Data Science Manager

Job Title: AI Manager

Location:
Phoenix, AZ Rate: $60 – $65/hour We are partnering with an organization seeking an experienced AI Manager to lead the development and implementation of enterprise artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions. This role will focus on driving AI strategy, managing technical teams, and ensuring AI initiatives deliver meaningful business results while maintaining strong governance, security, and compliance standards. The ideal candidate brings a combination of technical AI expertise, leadership experience, and a strong understanding of responsible AI practices. You’ll work closely with engineering teams, business stakeholders, and leadership to identify opportunities, oversee AI development, and guide solutions from initial concept through deployment and ongoing optimization. Your role: AI Strategy & Development Lead the planning, development, and implementation of enterprise AI and machine learning initiatives Develop AI roadmaps, establish project priorities, and align technology solutions with business objectives Partner with business stakeholders to identify opportunities for AI-driven automation and process improvement Translate business requirements into actionable technical strategies and development plans Evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend solutions that improve operational efficiency and business performance AI Team Leadership & Collaboration Lead, mentor, and manage teams of AI engineers, business analysts, and technical specialists Provide direction and oversight throughout the AI development and implementation lifecycle Collaborate with data science, MLOps, software engineering, and business teams to deliver integrated solutions Foster a collaborative environment focused on innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement Coordinate resources, resolve technical challenges, and ensure development teams remain aligned with project objectives AI Governance, Risk & Compliance Establish and maintain AI governance practices to support responsible and secure AI adoption Coordinate AI risk assessments, model validation, bias testing, and data privacy compliance Ensure AI solutions follow established ethical standards, security requirements, and organizational policies Identify potential risks related to AI models, data usage, and automated decision-making Partner with technical and business stakeholders to implement appropriate controls and risk mitigation strategies AI Model Management & Optimization Oversee the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, and ongoing optimization of AI and machine learning models Establish processes for evaluating model accuracy, performance, reliability, and scalability Monitor model drift, identify performance issues, and coordinate necessary improvements Manage AI model lifecycle activities, including updates, retraining, and retirement Work with technical teams to ensure AI solutions remain effective, secure, and aligned with business needs Project Management & Stakeholder Communication Manage AI project timelines, budgets, resources, and deliverables across multiple initiatives Establish and track performance metrics, including model accuracy, system availability, latency, and return on investment Coordinate cross-functional dependencies and address challenges that may impact project delivery Communicate AI strategies, project progress, and technical recommendations to executive leadership Present complex AI concepts and solutions in a clear, understandable manner to technical and non-technical audiences What you’ve got: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Statistics, or a related technical field 5 years of experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, or AI engineering 2 years of experience directly leading and managing AI teams Hands‑on experience coordinating AI governance and compliance activities, including risk assessments, model validation, bias testing, and data privacy requirements Strong understanding of AI/ML architectures, machine learning lifecycles, and MLOps practices Experience overseeing enterprise AI development, deployment, and ongoing model performance Ability to translate business objectives into technical requirements and scalable AI solutions Experience managing complex technical projects using Agile or traditional project management methodologies Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor technical teams and manage competing priorities Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving abilities Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to diverse audiences Experience collaborating with technical teams, business stakeholders, and executive leadership Preferred: Experience with OpenAI technologies, including Microsoft Azure OpenAI services Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks such as P