SCOPE

The AI Architect is responsible for designing, building, and governing the artificial intelligence and machine learning architecture for HeartlandFPG. This role leads the technical strategy for AI model development and deployment, ensuring scalable, secure, and enterprise-integrated AI solutions across the company's brands and business units. The AI Architect is the primary technical authority on AI platform design, model lifecycle governance, and responsible AI practices within the department.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Architecture & Design

Define and maintain the enterprise AI architecture blueprint, standards, and technical roadmap.
Design and oversee development of AI models, pipelines, and deployment environments.
Architect AI and machine learning solutions for CPG use cases such as demand forecasting, trade promotion optimization, and consumer and shopper insights across HeartlandFPG brands.
Lead technical evaluation and selection of AI platforms, tools, and frameworks, including ongoing stewardship of the Abacus.AI platform.
Ensure AI architecture aligns with enterprise data platform design managed through Microsoft Fabric.

Governance & Quality

Govern AI model lifecycle including development, validation, deployment, monitoring, and retirement.
Ensure AI solutions comply with data governance, security, and responsible AI standards established by the AI Governance Committee.
Partner with Information Technology (IT) to align AI platform governance with the enterprise data ecosystem (ERP/SAP, Microsoft Fabric) at CPG scale.
Maintain documentation for AI architecture decisions, standards, and approved model patterns.

Collaboration & Enablement

Partner with business stakeholders and Functional Data Analysts to translate requirements into AI solution designs.
Mentor technical staff on AI engineering practices and emerging capabilities.
Design AI architectures that respect food industry regulatory, labeling, and FDA (Food and Drug Administration) compliance data requirements.
Support the AI Developer in evaluating new AI features and platform integrations.

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.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field required.
5+ years of experience in AI/ML solution design and architecture.
Demonstrated experience with large language models, machine learning pipelines, and AI platform administration.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Strong communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts for business audiences.
Collaborative, accountable, and intellectually curious.
Committed to responsible AI and ethical data practices.
Analytical, detail-oriented problem solver with strong critical-thinking skills and a customer-oriented mindset.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and collaboratively, and deliver results under pressure.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Deep knowledge of AI/ML frameworks and enterprise AI platforms such as Abacus.AI, Azure ML, or equivalent.
Experience with data architecture, APIs, and enterprise integration patterns.
Familiarity with AI governance, model explainability, and model risk management.

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