AI Innovation Lead, Tecovas

• Experience leading significant AI/automation projects that have been successfully implemented and adopted. While specific experience in retail is not required, we value a background in dynamic, consumer-centric industries and a demonstrated ability to rapidly master new domains. Your track record of driving projects to completion is more important to us than a specific number of years of experience
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to tie technical solutions directly to ROI and strategic growth
• Solid understanding of AI/ML concepts (Generative AI, NLP, computer vision, predictive analytics) and hands-on familiarity with platforms such as Google Cloud (GCP), OpenAI, and Anthropic
• Comfort with prototyping, low-code/no-code platforms, and/or basic scripting to quickly demonstrate concepts and test ideas
• Familiarity with data governance, privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and risk management best practices in the context of AI adoption
• Exceptional communication skills — able to distill technical complexity into clear business terms for diverse audiences
• Self-starter who thrives in ambiguity and can drive initiatives from concept through to adoption and measurable impact
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders at all levels and build buy-in across diverse teams
• You are a natural connector and AI evangelist, passionate about demystifying technology and skilled at navigating ambiguity to drive initiatives from concept to completion
• You have a proven track record of leading AI or automation projects to successful adoption, coupled with strong commercial acumen for building business cases and quantifying ROI
• You can build strong partnerships and influence stakeholders at all levels, ensuring AI solutions are grounded in real-world needs and developed in collaboration with business teams
• You have hands-on familiarity with modern AI platforms (like Google Cloud, OpenAI, or Anthropic) and are comfortable with rapid prototyping to quickly test and validate ideas
• You can establish clear governance frameworks and lead change management efforts, guiding teams through new processes and building an AI-first mindset across the organization

Desirable

• Tecovas is looking for an AI Innovation Lead to spearhead Tecovas’ artificial intelligence initiatives and ensure that our strategic vision translates into real-world impact
• Reporting directly to the CTO, this role will serve as the central connector between our business needs and technical capabilities
• You’ll drive the implementation of practical AI initiatives that create measurable value today and help set the stage for scalable, long-term innovation at Tecovas
• This role is required to be based in Austin, TX. Candidates must either be currently located in or willing to relocate to Austin, TX
• Strategic & Departmental Problem Solving
• Partner with teams across all business functions — including Merchandising, Retail, E-commerce, Supply Chain, Customer Experience, Marketing, Finance, and Operations — to deeply understand workflows, identify inefficiencies, and surface high-value AI opportunities
• Translate findings into clear business cases with quantified ROI and efficiency gains
• Collaborate with department heads and leadership to prioritize initiatives aligned with Tecovas’ strategic goals
• Listen and learn from stakeholders across the organization, ensuring AI opportunities are grounded in real-world needs and developed in true partnership with cross-functional teams
• Architect practical AI solutions using Generative AI, NLP, computer vision, and related techniques
• Rapidly prototype concepts (via prompt engineering, low-code/no-code tools, or basic scripting) to validate impact
• Serve as a technical liaison, partnering with internal engineering, data, and external vendors to scale solutions that meet business needs
• Lead pilots and implementations, guiding teams through process changes and tool adoption
• Act as an AI evangelist — create training, host workshops, and build an AI-first mindset across the org
• Define KPIs, track outcomes, and optimize solutions with continuous feedback loops
• Governance & Risk Management: Partner with Legal, Security, and Compliance teams to ensure AI initiatives align with data privacy policies, ethical standards, and responsible use guidelines
• Establish frameworks for AI governance, ensuring controlled rollout of tools, clear approval processes, and risk mitigation strategies across departments