Director, AI & Digital Transformation 

LOCATION: Avon / Ohio (US-OH), United States | BRAND:  Knorr-Bremse | REQUISITION ID: 10553 | JOB GRADE: 19  | ON-SITE/REMOTE: On-site 

At Knorr-Bremse, our mission is to make mobility safer, more efficient, and better for the environment on roads and railways. This shared passion brings us together around the world and motivates us every day. Based in Munich, Knorr-Bremse Group is the global leader in braking systems and a top supplier of safety-related sub-systems for rail and commercial vehicles.

To support our growth and teamwork in North America, Knorr Brake Holding Corporation (KBHC) provides shared services for our truck and rail brands, such as Bendix CVS, Knorr Brake Company, KB Signaling, and New York Air Brake. When you join KBHC, you work with skilled and dedicated colleagues who share your sense of purpose. You will find meaningful opportunities, gain diverse experiences, and help achieve important goals across our North American truck and rail divisions.

Knorr Brake Holding Corporation is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Position Summary:

This position is a dynamic and results-oriented Director of AI & Digital Transformation to lead our digital initiatives across the organization. This role is pivotal in shaping our future by identifying and implementing cutting-edge digital solutions, particularly in AI, that will enhance our products, services, and operations. The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record of driving significant digital change and delivering measurable business results.

Essential Functions:

Strategy & Vision

• Develop and execute a comprehensive digital transformation strategy with strong emphasis on AI.
• Identify new business opportunities and models enabled by digital technologies.
• Champion a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across the enterprise.

Leadership & Execution

• Lead and mentor a cross-functional team of digital experts, data scientists, and engineers.
• Oversee the entire lifecycle of digital and AI projects, from conception to deployment and scaling.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align digital initiatives with overall company objectives.

Impact & Value Creation

• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact and ROI of digital initiatives.
• Drive the adoption of AI-powered solutions to optimize processes, enhance decision-making, and create new revenue streams.
• Ensure all digital initiatives are compliant with relevant regulations.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive adoption.
• Communicate the vision, progress, and impact of the digital transformation strategy across the organization, including executive leadership. 

Knowledge   

• Strong expertise in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and emerging digital technologies, and how to apply them to business challenges
• Proven understanding of digital transformation strategy and execution at an enterprise level, including identifying new business opportunities
• Strong business acumen with the ability to translate technical solutions into measurable business value (ROI, efficiency, revenue growth)
• Experience leading large-scale digital programs and managing cross-functional teams in a matrix environment
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, including working with senior leadership
• Knowledge of change management and driving adoption of new digital and AI solutions
• Awareness of governance, compliance, and industry trends related to digital technologies

Skills

• Deep understanding of AI, machine learning, data analytics, and other emerging digital technologies.
• Strong business acumen and the ability to translate technical concepts into tangible business value.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage ambiguity and drive results.  

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in IT/Digital roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position overseeing digital transformation or AI projects.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing AI strategies that have delivered significant business value.
• Experience in managing and mentoring teams.
• Experience in the manufacturing or transportation industry is a plus.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer science, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
• Master’s degree is preferred.  

Position Requirements:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Avon, OH is $142,900–$238,100 per year. The final pay offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, the type of years and experience within the industry and education. KBHC is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect positions that work in other states or locations. Provided they meet all eligibility requirements under the applicable plan documents, employees (and their eligible dependents) will be eligible to enroll in group healthcare plans that offer medical, dental, vision, and basic life and disability insurance. Employees also will be able to enroll in our company’s 401k plan. Employees will also receive 120 hours of vacation leave and 40 hours of Personal Paid Absence every year. Employees will also enjoy 12 paid holidays, and 1 floating holiday throughout the calendar year, subject to relevant terms outlined in the employee handbook. 6 weeks of paid parental leave will also be available for use. Requirements for these benefits will be controlled by applicable plan documents and policies. Employees working on federal contracts covered by the Federal Paid Sick Leave requirements will be notified and will receive benefits consistent and compliant with the FPSL requirements. Hired applicant will be able to purchase company stock, subject to the relevant plan documents and annual bonuses based on achievement of certain metrics of up to 10% of annual salary. This is intended to provide a general description of benefits and other compensation and is not a substitute for applicable plan documents or company policies. Applications for this position are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Please note: At this time,  we are not able to offer immigration sponsorship for new hires. All applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future employment-based visa sponsorship.

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Join us in shaping the mobility of the future!

We - that's around 30,000 employees worldwide. At over 100 locations in more than 30 countries, we are committed to progress on rail and road through technological excellence, sustainable management and social responsibility. Our most recent turnover was 7.8 billion euros. With us, you can expect an exciting and varied job in an international environment as well as an attractive package.