Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership
- Define ITM’s and S2A’s AI vision, strategy, and roadmap aligned with business and technology objectives
- Identify and prioritize AI opportunities across commercial, engineering, production, and innovation areas
- Create the ITM and S2A AI Governance Framework ensuring alignment with data protection, data ethics, and group standards
- Technology & Integration
- Evaluate, select, and deploy AI tools and platforms, balancing external technologies such as OpenAI and Microsoft with internal development
- Oversee integration of AI with ERP, CRM, PLM, and CAD systems
- Lead the design and scaling of predictive models, forecasting tools, and generative applications in engineering and business functions
- Organization & Capability Building
- Build and lead a distributed AI team, with a strong development hub in India
- Develop internal know-how through training, mentoring, and documentation
- Collaborate with universities, research centres, and AI start-ups for partnerships and scouting
- Data Governance & Security
- Implement robust data management and security policies
- Ensure data privacy, traceability, and explainability of AI decisions
- Maintain continuous alignment with EU AI Act and Prettl Group data compliance
- Innovation & Business Value
- Drive AI-enabled innovation including product design automation, predictive maintenance, and smart quoting tools
- Quantify ROI of AI initiatives and deliver measurable business results
- Promote a culture of data-driven decision-making throughout the organization
Required Experience
- 10+ years in technology, data science, or digital transformation, with at least 3–5 years in a leadership or strategic AI role
- Proven experience implementing AI in industrial, manufacturing, or mobility sectors preferred
- Strong technical understanding of machine learning, data analytics, LLMs, and AI integration architectures
- Hands-on experience with ERP and CRM systems such as SAP, MS Dynamics, and Salesforce, along with CAD and PLM environments
- Familiarity with cloud and hybrid infrastructures, data engineering, and cybersecurity principles
- Track record of managing international teams, ideally including India or similar offshore competence centres
- Excellent communication and influencing skills with senior management and cross-functional stakeholders
- Fluent in English; Italian or German would be an advantage
Personal Characteristics
- Strategic and visionary thinker with strong execution ability
- Entrepreneurial mindset and passion for innovation
- Capable of balancing technology depth with business pragmatism
- Natural mentor and builder of talent
- Ethical, trustworthy, and culturally adaptable