Director, Enterprise AI

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Wolverine Worldwide is a global marketer of branded footwear, apparel, and accessories. With an established global footprint that spans approximately 200 countries and territories, as well as a rock-solid infrastructure, Wolverine Worldwide is dedicated to advancing the following brands that comprise the ever-expanding portfolio: Bates, Chaco, Cat Footwear, Harley Davidson Footwear, Merrell, Saucony, Sweaty Betty and Wolverine.
Wolverine Worldwide is a Great Place To Work® Certified™ company, underscoring its commitment to prioritizing employee experience and cultivating an amazing company culture across its U.S. operations. The Great Place To Work Certification distinguishes employers that prioritize employee experience, based on employees’ survey feedback on trust, camaraderie, and appreciation in the workplace
This role will spearhead the development and execution of Wolverine Worldwide’s enterprise-wide AI strategy. Driving innovation in product development, supply chain optimization, customer engagement, and operational efficiency. The ideal candidate combines deep expertise in AI/ML with strategic vision and cross-functional leadership to scale responsible, impactful AI adoption across all business functions.

Primary Duties:

• This leadership role will drive AI-driven innovations in product & supply chain optimization, customer insights, digital transformation, and operational efficiencies
• The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in AI and machine learning, a strong understanding of product, marketing, and retail operations, combined with the leadership ability to scale AI adoption across the organization
• Develop and execute Wolverine Worldwide’s global AI strategy, aligning with business objectives and industry’s best practices. Advise, lead, mentor, and scale a cross-functional collaborative team
• Drive AI adoption across various business functions, including, but not limited to: Finance, Global Supply Chain, Product Development, Marketing, and Customer Service
• Collaborating with Technology, Finance, Operations, and Leadership groups to ensure AI investments yield and measurable business impact.
• Oversee design, development, deployment of AI/ML solutions to optimize key areas:
  • Supply Chain & Logistics: Predictive analytics for demand forecasting, inventory management, and transportation optimization.
  • Customer Engagement & Marketing: Personalized recommendations, AI-driven customer insights, agent deployment, and sentiment analysis 
  • Product Development: Advanced data analytics to improve footwear/apparel and innovation 

• Ensure AI models are explainable, scalable, and integrated with existing workflows
• Communicate AI strategies, initiatives, and results to key stakeholders
• Champion a data-driven culture by promoting AI literacy across the organization 
• Implement AI governance frameworks to ensure ethical, fair, and responsible AI practices
• Partner with the Cyber Security / Data / Privacy & Compliance Team to ensure compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and industry-specific standards
• Develop risk mitigation strategies to prevent AI bias, security threats, and model degradation
• Perform duties consistent with the company’s AAP/EEO goals and policies.
• Performs other duties as required/assigned by manager.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a related field (Master’s degree + work experience preferred) 
• 7+ years of experience in data science, Machine Learning, or AI, with at least 3-5 years in a people leadership role 
• Expertise in AI, machine learning, deep learning, and predictive analytics 
• Strong proficiency in AI frameworks, cloud AI platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), and MLOps practices 
• Solid understanding of AI ethics, governance, and compliance in a corporate setting 
• Proven track record of leading AI teams and managing AI projects 
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and data-driven decision-making skills 
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate AI concepts into business impact 
• Experience managing AI budgets, vendor relationships, and cross-functional AI initiatives 

Working Conditions:

Wolverine Worldwide has a flexible, hybrid work schedule, with three days in office and two days remote.

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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.

Wolverine Worldwide, Inc. is committed to creating a company that is as diverse as our consumers. We value the differences in one another and believe our differences make us stronger. Our diverse and inclusive corporate culture starts with the recruitment process. We are committed to being an equal opportunity employer. We aim to create equal opportunities for our associates, customers, and suppliers regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected characteristic.