Job Summary:
a.k.a. Brands is seeking an AI & Automation Manager to scale the strategic implementation, technical execution, and organizational adoption of AI and automation technologies across their enterprise. This manager-level role involves hands-on development and engineering while building a virtual team of AI/Automation specialists to drive implementations and create governance frameworks.
Responsibilities:
โข Design, develop, and deploy AI/automation implementations across merchandising, marketing, supply chain, retail, and operations; balance quick wins with strategic platform projects
โข Build and iterate proof-of-concepts using Claude Code, n8n, OpenAI, and other tools; evaluate technical feasibility, cost trade-offs, and ROI before scaling
โข Write production code (Python, JavaScript) and review implementation code from team members and partners
โข Architecture and integration: APIs, webhooks, data pipelines, error handling, logging, deployment patterns, and cost optimization
โข Capture and codify what works; build reusable templates, patterns, and decision frameworks that scale across brands
โข Build and lead a virtual team of AI/Automation specialists across brands
โข Develop and deliver hands-on training programs (workshops, documentation, office hours, certifications) to enable teams to adopt and extend AI tools independently
โข Mentor individual contributors and managers on AI/automation best practices; identify emerging talent and mobilize them to high-impact projects
โข Create and curate AI/Automation communities of practice across the organization; foster peer learning, code sharing, and idea-sharing
โข Set up internal learning infrastructure: wikis, Slack channels, documentation standards, mentorship programs
โข Design and operationalize the AI/Automation platform strategy, architecture, and governance framework (building on existing vendor relationships)
โข Manage vendor relationships with Claude/Anthropic, n8n, OpenAI, and emerging vendors; optimize licensing, feature fit, and cost
โข Establish standards for AI ethics, responsible use, data privacy, and risk management; develop governance policies that scale across brands
โข Define success metrics, ROI frameworks, and dashboards; track and communicate impact to leadership and the board
โข Prioritize roadmap: balance quick wins with strategic platform investments; make resource allocation recommendations
โข Be the visible change agent and champion for AI adoption; evangelize opportunities and de-risk concerns across the organization
โข Communicate with C-suite and boards on AI strategy, roadmap, and business impact; influence portfolio-level decisions
โข Monitor AI/automation industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging best practices; recommend new tools and methodologies
โข Work with CFO/Finance to forecast AI/automation spend, optimize platform costs, and track ROI
Qualifications:
Required:
โข 4-6 years hands-on experience building, deploying, or scaling AI/ML applications or automation tools; demonstrated ability to operate at increasing levels of complexity
โข Proven ability to write and ship production code in Python, JavaScript, or similar; comfortable in full-stack implementation and code review
โข Hands-on proficiency with one or more AI platforms (Claude API, ChatGPT/OpenAI API, or other LLMs); shipped at least one project in production
โข Solid understanding of workflow automation platforms (n8n, Zapier, Make, or similar); experience with API integrations and building multi-step workflows
โข Track record of enabling others, mentoring, documenting, or creating internal tools that scale beyond your own work
โข Experience managing vendor relationships, evaluating SaaS platforms, or negotiating contracts (at any level)
โข Ability to translate between technical detail and business impact; comfort presenting to executives and cross-functional leaders
โข Strong project management and bias-toward-execution; thrives in ambiguous environments with competing priorities
โข Excellent written and verbal communication; creates playbooks, documentation, and training materials
Preferred:
โข Direct experience with Claude, Claude Code, Claude API, or Anthropic products
โข E-commerce, retail, supply chain, or logistics technology background; understands operational complexity at scale
โข First manager or team lead experience; hired, mentored, or grown early-stage technical teams
โข Data warehousing (Snowflake) or analytics platform experience
โข Built internal tools, platforms, or playbooks that became org-wide standards
โข Open source contributions or community participation in AI/automation spaces
Company:
a.k.a. Brands is a digital fashion brand which is offering trendy, affordable priced fashion apparel and accessories. Founded in 2018, the company is headquartered in San Francisco, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.