AI & Digital Initiatives Lead

As the AI & Digital Initiatives Manager, you will play a central role in driving the execution of technology-enabled initiatives across Plain Vanilla's operations. This includes projects spanning customer experience, loyalty, sales operations, and internal tools that support team effectiveness and engagement.

This is a hands-on, execution-focused role. You will work closely with the CEO, leadership team, and cross-functional stakeholders to translate business priorities into practical, scalable solutions. You will be responsible for taking initiatives from concept through to implementation, ensuring that systems and workflows are effectively deployed in real operational environments.

Success in this role will be measured by your ability to deliver well-executed solutions that improve efficiency, enhance customer and team experience, and create measurable impact across the business.

Key Job Duties and Responsibilities

1. AI & Digital Project Execution

• Lead end-to-end implementation of AI and digital initiatives across the business, including:
  
• In-store customer experience tools (e.g. AI-assisted service flows)
• Loyalty programme enhancements
• Sales and order management process improvements

Internal tools for employee engagement and communication

• Translate business needs into clear project scopes, workflows, and system requirements
• Deliver practical, working solutions through rapid prototyping, testing, and iteration

• Act as the central project owner across Operations, Sales, Brand, and external partners
• Align stakeholders on scope, timelines, and deliverables
• Drive momentum and ensure projects are delivered on time and to standard

2. System Design & Implementation

• Identify and evaluate tools, platforms, and AI solutions suitable for the business taking into account project budgets, including setting up integrations between systems (e.g. POS, Shopify, CRM, messaging tools)
• Configure and implement tools (e.g. no-code / low-code platforms, automation tools, AI workflows)
• Where required, work with developers or vendors to build custom solutions

3. Process Improvement & Automation

• Map current workflows and identify inefficiencies
• Design and implement improved processes using automation and AI

• Reduce manual work and improve speed, accuracy, and consistency

4. Testing, Rollout & Adoption

• Run pilots and test new tools in real operational environments
  
• Work closely with store teams and central kitchen to:

• Introduce new tools and workflows
• Provide clear, simple training
• Ensure confidence in using new systems

• Create lightweight SOPs, guides, or playbooks where needed
• Gather feedback and continuously identify further opportunities for refinement or expansion, improving deployed solutions

5. General

• Complete other tasks as assigned by management.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science / Information Systems, Business Analytics / Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.

• 3-6 years of experience in:
  
• Product, operations, consulting, or project management roles

Ideally within startups, tech-enabled businesses, or operationally complex environments

• Strong project management skills with a track record of delivering initiatives end-to-end
• High level of ownership and ability to drive execution independently

• Familiarity with AI tools and workflows (e.g. ChatGPT, automation tools, AI APIs)
• Experience with no-code / low-code tools (e.g. Zapier, Make, Airtable, Notion, etc.) is highly advantageous
  
• Basic technical literacy:
• Able to understand system architecture and workflows
• Coding knowledge (e.g. Python, JavaScript) is a plus but not required