SVP, AI Solutions

Job Description:

Position Overview

We are seeking a visionary Senior Vice President to lead our AI Solutions practice within the Office of the CTO. This executive role combines strategic leadership, hands on innovation, and client-facing expertise to shape the future of how Merkle delivers AI powered transformation to our Fortune 500 clients.

As SVP of AI Solutions, you will build and lead the AI branch of our CTO organization, establishing Merkle as the partner of choice for enterprises seeking genuine value from AI investments. You will drive thought leadership, oversee cutting edge prototyping and experimentation, and work directly with clients to architect and deliver bespoke AI solutions that transform their businesses.

This is a unique opportunity to influence both client success and Merkle's strategic direction in AI. You will have direct input into the evolution of our Merkle AI platform solutions, connecting our teams, capabilities, and clients through intelligent technology.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic AI Leadership and Vision

• Collaborate with the CTO to define and execute the comprehensive AI strategy for Merkle's Office of the CTO, aligning technology innovation with business outcomes

• Establish Merkle's position as the industry leader in AI powered customer experience transformation

• Drive development of proprietary AI solutions and methodologies that differentiate Merkle in the marketplace

• Build strategic partnerships with leading AI technology providers to enhance our solution ecosystem

• Contribute to Merkle's AI platform strategy, ensuring seamless integration across our service offerings

Client Transformation and Business Development

• Serve as trusted AI advisor to C suite executives at Fortune 500 companies

• Lead complex, high value AI transformation engagements with direct billable responsibility

• Architect comprehensive AI solutions that bridge the gap between technology potential and business reality

• Design and deliver compelling pitches and demonstrations that showcase AI's transformative potential

• Develop business cases and ROI models that justify enterprise AI investments

• Guide clients through organizational change management as they adopt AI powered operations

Innovation and Solution Development

• Lead hands on prototyping and experimentation initiatives that push the boundaries of AI applications

• Oversee development of industry specific AI solutions addressing unique challenges in retail, financial services, healthcare, and manufacturing

• Champion integration of emerging AI technologies including generative AI, agentic systems, and advanced analytics

• Ensure seamless integration with enterprise platforms (Salesforce, Adobe, Microsoft, AWS, Google Cloud)

• Drive research and development initiatives that keep Merkle at the forefront of AI innovation

Cross Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Tech Strategy teams on AI integration during strategic road mapping initiatives

• Collaborate with Growth Architects to create compelling business cases and validate AI solutions

• Lead AI thought leadership initiatives and knowledge sharing across the organization

• Support internal workforce enablement and AI adoption programs

• Provide pitch support through on site presentations and demo environment development

• Work closely with practice area leads to embed AI capabilities across all service lines

Team Leadership and Development

• Build and lead a high performing team of AI specialists, data scientists, and solution architects

• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and operational excellence

• Establish centers of excellence for AI driven transformation capabilities

• Drive recruitment and development of top AI talent

• Mentor and develop the next generation of AI leaders

• Manage team performance and billable utilization to meet business objectives

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in technology, consulting, or digital transformation

• Proven track record of building and scaling technology practices within professional services

• Extensive experience leading enterprise AI implementations and digital transformation initiatives

• Demonstrated success in client facing executive roles with Fortune 500 companies

• Strong history of business development and revenue generation through technology solutions

Technical and Functional Expertise

• Expertise in AI/ML technologies, including generative AI, large language models, and agentic systems

• Hands on experience with modern AI platforms and tools (Azure AI, AWS Bedrock, Google Vertex AI)

• Strong understanding of data science, machine learning operations, and AI governance

• Practical experience designing and implementing AI workflows and autonomous systems

• Knowledge of enterprise architecture and integration patterns

• Familiarity with major technology platforms (Salesforce, Adobe, Microsoft, Databricks, Snowflake)

Leadership and Business Acumen

• Exceptional executive presence with ability to influence at all organizational levels

• Outstanding consultative skills with solutions oriented mindset

• Proven ability to translate complex technical concepts into compelling business narratives

• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets and driving profitability

• Expert communicator comfortable leading C level conversations and board presentations

• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic vision with hands on execution

Education

• Bachelor's degree required in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field

• Master's degree preferred (MBA, MS in relevant technical field)

• Relevant certifications in AI/ML, cloud platforms, or enterprise architecture valued

The annual base salary range for this position is $196,000 - $316,250. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Additionally, this position is eligible for discretionary incentive compensation.

Benefits available with this position include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance,

• Life insurance,

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance,

• 401k,

• Flexible paid time off,

• At least 15 paid holidays per year,

• Paid sick and safe leave, and

• Paid parental leave.

Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For further details regarding Dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com.

To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps.

At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office.

#LI-RL1

Location:

Chicago

Brand:

Merkle

Time Type:

Full time

Contract Type:

Permanent

Dentsu is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We do this without regard to race, color, national origin, sex , sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, political affiliation, religious practices and observances, citizenship status, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Dentsu is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to, among others, individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need an accommodation because of a disability to search and apply for a career opportunity with us, please send an e-mail to [email protected] by clicking on the link to let us  know the nature of your accommodation request and your contact information. We are here to support you.