Group Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Heartland Food Products Group and has not been reviewed or approved by Heartland Food Products Group.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare is considered solid in several roles, with some noting affordable coverage and comprehensive medical, dental, and vision options. Feedback suggests core insurance offerings work well for some employees and families.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) plan is available, and some sources cite matching, indicating basic retirement benefits are present. Feedback suggests the offering is standard for a midsize employer.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off is included as part of the standard package and some listings mention approximately two weeks at hire. Feedback suggests PTO exists but experiences vary by role.
Heartland Food Products Group Insights
What We Do
Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. Simply put, we make coffee, tea and water taste better. Our portfolio includes a variety of branded, licensed and private label products within multiple categories. We also provide strategic co-manufactured partnerships with many category leaders. On the branded side of the business, we manufacture and market SPLENDA®, the #1 brand in the low-calorie sweetener (LCS) category and the most recognizable in the world. And we’re leading the charge in the quickly emerging cold brew coffee category with JAVA HOUSE® Authentic Cold Brew Coffee, our 100% authentic cold brew handcrafted in small batches. In addition, we are the leading provider of private label sweeteners and liquid water enhancers in the U.S. Our products are distributed throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia-Pacific. We employ over 1,200 people worldwide.
