Head of ​AI & Data

Description:

Drips is seeking a dynamic and visionary Head of AI AI/ML to:

• Lead our artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives with primary focus on NLP and Dialog management.
• Take complete ownership of the AI/ML strategy and execution, and product offerings based on advanced insights from our autonomous conversations.
• Drive innovation to ensure the Drips Platform remains at the forefront of SMS based Conversational AI.
• Oversee the development of cutting-edge AI/ML techniques, such as large language models, scalable ML Ops/pipelines, dialogue management systems, and advanced analytics.
• Collaborate closely with the CTO, CPO, and CEO, as well as engage with product, engineering, and business teams.
• Serve as a key advocate for the Drips Platform, working directly with customers, prospects, and partners to evangelize our AI/ML capabilities.

Responsibilities:

This person will be responsible for all aspects of the following technologies: Artificial Intelligence (Conversational AI and broader AI applications), LLM, ML, and Data Science. Within the context of these technologies, the responsibilities include:

• Working in a fast-paced environment in close collaboration with the executive team – CTO, CEO, CPO and the Senior Technical teams creating best of breed solutions.
• Owning the entire AI technology lifecycle – from strategy, design, development, deployment, optimization and continuous improvement.
• Being a stake holder and advocate in product and strategy direction involving the advancement of our conversational engine.
• Evangelizing the adoption and impact of these technologies among internal stakeholders, customers, prospects, and the broader market.
• Mentoring, building and leading a high-performing AI/ML and Data team, fostering a culture of innovation, encouraging continuous learning, building pragmatic cost-effective solutions, and staying at the cutting edge of these technology advancements.
• Staying on top of the latest technology trends, staying ahead of the competition, and constantly looking for disruptive and innovative products and solutions built on our platform.
• Establishing best practices for operational efficiencies and security/compliance in all aspects of these technologies.

Core Experience & Expertise:

To fulfill this role, the successful candidate must possess hands-on knowledge and experience in AI and ML, along with a broad range of business, and leadership skills:

• Deep technical knowledge in core AI disciplines, including Machine Learning (ML), Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), Reinforcement Learning, and Agent-Based Architectures.
• Proven hands-on experience building real-world business solutions using contemporary AI and ML techniques, technologies, and frameworks.
• Prior experience building, scaling, and leading lean AI/ML teams in a fast paced high-growth environment.
• Prior experience in dialog management.
• Prior experience in revolutionizing processes, products and platforms with the innovative introduction of AI/ML and data engineering technologies, and best practices.
• Operational Excellence – Demonstrable expertise in driving for results through innovations in AI/ML/Analytics, and through collaboration with Engineering & Product and other departments in the company.
• Ability to drive changes by building good relationships and collaborating with peers and senior leaders in the Executive team.

Domain Expertise:

Must have:

• Proven track record as a hands-on AI/ML leader in a product company where Conversational AI and ML technologies form a critical part of the product offering or its key functionalities, with experience in at least asubset of these technologies, if not their entirety.

Nice-to-have skills/experience in the domains relevant to Drips:

• Prior experience in bi-directional SMS and outbound voice Experience working with large datasets in a highly regulated environment with focus on security, compliance, data quality, and data governance.
• Proficiency in leveraging the Azure stack for developing and deploying AI/ML solutions.
• Experience working in environments leveraging HILT or RLHF

Leadership Capabilities:

The successful candidate will be a proven Technology Leader with the following leadership capabilities:

• Player coach who has capacity to operate in the weeds and get work done, while managing and leading at the same time.
• Experience managing, mentoring and scaling an agile team of AI/ML Engineers, Data Scientists, DBA, and Data Analysts with varying levels of seniority and experience.
• Passionate about technology and driving for results, with the ability and willingness to roll up your sleeves, prototype new technologies and ideas, and inspire your team to push the boundaries of technology.
• Highly energetic, empathetic, confident, and assertive in expressing ideas and negotiating effectively with stakeholders.
• Collaborating with executive/C-level roles internally and with clients/prospects.
• Advanced verbal, written and presentation skills catered to a wide variety of audiences.

Culture Fit & Impact:

At Drips, we value individuals who embody our culture and can make a meaningful impact on our team and company. Here's what we're looking for:

• Embrace Core Values: Align with our core values of Lean, Happiness, Passion, Improve, and Team to contribute to our collective success.
• Innovative Problem Solver: Demonstrate a passion for creating innovative solutions and tackling complex challenges.• Collaborative Spirit: Work effectively within a remote-first community, fostering a supportive and engaging environment.
• Direct Impact: Make tangible contributions to our company's growth and success, knowing that all team member's efforts are valued.
• Personal Growth: Seek continuous improvement and personal development, leveraging feedback and learning opportunities.
• Positive Attitude: Bring a solutions-oriented mindset, focusing on positivity and gratitude in interactions with teammates.
• Ownership and Accountability: Take ownership of your work and growth opportunities, showing dedication and responsibility in all tasks.