EMERGING · 4 months ago
Managing Director, AI Strategy
Chicago, IL
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$260K/yr - $260K/yrEmerging is an investment and operating platform shaping the future of restaurants, social entertainment, and hospitality technology. They are seeking a Managing Director, AI Strategy to drive strategy, implementation, and adoption of AI across their ecosystem, partnering with various executives to identify high-impact opportunities and ensure successful AI integration.
Business DevelopmentConsultingProfessional Services
Responsibilities
Own the end-to-end delivery of AI initiatives, from roadmap to measurable business outcomes
Identify high-impact opportunities across marketing, operations, procurement, finance, and customer engagement
Partner with Buyers Edge Platform to align AI strategy with digital procurement, supply chain optimization, and data-driven insights
Anticipate emerging AI trends, ensuring portfolio companies remain industry leaders
Deploy AI solutions such as predictive analytics for demand forecasting, NLP for customer insights, and automation for operational efficiency
Ensure AI models are scalable, reliable, and secure; collaborate with engineering and IT teams to integrate into live environments
Establish best practices for model development, testing, and monitoring
Partner with CEOs and leadership teams to embed AI-first thinking across organizations
Translate technical AI concepts into clear business impact for executives, investors, and strategic partners
Lead change management and training programs to improve AI literacy across portfolio companies
Champion experimentation with generative AI, automation, and advanced analytics
Forge relationships with vendors, research institutions, and technology leaders
Represent Emerging and Buyers Edge AI capabilities externally to landlords, municipalities, and investors
Qualification
Required
Proficiency in Python and SQL
Knowledge of database architecture and schema design
Hands-on experience with AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
Experience with large language models (LLMs), including prompting and fine-tuning
Exposure to predictive AI for time series forecasting and procurement optimization
Passion for AI strategy, data science, and digital transformation (experience in fast-moving businesses preferred)
Strong background in applied AI/ML with live business implementations
Ability to partner with executives at both strategic and execution levels
Skilled at leading cross-functional teams and delivering measurable outcomes
Entrepreneurial mindset—comfortable in high-growth, dynamic environments
Excellent communicator who can bridge technical depth and business impact
Benefits
Competitive compensation
Equity
Benefits
Company
EMERGING
Emerging is a strategic partner that works with restaurant and entertainment concepts.
Founded in 2016
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Mathew D. Focht
CEO
Hudson Piehl
COO
Recent News
Dallas Morning News
2025-08-13
2025-08-13
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