Head of AI Center of Excellence

About the Job

At BuildOps, we’re building a groundbreaking software solution designed to empower today’s commercial contractors. From service management to project execution, we’re reimagining how our customers operate. Our team thrives on ambition, innovation, and collaboration—qualities we look for in every new hire.

As the Head of AI Center of Excellence, youʼll operate at the intersection of strategy and execution: You'll define how we adopt AI internally—from coding assistants to knowledge platforms to workflow automation—and own the cross-functional program management required to bring that vision to life. You'll partner closely with executive leadership across the company to ensure every AI initiative maps to real business outcomes, while building the measurement frameworks and governance structures to do it responsibly. If you thrive at the intersection of emerging technology, change management,and operational rigor, this is the role for you.

What You’ll Do

• Work with BuildOps senior leaders to develop our internal AI strategy: Define the roadmap for how AI tools (e.g., coding assistants, search and knowledge platforms, workflow automation) are evaluated, adopted, and scaled across the organization
• Partner with Engineering, Product, Professional Services, Customer Success & Support, and GTM leadership to surface high-impact use cases, align on priorities, and ensure AI initiatives map directly to business outcomes
• Serve as the central program manager for all AI tool rollouts; stand up workstreams, define milestones, coordinate cross-functional dependencies, and drive initiatives from pilot through enterprise-wide adoption
• Lead change management efforts: develop enablement programs, facilitate stakeholder feedback sessions, and build internal champions to accelerate adoption and reduce friction
• Stay abreast of the rapidly evolving AI tooling landscape; evaluate emerging technologies, conduct proof-of-concept trials, and make build-vs-buy recommendations to leadership
• Design and maintain measurement frameworks (e.g., adoption dashboards, productivity KPIs, ROI models) to track the effectiveness of AI investments and inform leadership decision-making
• Work with Legal, IT, and Infosec to establish and enforce AI governance policies including data security standards, acceptable use guidelines, procurement processes, and vendor management protocols
• Collaborate with Legal, Security, and Compliance to ensure all AI deployments meet regulatory requirements and internal risk thresholds
• Prepare executive-ready communications (e.g., board updates, LT briefings, strategic memos) that frame AI progress, risks, and investment asks with clarity and precision

What We Look For

• 5 years of professional experience, including 2 years at a top-tier management consulting firm (e.g., McKinsey, BCG, Bain) or equivalent strategy/operations role
• Demonstrated experience deploying AI or developer tooling within a technology company; hands-on familiarity with the AI tooling ecosystem (e.g., LLM-based assistants, RAG platforms, automation tools)
• Strong technical foundation: CS degree, engineering background, or equivalent applied experience; comfortable engaging with engineering teams on technical trade-offs and architecture discussions
• Proven track record managing complex, cross-functional programs with multiple concurrent workstreams and senior stakeholders
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to distill technical complexity into clear strategic narratives for executive and board-level audiences
• Data-driven mindset with experience building KPI frameworks, adoption metrics, and ROI models to inform investment decisions
• Experience with change management and organizational enablement in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Preferred:

• Experience in enterprise / B2B SaaS, construction technology, or field services software
• Familiarity with Anthropic Claude, Glean, Intercom, and / or similar enterprise AI platforms
• Prior strategy, bizops, or program management experience in a high-growth technology company

Who You Are

• A strategic thinker who thrives in a high-growth startup environment
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and solving complex problems
• A self-starter who takes ownership and delivers results
• Collaborative, curious, and eager to learn from others
• A team player with integrity, grit, and a strong work ethic

Compensation

● [$197,000 to $260,000 base] + bonus opportunity (LA or SF Hub)