SVP, AI Solutions

Solution, Services & Product Development

Chicago

About the job

About Merkle 

Merkle, a dentsu company, powers the experience economy with more than 35 years of expertise in data science, marketing technology, and digital transformation. We work with the world's leading brands to create customer experiences that drive growth, engagement, and loyalty. As part of dentsu's global network, we bring unmatched capabilities in data, technology, and creativity to transform how brands connect with people. 

 

Our unique position as the world's only data driven, outcomes obsessed, end-to-end transformation consultancy enables us to deliver measurable business impact through the intelligent application of technology and data. 

 

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 

 

 

Location 

This is a full-time position based in the United States with flexible work arrangements: 

 

Ideal locations (hybrid 3 days onsite): 

  • New York, NY 

  • Chicago, IL 

  • Detroit, MI 

 

Remote: US-based remote candidates welcome to apply 

 

Travel: 30-40% travel to client sites and Merkle offices required 

 

Compensation & Benefits 

Merkle offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and market standards, plus: 

 

  • Performance-based bonus structure 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance 

  • Retirement benefits with company matching 

  • Flexible vacation policy 

  • Professional development and continuous learning opportunities 

  • Access to cutting-edge AI technologies and tools 

  • Participation in executive leadership programs 

  • Opportunity to shape the future of AI-driven customer engagement 

Beware of Job Scams

We are aware of several scams targeting job seekers and candidates. Please be vigilant. All communication throughout the recruitment process will be from an official member of the dentsu recruitment team, using corporate email addresses (e.g., @dentsu.com or @merkle.com). We will never ask you to send money or vouchers to secure employment. If you suspect you have been a victim of a scam, please report the incident to your bank, local police, or fraud protection authority immediately. Additionally, you can report the scam to us at jobfraud@dentsu.com so we can take appropriate action to request the website is taken down. Please note that Merkle and dentsu are not responsible for any losses incurred as a result of these scams. We advise all individuals to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of any job offers or communications received.

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