Global Director of AI

Global Director of AI – Worthington Steel

As the Global AI Leader at Worthington Steel, you will serve as the company's subject matter expert and champion for Artificial Intelligence (AI). You'll lead the development and execution of Worthington's AI strategy, identifying and prioritizing opportunities across manufacturing, supply chain, customer engagement, and corporate functions. Partnering with cross-functional teams, you'll deliver measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, quality, throughput, cost, safety, and working capital.

This position will also serve as the primary liaison with Worthington Steel's corporate AI office and external consulting partners, ensuring that operational needs and workforce realities are well represented in enterprise-wide initiatives. Over time, the role may expand to include leadership of other strategic transformation programs.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Worthington's AI deployment by monitoring advancements in technology, benchmarks, and best practices.

Build workforce capability by developing AI training, awareness, and adoption programs.

Serve as a member of Worthington's Strategic Leadership Team (SLT) as a direct report to the CEO.

Partner with Worthington's corporate AI office and consulting firms to align enterprise and local strategies.

Identify and prioritize AI opportunities—define projects, build and lead teams from conception to scaled deployment across the global facility network.

Oversee Worthington's AI project portfolio management through a stage-gate governance process and quarterly SLT reviews.

Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement across global operations.

Lead the buy-vs-build decision process and manage vendor and consulting relationships, ensuring outsourced deliverables meet business needs.

Operationalize Responsible AI by developing governance frameworks that ensure compliance with data privacy, information management, and cybersecurity standards.

Collaborate with Legal and Compliance to ensure proper privacy, data retention, cyber, and safety risk mitigation controls are in place.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, electrical / computer engineering, data science, or a related field.

5+ years of experience in digital transformation, advanced analytics, or operations—preferably in industrial manufacturing or information technology.

Proven track record of leading AI / ML initiatives at scale and delivering measurable business value.

Experience working with global organizations and cross-border teams.

Exposure to IT and OT systems (e.g., MES, quality systems, automation).

Competencies

Deep understanding of AI / ML frameworks, cloud platforms, and ERP systems.

Strong technical understanding of AI / ML applications in manufacturing and customer engagement.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-experts.

Demonstrated program and vendor management expertise.

Proficiency in ethical AI practices and data governance.

Strategic thinker with the ability to convert emerging technologies into business outcomes.

Empathetic and culturally aware leader with strong workforce management skills.

Highly adaptable, innovative, and committed to continuous learning.

Work Environment

This role is based in a general office environment with regular interaction across multiple manufacturing sites globally. A hybrid option for one to two remote workdays per week may be available, based on business needs and manager approval.

Frequent collaboration with both plant-floor operations and corporate functions is required.

Travel and relocation may be necessary to fulfill position responsibilities. Relocation assistance is provided.

Worthington Steel (NYSEWS) is a metals processor that partners with customers to deliver highly technical and customized solutions. Worthington Steel's expertise in carbon flat-roll steel processing, electrical steel laminations and tailor-welded solutions are driving steel toward a more sustainable future. As one of the most trusted metals processors in North America, Worthington Steel and its 4,600 employees harness the power of steel to advance our customers' visions through value-added processing capabilities including galvanizing, pickling, configured blanking, specialty cold reduction, lightweighting and electrical lamination. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington operates 32 facilities in seven states and six countries. Following a people-first philosophy, commitment to sustainability and proven business system, Worthington Steel's purpose is to generate positive returns by providing trusted and innovative solutions for customers, creating opportunities for employees, and strengthening its communities.

Worthington Steel Inc., and its subsidiaries, is an equal employment opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered regardless of race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability or veteran's status.

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