Chief Data and AI Officer

Job Overview

We are seeking a results‑driven Chief Data and AI Officer (CDAIO) to lead digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data innovation across a growing construction organization. Reporting directly to the CEO and serving as a strategic advisor to executive leadership and the Board of Directors, the CDAIO will drive modernization initiatives that enhance operational performance, scalability, profitability, cybersecurity, and competitive advantage.

Organizational Culture

• Customer‑focus – We are passionate about building long‑term customer relationships (internal and external).
• Shirt‑sleeve management – We believe “None of Us is as Smart as All of Us”. We have a leadership mindset that together we can accomplish anything. We collectively roll up our sleeves and deliver quality results safely, and on time.
• Financially strong – We make decisions for the long term. We analyze risk and implement smart strategies that allow us to reinvest profits back into the company and secure resources that help make us a better construction partner and industry leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Organizational Leadership & Talent Development: Build, lead, and mentor high‑performing teams across IT operations, cybersecurity, infrastructure, applications, data engineering, analytics, and AI functions; foster a culture of innovation, accountability, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement; lead organizational change management efforts; develop succession planning and leadership development programs.
• Strategic Technology & Business Leadership: Develop and execute a multi‑year enterprise technology strategy aligned with growth and operational excellence; serve as the primary technology advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors on digital innovation, cybersecurity, AI, data strategy, and technology investments; translate complex technical concepts into clear business value; lead enterprise‑wide modernization initiatives.
• Digital Transformation & Innovation: Lead large‑scale digital transformation initiatives across construction operations, field technology, enterprise systems, and corporate platforms; modernize legacy systems and drive adoption of cloud‑native, scalable, and integrated technology ecosystems; partner with business leaders to identify and implement technology‑enabled process improvements and automation opportunities; evaluate emerging technologies including Generative AI, machine learning, IoT, predictive analytics, robotics, and intelligent automation.
• AI, Data & Analytics Leadership: Develop and execute an enterprise‑wide AI and data strategy; establish scalable data governance, architecture, analytics, and business intelligence capabilities; drive deployment of AI and machine learning solutions that improve forecasting, operational performance, risk management, workforce productivity, and project delivery outcomes; ensure ethical, secure, and compliant use of AI technologies and enterprise data assets.
• Enterprise Systems & Infrastructure Management: Oversee enterprise applications including ERP, HRIS, CRM, project management, collaboration, and construction technology platforms; lead cloud strategy and infrastructure management across hybrid and multi‑cloud environments; ensure enterprise systems deliver high availability, scalability, reliability, performance, and security; drive adoption of modern engineering practices including Agile, DevOps, automation, and platform standardization.
• Cybersecurity, Governance & Risk Management: Establish and continuously mature enterprise cybersecurity, IT governance, and risk management frameworks; ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, cybersecurity standards, privacy regulations, and internal controls (including NIST, SOC 2, CMMC); oversee threat detection, incident response, vulnerability management, disaster recovery, and business continuity programs.
• Financial, Vendor & Operational Leadership: Develop and manage enterprise IT operating and capital budgets with strong fiscal discipline and ROI accountability; lead technology investment planning, vendor negotiations, strategic sourcing, and contract management; establish KPIs and performance metrics that measure technology effectiveness, operational impact, cybersecurity posture, and business value realization; optimize technology spend while supporting innovation and organizational scalability.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: Proven success leading enterprise digital transformation initiatives with measurable business outcomes; demonstrated experience leading enterprise IT strategy, governance, cybersecurity, cloud modernization, and large‑scale systems implementations; experience managing complex, multi‑functional technology organizations in geographically dispersed environments; strong experience presenting technology strategy and investment recommendations to executive leadership and Boards of Directors.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Cybersecurity, or related field required; Master’s degree in Business Administration, Information Technology, Data Science, or related discipline preferred.

Technical Expertise

• Deep expertise in AI/ML, enterprise data platforms, analytics, data governance, and business intelligence; strong knowledge of cloud platforms including AWS, Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform; experience with enterprise architecture frameworks and scalable infrastructure design; knowledge of ERP, construction management platforms, field technologies, and enterprise integrations.

Certifications Preferred

• Preferred: CISSP, CISM, CRISC; Cloud certifications (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud); AI, Data, or Cybersecurity certifications.

Critical Success Factors

• Organizational Leadership & Change Management
• Enterprise Digital Transformation Leadership
• AI & Data‑Driven Business Innovation
• Executive Influence & Strategic Partnership
• Scalable Technology & Cloud Leadership
• Core Competencies: Strategic Technology Leadership, Digital Transformation, Artificial Intelligence & Data Strategy, Cybersecurity & Risk Management, Cloud Architecture & Infrastructure, Enterprise Applications & ERP, Business Intelligence & Analytics, Executive Communication, Organizational Leadership, Change Management, Operational Excellence

Kokosing is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.