Director, AI Solutions & Implementation

As the Director of AI Solutions & Implementation, you will be a pivotal leader in transforming our Enterprise Operations by harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence. You will be responsible for crafting and executing a comprehensive AI strategy that spans all operational functions-from order-to-cash, including patient services, logistics, lab operations, procurement, and customer service.

This is a senior leadership role for a strategic, results-oriented, and innovative individual. Your mission is to establish a world-class AI capability within our operations. You will achieve this by building a central "Center of Excellence" that identifies high-impact opportunities, partners with IT and external vendors to develop robust solutions and drives the implementation and scaling of these initiatives. A key part of your strategy will be to foster a culture of AI adoption by creating and mentoring a network of "AI Champions" embedded within our functional teams, building decentralized expertise in line with our hybrid AI operating model.

While this role is remote eligible, the ideal candidate will be near site to one of Quest Diagnostics locations.

Strategy & Opportunity Identification:

• Partner directly with functional leaders across Enterprise Operations to identify, analyze, and quantify the most significant opportunities for AI-driven value creation (e.g., cost reduction, service improvement, revenue generation).
• Develop and maintain a strategic AI roadmap and portfolio of initiatives, ensuring alignment with overarching business objectives.
• Create compelling business cases for prioritized AI projects, clearly articulating the expected ROI and operational benefits.

Implementation & Execution:

• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of AI projects, from concept and design through to implementation, scaling, and ongoing optimization.
• Act as the primary operational liaison with the IT AI team and external vendors, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment on technology standards, governance, and project execution.
• Oversee the development of detailed implementation plans, managing project timelines, risks, and dependencies to ensure successful delivery.

Leadership & Capability Building:

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing central AI team that serves as a Center of Excellence for the operations organization.
• Design and launch an "AI Champions" program to identify and develop AI talent embedded within the operational functions, fostering a culture of grassroots innovation and building our decentralized capabilities.
• Act as a transformational leader and evangelist for AI, educating stakeholders at all levels on the potential of AI and driving adoption of new tools and processes.

Innovation & Governance:

• Stay at the forefront of advancements in AI, machine learning, and automation, particularly within the operational and healthcare domains.
• Evaluate and manage relationships with third-party AI technology providers, from initial sourcing and selection to performance management.
• Ensure all AI solutions are developed and deployed ethically and responsibly, in close partnership with our IT governance and ethics committees.

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Data Science, or related field. (Required)

• Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Analytics, or related field. (Preferred)

• Experience using enterprise AI or generative AI tools. (Required)

• Familiarity with workflow automation, low-code/no-code platforms, or robotic process automation (RPA). (Required)

• Understanding of data analytics concepts and tools used to support operational decision-making. (Required)

• 10+ years of experience in a leadership role related to data science, AI, technology strategy, or operational excellence, with a proven track record of deploying large-scale solutions in an enterprise environment.

• Deep understanding of operational functions (e.g., logistics, supply chain, customer service, lab operations).

• Strong business acumen with experience building business cases and measuring ROI for technology initiatives.

• Experience with a diverse range of AI solutions, including third-party products, custom-built models, and generative AI applications.

• Demonstrated success in leading and managing high-performing technical or cross-functional teams.

• No direct reports but consults and coaches Citizen Programmers

• Open to remote; hybrid preferred.