Universal Orlando Resort believes in-person collaboration is key to our success. Many of our Team Members work in a hybrid capacity, contributing from the workplace a minimum of three days per week. There are also roles that require being on-site full time. Limited remote opportunities may be available within specific departments. You’ll learn more about this during the recruitment process.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director of Artificial Intelligence provides end-to-end technical leadership for the design, development, and deployment of AI and automation initiatives across the enterprise. Navigates the organizational vision and strategic path for AI, directing the ideation and operationalization of advanced ML solutions that enhance efficiency, support data-driven decision-making, and solve complex business challenges. Provides hands-on guidance to cross-functional engineering and data science teams, overseeing robust model design, data pipelines, and scalable MLOps practices. Delivers technical leadership, drives innovation, and aligns AI initiatives with broader strategic goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

AI Strategy & Technical Leadership

• Develop and articulate a clear AI vision and roadmap aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.
• Champion the adoption and integration of AI initiatives across the organization to create business value.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to secure resources, set priorities, and measure performance against objectives.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science best practices.
• Guide the exploration and application of novel approaches to solve complex business challenges.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and governance practices are upheld in all AI-related initiatives.
• Maintain awareness of ethical, legal, and regulatory considerations surrounding AI technologies.
• Implement responsible AI practices and ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• AI solutions, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards.

Technology Delivery

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of AI solutions—from concept to production—ensuring projects meet quality, scope, and timeline requirements.
• Oversee best practices in model development, training, and optimization, including the use of advanced algorithms and frameworks.
• Partner across Digital & Technology Teams to establish scalable ML infrastructures, data pipelines, and robust deployment frameworks.

Team Management & Development

• Recruit, mentor, and develop high-performing teams of ML engineers, and other AI professionals.
• Set performance goals, conduct regular evaluations, and provide ongoing coaching to foster professional growth.
• Cultivate a collaborative, innovative, and data-driven culture that values continuous learning and improvement.

Stakeholder Engagement, Partner Management & Communication

• Communicate complex technical concepts and research results to non-technical D&T and Enterprise stakeholders, including senior leadership and partners.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product, Marketing, Operations, Data Science Teams etc.) to identify opportunities and ensure alignment of AI projects.
• Provide regular status updates, performance metrics, and ROI analyses of AI initiatives.
• Manage vendor relationships, ensuring their contributions align with organizational goals, timelines, and quality standards, while optimizing API integrations
• Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field.
• Master’s or PhD in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, or a closely related discipline is highly preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years of leadership experience in managing high-performing technical teams, ideally within a global or matrixed organization.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in Technical Leadership with proven expertise in AI, Machine Learning, Data Science delivering projects with scale from design to production.
• Strong background in statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and algorithm development.
• Strong Expertise in strategic planning and resource management for the implementation of large-scale delivery, inclusive of oversight into testing cycles (i.e. SIT, E2E, Regression, Performance) with teams.
• 5+ years of experience in a large Information Technology, complex, multi-year and multi-location projects and programs
• Proven successful experience in technical staffing selection and management for a wide range of IT solutions .
• Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage, mentor, and inspire technical teams.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Proven expertise in key coding frameworks like Python, ML frameworks, ML Tools and Platforms, Data Engineering skills and Cloud Infrastructure.
• Strong expertise in architecture, design, and development, with hands-on experience.
• Demonstrated ability to drive vision and strategy for technology initiatives, particularly in modernization, cloud transformation, and AI adoption.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, with an innovative mindset for overcoming technical challenges.
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities, capable of translating complex technical concepts into business terms, expressing ideas clearly and concisely, in both written and oral formats.
• Effectively established rapport and influence outcomes.
• Ability to improve operational efficiency, service delivery and information management across all supported systems.
• Commitment to sustainable and effective service delivery, with a focus on scalability, resilience, and security.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

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