Position: AI Specialist
Location/Department: Richmond Headquarters/ Information Systems
Status: Full-Time/ Salaried Exempt
Job Code: I303
Grade: Salary Grade 8
Reports To: AI Project Manager

Our Company

Universal is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, and is the leading global leaf tobacco supplier. Tobacco sourcing and processing has been the Company's principal focus since its founding in 1918. The largest portion of the Company's business involves procuring and processing flue-cured, burley, and dark air-cured leaf tobacco for manufacturers of consumer tobacco products. Over the past few years, Universal has expanded its business through a series of acquisitions to develop a plant-based ingredients business segment to support the food and beverage markets which will provide future growth opportunities for Universal. We are now a global business-to-business agri-products supplier to consumer product manufacturers, that sources and processes leaf tobacco and plant-based ingredients. Through our plant-based ingredients platform, we provide a variety of value-added manufacturing processes to produce high-quality, specialty vegetable- and fruit-based ingredients as well as botanical extracts and flavorings for human and pet food end markets.

For more information on Universal, visit our website at www.universalcorp.com

Summary

As an AI Specialist at Universal, you will support the Global AI Program by helping business teams identify, test, document, and adopt practical AI and automation solutions. This role works across business and technical teams to support AI use case intake, mid-code solution development, user enablement, and responsible adoption of approved technologies such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, Power Automate, Power Platform, and other AI-enabled tools.

What You’ll Be Doing (Essential Duties)

Assist the AI Project Manager and business stakeholders with identifying, documenting, assessing, prioritizing, and tracking AI and automation opportunities across global business functions.
Support the design, configuration, testing, documentation, and maintenance of AI agents, copilots, automation workflows, prototypes, pilots, and knowledge-based solutions using approved AI technologies.
Work with business users, technical teams, vendors, IT, and project owners to support AI solution implementation from concept through deployment.
Provide end-user support, troubleshooting, training, demonstrations, office hours, quick reference materials, and adoption guidance to increase AI literacy and effective use of approved tools.
Assist Global AI Team with AI governance activities, including use case documentation, responsible AI practices, data privacy awareness, information security considerations, and follow-up with global Advisors and Champions.
Track solution performance, user adoption, business value, open action items, lessons learned, and improvement opportunities to support continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.
Stay informed on emerging AI technologies and share relevant ideas, risks, and observations with the Global AI Team.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in information systems, business, data analytics, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
Two or more years of experience in business analysis, AI automation, technology support, project coordination, process improvement, technology enablement, or a related field.
Experience gathering business requirements and translating business needs into practical technology solutions.
Strong analytical, organizational, critical-thinking, problem-solving, and follow-up skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.
Ability to manage assigned tasks and action items with guidance in a fast-paced environment.
Experience in preparing presentations, reports, training materials, process documentation, or business communications.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and responsible technology adoption.

Preferred Skills

Experience with Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, AI agents, Power Automate, Power Apps, Power BI, or other Microsoft Power Platform technologies.
Familiarity with workflow automation, process mapping, data analysis, reporting, or business process measurement.
Experience supporting training sessions, workshops, demonstrations, office hours, or technology adoption activities.
Knowledge of data governance, information security, AI governance, privacy requirements, or responsible AI practices.
Relevant certifications or coursework in Microsoft Power Platform, Azure AI, analytics, project management, AI fundamentals, automation, or change management.
Experience working in a global or cross-functional business environment.

Benefits
We offer a wide range of market-competitive total rewards that include 401(k) match, pension, merit increases, paid holidays, medical, dental, life, vision, short and long-term disability benefits, and tuition assistance to name a few.

EOE M/F/Disabled/Vet Employer

All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Learn more about this Employer on their Career Site