Head of AI (f/m/d)

About CARIAD and Your Role

CARIAD, the automotive software division of the Volkswagen Group, develops key automotive software platforms and digital functions for brands such as Audi, Volkswagen, and Porsche. We support the Volkswagen Group's transformation into a leading automotive technology company. Our global teams, spread across Germany, USA, China, Estonia, and India, are committed to revolutionizing mobility.

Your Team

Within the "PMT – Processes, Methods and Tools (TZ)" department, we enable our Tech Centers and Delivery Units to deliver advanced technologies on schedule, within budget, and at high quality. As central facilitators of product development, we ensure efficient resource management, continuous process improvements, compliant methods, and consistent toolchains, empowering employees to create value for customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the AI Department within the TZ division.
• Direct CARIAD's portfolio of (Generative) AI-based R&D efficiency enhancements and process optimizations.
• Oversee TZ's development efforts to deliver cutting-edge (Generative) AI applications for PMT and process improvements.
• Govern process AI development across CARIAD R&D and the broader Volkswagen Group.
• Represent CARIAD in Volkswagen Group AI process consolidation initiatives such as KAK PMT and KI@TE.
• Drive the technology strategy for Process AI in collaboration with tech centers and CARIAD enterprise IT.
• Own the AI development process within CARIAD.
• Lead the establishment of central governance to comply with the EU AI Act within CARIAD.
• Innovate AI application domains and develop novel AI approaches to accelerate and enhance efficiency in CARIAD and Volkswagen R&D.

Candidate Profile

• University degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Technical Economics, Electrical Engineering, or related areas.
• Minimum five years of experience in leadership roles within technology companies, management consulting, or automotive OEMs.
• In-depth knowledge of process AI and AI-driven automation technologies.
• Proven experience in shaping AI strategies, leading AI teams, developing business plans, and managing technology governance.
• Agile mindset combined with strong leadership and motivational capabilities.
• Established history of driving transformation and strategy projects focused on cost efficiency.
• Robust project management skills with a record of managing complex, high-priority projects involving multiple C-level stakeholders under tight deadlines.
• Excellent communication, self-organization, solution-oriented thinking, and executive stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to perform effectively in dynamic environments, demonstrating professionalism, resilience, proactiveness, and service orientation.
• Strong verbal and written communication proficiency.
• Experience collaborating with alignment and governance bodies within Volkswagen is preferred.
• Familiarity with PMT is an added advantage.

Additional Information

• Flexible remote working options.
• Temporary work abroad allowed in selected countries.
• Flexible working hours.
• Company pension scheme.
• Annual professional development opportunities.
• Sabbatical option available up to six months.
• 30 days paid leave plus 10 days unpaid leave annually.
• Possibility to lease vehicles from the Volkswagen Group.

Diversity and Inclusion

CARIAD values diversity and individuality, believing these qualities strengthen our teams. We aim to foster an environment where all individuals feel valued and empowered. Candidates requiring assistance due to disability can contact us for support.