Manager, AI Strategy & Innovation

Job description

Manager, AI Strategy & Innovation About Pier 4 At Pier 4, growth creates opportunity. As one of Canada's fastest-growing real estate investment firms, we're seeking ambitious individuals who are eager to contribute, grow their careers, and help shape our future. Pier 4 is a Real Estate Investment Trust focused on the acquisition and management of multi-family residential properties. Our portfolio spans three provinces and is driven by a passion for real estate, a commitment to excellence, and years of industry experience. We have been recognized by The Global and Mail's Report on Business as one of Canada's Top Growing Companies in both 2024 and 2025. As a certified Great Place to Work ® we are committed to fostering a collaborative, high-performing, and innovative workplace where people can thrive and contribute to our continued success. Build the Future. Improve the Present. Are you passionate about artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and solving real business challenges? This is not a traditional technology role. You'll work directly with senior leaders to identify opportunities, pilot innovative AI solutions, and drive meaningful change across one of Canada's fastest-growing real estate investment firms. We're seeking an ambitious and analytical AI Strategy & Innovation Advisor to help shape Pier 4's AI transformation journey. In this role, you'll identify high-impact opportunities to leverage AI, automation, and emerging technologies to enhance operational performance, improve decision-making, and create a lasting competitive advantage. As a trusted advisor and problem-solver, you'll bridge the gap between business and technology, partnering with teams across the organization to uncover opportunities, implement practical AI solutions, and deliver measurable business value. If you're excited by innovation, continuous learning, and the opportunity to influence how AI transforms the future of real estate, we'd love to hear from you! Key Responsibilities Partner with business leaders to identify, prioritize, and execute AI and automation opportunities that improve efficiency, decision-making, and business performance. Analyze existing workflows and business processes, identify areas of improvement, and develop practical AI-driven solutions. Evaluate emerging AI technologies, market trends, and industry best practices to design, pilot, and implement innovative AI solutions, automations, and workflows that enhance operational efficiency, drive business values, and strengthen Pier 4’s competitive advantage. Develop and maintain an AI roadmap, ensuring initiatives align with strategic priorities and long-term business objectives. Monitor AI initiative performance, adoption metrics, productivity gains, and return on investment, providing regular reporting to leadership. Serve as an internal AI advisor, helping teams identify opportunities, solve challenges, and maximize the value of AI across their functions. Develop training materials, guides, and workshops to increase AI literacy and adoption across the organization. Gather user feedback and usable data to continuously improve implemented AI solutions and ensure long-term adoption. Prepare presentations, demonstrations, and executive-ready materials that communicate project progress, key insights, and business impact. Collaborate to support responsible AI use, government, and data privacy requirements. Crucial Knowledge & Skills Strong understanding of AI, automation, and emerging technologies, with the ability to apply them to real business challenges. Demonstrated experience using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Claude, UI Path, workflow automation, Power Platform and other agentic AI software. Ability to analyze business processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop practical, value-driven solutions. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable recommendations. Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities simultaneously. Understanding of responsible AI principles, including data privacy, governance, risk management, and ethical use of technology. Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications. Education & Experience Required Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Software Engineering or other STEM discipline, or equivalent working experience. Software Engineering Mastery: Strong proficiency in Python or TypeScript, with a deep understanding of asynchronous programming, API design, and microservices architecture. Agentic Frameworks: Proven, production-level experience building custom agentic runtime loops or utilizing graph-based orchestration frameworks like Lang Graph or Google Agent Development Kits (ADK). 2-3 years of experience in consulting, business operations, technology, analytics, process improvement, or a related field. Demonstrated hands-on experience using AI tools and technologies to improve productivity, streamline workflows, or support business decision-making. Experience conducting research, evaluating solutions, and development recommendations to address business challenges. Exposure to process mapping and workflow optimization. Familiarity with the real estate is considered an asset. Professional certifications related to AI, data analytics, automation, Microsoft technologies, or project management are considered an asset. Additional Details: Competitive Salary Range: $80,000-95,000 Work Arrangement: Fully on-site, 5 days a week at 70 York Street, Toronto Comprehensive Total Rewards Package: Competitive compensation and benefits program. Extended Long Weekends: Enjoy regular 4-day long weekends throughout the year on every statutory holiday. Fitness Benefits: Access to on-site gym facilities. Ergonomic Workspace: Height-adjustable sit-stand desks provided. Company Culture: Frequent team-building activities, social events, and employee celebrations. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion At Pier 4, we believe that diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our team and drive better outcomes. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique talents. We are committed to ensuring a fair, accessible, and transparent recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request throughout all stages of the hiring process for candidates who require them. Our Hiring Commitment We believe that hiring decisions should be based on meaningful human interactions and a thorough evaluation of each candidate’s skills, experience, and potential. As a result, artificial intelligence (AI) is not used to screen, evaluate, rank, or make hiring decisions on candidates. Applicants are reviewed by members of our hiring team to help ensure a fair, equitable, and personalized assessment process.