AI Transformation & Operational Efficiency Manager

Job description

**Our Story:** Story Cannabis was built by misfits on a mission — people bold enough to shift the cannabis narrative and create something better. Founded in 2021 by industry veterans, Story is a vertically integrated company headquartered in Phoenix, operating across Arizona, Maryland, Ohio, and Louisiana, and we’re just getting started. Our vision is to bring hope, happiness, and healing to the world through cannabis, and we’re doing it one state, one store, and one customer at a time. Leadership defines how we show up. Data drives how we grow. Gratitude keeps us grounded. Unity fuels our momentum. And growth, in every sense, inspires everything we do. If you’re ready to challenge what’s expected and shape the future of cannabis, your next chapter starts with Story. **Overview:** Story is adopting a Default-to-AI strategy: if AI can reliably automate or materially improve a process, we deploy it. We are seeking a hands-on AI leader to identify, prioritize, and oversee AI implementations across all business units, with an initial emphasis on Accounting and Finance. This person will work directly with department leaders to understand existing processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop actionable plans to improve how work gets done. This is a business-focused AI generalist role centered on project management, operational transformation, and vendor oversight. The ideal candidate understands how AI can solve business problems and can turn opportunities into executable plans, bringing in specialized vendors and consultants when needed. Strong project leadership and the ability to drive results across departments are more important than deep technical or accounting expertise. **What You Will Do:** **Assess Processes and Identify Opportunities** - Partner with leaders across Accounting, Finance, HR, Legal, IT, Sales, Marketing, Operations, and other functions to understand workflows and identify opportunities for AI and automation. - Evaluate opportunities based on business impact, cost savings, efficiency gains, implementation complexity, and return on investment. - Develop business cases and prioritize initiatives based on company needs and expected results. **Lead AI Implementation and Project Execution** - Develop and manage an enterprise AI roadmap aligned with Story's Default-to-AI strategy. - Translate opportunities into executable project plans with defined scope, timelines, budgets, milestones, and success metrics. - Lead initiatives from discovery and solution selection through implementation, adoption, and continuous improvement. - Coordinate cross-functional teams, manage competing priorities, and ensure projects stay on track and deliver measurable results. **Drive Accounting and Finance Transformation** - Work closely with Accounting and Finance leaders to identify opportunities to automate and improve processes such as accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, financial reporting, expense management, budgeting, and forecasting. - Partner with internal subject matter experts to define requirements and ensure solutions meet business needs, maintain accuracy, and support appropriate financial controls. - Identify and implement solutions that reduce manual work, improve reporting, and increase operational efficiency. **Manage Vendors and Implementation Partners** - Evaluate AI tools, software providers, consultants, and implementation partners to determine the best solutions for each business need. - Lead vendor selection, define scopes of work, manage budgets and timelines, and hold partners accountable for deliverables. - Oversee integrations with existing systems in partnership with IT and internal stakeholders, bringing in specialized expertise when needed. **Drive Adoption and Responsible AI Use** - Establish practical guidelines for data security, confidentiality, human oversight, and regulatory compliance in partnership with IT, Legal, and Compliance. - Support employee adoption through training, change management, and process redesign. - Track and report measurable outcomes, including productivity improvements, cost savings, accuracy, and return on investment. **What You Bring:** - 7+ years of experience in project management, business transformation, enterprise technology, AI implementation, operational improvement, or related consulting. - Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional projects from initial assessment through implementation and measurable results. - Strong working knowledge of generative AI, large language models, workflow automation, and practical business applications of AI. - Experience mapping business processes, identifying improvement opportunities, developing implementation plans, and measuring ROI. - Demonstrated success selecting and managing external vendors, consultants, and implementation partners, including oversight of budgets, timelines, and deliverables. - Working knowledge of Accounting and Finance operations, including financial workflows, reporting, controls, and systems. - Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and organizational skills, with the ability to translate business needs into actionable plans. - A practical, execution-oriented mindset and the ability to manage multiple initiatives across business units. - Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience. **Preferred Experience:** - Experience implementing AI or automation solutions across multiple business functions. - Familiarity with platforms such as OpenAI, Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, UiPath, cloud AI services, or enterprise data platforms. - Experience with ERP systems, financial automation, or reporting tools. - Background in management consulting, operational transformation, or technology implementation. - MBA, advanced technical degree, or relevant project management certification. **What Success Looks Like:** - An actionable AI roadmap with clear priorities and measurable business outcomes. - Successful implementation of high-impact solutions, beginning with Accounting and Finance and expanding across other business units. - Demonstrable improvements in productivity, efficiency, accuracy, and operating costs. - Effective vendor partnerships and strong adoption of implemented solutions across the organization. **Our Benefits:** - Paid time off (PTO) including 8 paid holidays per year\* - Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance\* - 401k retirement savings plan\* - Company paid Short-Term & Long-Term disability\* - Company paid Life Insurance\* - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)\* - Employee referral program - Commuter benefits\* - Product discounts - Additional compensation incentives (tips, bonuses, etc.) \*For full-time positions only We want our story to be one that fosters an inclusive culture and provides an enriching employee experience. As an equal-opportunity employer, we embrace individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives. We believe in providing equal opportunities to all individuals, including those who may have encountered legal issues related to previous marijuana laws. We understand that these laws have disproportionately impacted certain communities and individuals. We are committed to considering all candidates based on their qualifications, skills, and potential to contribute to our team, rather than focusing solely on past legal encounters. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those with past involvement with the legal system, to apply for positions within our organization.