Director, AI Transformation – GSC - US at Sysco: A Comprehensive Overview

Sysco, the global leader in foodservice distribution, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director, AI Transformation to join our team. This critical role will be based at our Sysco Corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, and will be instrumental in driving the adoption and integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across our core processes, products, and decision-making. As the Director, AI Transformation, you will be responsible for partnering with Sysco Technology and various Functional and Business Unit stakeholders to unlock significant P&L outcomes by leveraging the power of AI. This is a highly visible position that demands strong collaboration across a complex, matrixed organization.

Role Overview

The Director, AI Transformation will spearhead AI initiatives from initial opportunity identification through design, experimentation, and the production of scalable solutions. The primary goal is to deliver tangible value by utilizing agentic AI, including multi-agent AI orchestration, automation, new applications, and end-to-end (E2E) process reimagination. This leader will collaborate with functional, business, and technology partners to drive P&L gains and enhance customer outcomes. A key aspect of the role involves fostering AI fluency and leading change management efforts within the respective functional/business area of focus, ensuring sustained improvement of customer, operational, and service outcomes.

This role requires a blend of AI fluency, digital savviness, process improvement expertise, and the ability to drive transformation through AI and process optimization. It is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact on Sysco’s business, customer experiences, and colleague outcomes by harnessing the capabilities of AI, process reimagination, and Sysco’s broad array of digital resources.

A Day in the Life

As the Director, AI Transformation, your day-to-day activities will be diverse and challenging. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Strategic Planning: You will start your day by reviewing and refining the AI transformation roadmap, ensuring it aligns with Sysco’s overall business objectives. This involves analyzing market trends, identifying emerging AI technologies, and assessing their potential impact on Sysco's operations.
• Collaboration Meetings: A significant portion of your day will be spent in meetings with cross-functional teams. You will collaborate with business leaders, technology experts, and data scientists to identify high-impact personas, E2E processes, and potential AI solutions that can unlock P&L value.
• Project Oversight: You will oversee multiple AI initiatives, ensuring they progress from ideation to deployment. This includes monitoring project timelines, managing resources, and addressing any roadblocks that may arise.
• Data Analysis: You will analyze data to identify opportunities for AI implementation and to measure the ROI of existing AI solutions. This involves working with data teams to ensure data quality and accessibility.
• Change Management: A critical part of your day will involve driving organizational change to facilitate AI adoption. This includes developing training programs, communicating the benefits of AI, and addressing any concerns or resistance from employees.
• Technology Evaluation: You will evaluate new AI technologies and platforms to determine their suitability for Sysco’s needs. This involves conducting proof-of-concept projects and working with technology vendors to assess their capabilities.
• Reporting and Communication: You will prepare reports and presentations to communicate the progress of AI initiatives to senior management and other stakeholders. This includes highlighting key achievements, challenges, and future opportunities.

Why Houston, Texas?

Houston, Texas, is a vibrant and diverse city that offers a high quality of life. As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston boasts a thriving economy, a rich cultural scene, and a wide range of recreational activities. Here are some compelling reasons why Houston is an excellent place to live and work:

• Economic Opportunities: Houston is a major hub for various industries, including energy, healthcare, and technology. The city’s strong economy provides ample job opportunities and career advancement prospects.
• Cultural Diversity: Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the United States, with a large international population. This cultural richness is reflected in the city’s diverse cuisine, music, and art scene.
• Affordable Living: Compared to other major cities in the United States, Houston offers a relatively affordable cost of living. Housing prices are reasonable, and there are no state income taxes in Texas.
• Recreational Activities: Houston offers a wide range of recreational activities, including parks, museums, theaters, and sports venues. The city is also located near the Gulf Coast, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and other water sports.
• Education: Houston is home to several top-ranked universities and colleges, providing excellent educational opportunities for residents.

Career Path

The Director, AI Transformation role offers a clear career path within Sysco. Successful performance in this role can lead to opportunities such as:

• Senior Director, AI Transformation: Leading larger and more complex AI initiatives across multiple business units.
• Vice President, AI Strategy: Developing and implementing Sysco’s overall AI strategy.
• Chief Technology Officer (CTO): Overseeing all of Sysco’s technology initiatives.

Sysco is committed to providing employees with opportunities for growth and development. We offer a variety of training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement resources to help you reach your full potential.

Salary and Benefits

Sysco offers a competitive salary and benefits package to attract and retain top talent. The estimated salary range for the Director, AI Transformation role in Houston, Texas, is between $160,000 and $250,000 per year. The actual salary will depend on your experience, skills, and qualifications.

In addition to a competitive salary, Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to purchase Sysco stock at a discounted price.
• Life Insurance: Coverage for employees and their dependents.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential counseling and support services.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education.

Sysco Culture

Sysco is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We believe that our diverse workforce is a key strength that enables us to better serve our customers and communities.

We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. We encourage employees to share their ideas and perspectives, and we provide them with the resources and support they need to succeed.

Sysco is also committed to giving back to the communities where we live and work. We support a variety of charitable organizations and initiatives that focus on hunger relief, education, and environmental sustainability.

How to Apply

If you are a dynamic and experienced leader with a passion for AI and a desire to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply for the Director, AI Transformation role at Sysco. To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Director, AI Transformation?

   The Director, AI Transformation is responsible for defining the AI transformation roadmap, identifying high-impact AI use cases, leading AI initiatives from ideation to deployment, and driving organizational change to enable AI adoption.

2. What qualifications are required for this role?

   The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, 10+ years of experience in AI, technology, or a related field, and 5+ years of experience in a leadership role.

3. What is the salary range for this position?

   The estimated salary range for the Director, AI Transformation role in Houston, Texas, is between $160,000 and $250,000 per year.

4. What benefits does Sysco offer?

   Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) retirement plan, an employee stock purchase plan, and more.

5. What is the company culture like at Sysco?

   Sysco is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

6. What opportunities are there for career advancement at Sysco?

   Sysco offers a variety of training programs, mentorship opportunities, and career advancement resources to help you reach your full potential. Successful performance in the Director, AI Transformation role can lead to opportunities such as Senior Director, AI Transformation, Vice President, AI Strategy, or Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

7. Where is the role located?

   The role is located at Sysco Corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas.

8. What is the travel percentage for this role?

   The travel percentage for this role is up to 25%.

9. What is Sysco's commitment to diversity and inclusion?

   Sysco is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

10. How do I apply for this position?

    To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application portal.