IT Director, Artificial Intelligence

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high‑quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world. As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth‑driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

Job Summary

At Saputo, where innovation meets opportunity, we are committed to driving digital transformation with purpose and precision. We are seeking an experienced Director of Artificial Intelligence to lead our AI strategy and execution, delivering scalable solutions that enhance efficiency, optimize operations, and enable data‑driven decision‑making across the enterprise. This role combines strategic vision with technical leadership in AI architecture, data science, and emerging technologies such as Generative AI, predictive modeling, and Augmented Reality. This role combines technical expertise, leadership, and collaboration to deliver impactful solutions in a dynamic, global environment. The successful candidate must be flexible to travel approximately 20–25% across Canada.

How You Will Make Contributions That Matter

Shape and Execute AI Strategy : Develop and execute a multi‑year AI roadmap aligned with business objectives and within the global IT strategic framework. Lead AI readiness while managing across core IT functions including data governance, security, architecture, and tool selection.

Use Case Identification & Delivery : Partner with corporate and divisional business stakeholders to identify and prioritize AI / ML opportunities that drive measurable value. Translate business needs into actionable, cost‑effective AI solutions. Oversee end‑to‑end delivery of AI projects, ensuring timely execution and ROI realization.

Change Management & Enablement : Drive enterprise‑wide adoption through training, communication, and knowledge‑sharing programs. Build strong relationships with business sponsors and AI champions.

Governance, Risk & Compliance : Lead and / or contribute towards the definition and implementation of policies for ethical and compliant AI use in adherence with global IT governance and risk management frameworks. Manage model risk, monitoring, and bias / privacy controls in collaboration with core IT and legal functions.

Financial & Performance Management : Own budgetary inputs and TCO considerations for AI platforms, tools, and projects; track spending and ROI. Define and monitor KPIs to measure impact and optimize performance.

AI & Data Engineering Leadership : Lead teams responsible for designing, building, and deploying AI models and data products. Oversee the full AI lifecycle with robust MLOps practices. Drive innovation in ML, DL, NLP and Generative AI, including copilots and chatbots.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration : Partner with senior leaders to prioritize initiatives and ensure value realization. Act as the bridge between centralized AI teams and functional units, driving agile execution and standardization.

You Are Best Suited for The Role If You Have the Following Qualifications

A university or college diploma in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Demonstrated leadership capabilities combined with exceptional business acumen, enabling strategic decision‑making and effective team management.

10+ years in AI / ML or advanced analytics, with 5+ years in leadership roles.

The ability to operate in diverse business environments with interdependencies across multiple functional work‑streams, teams, business divisions, time zones, cultures, and languages.

Demonstrated experience in requirements gathering, functional analysis, and process modeling using iterative development or Agile methodologies.

Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with business leaders, end users, IT analysts, designers, developers, and trainers.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills to facilitate exchanges with business stakeholders.

English is required; French is considered an asset.

We support and care for our employees and their families by providing

Competitive salaries.

Advantageous corporate agreements.

Full range of group insurance benefits.

Group retirement pension plan with employer contribution.

Purchase option of company stocks.

Group RRSP.

Health and wellness program in the workplace.

Assistance program for employees and their families.

Saputo products at a discounted price.

This year, Saputo is celebrating 70 years of passion and craftsmanship!

In Canada, Saputo is a leading cheese manufacturer and fluid milk and cream processor, with a portfolio of well‑loved brands such as Dairyland, Armstrong, Neilson, Alexis de Portneuf, and many more. Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain management, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.

The materials on this site are provided without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained on this site or in any referenced links. While Saputo attempts to update this site on a timely basis, the information is effective only as of the time and date of posting. Strict confidentiality will be observed at all times. Saputo is an equal opportunity employer. The information on this site is for information purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon with legal consequence.

Saputo welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations may be available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

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