Principal Program Manager AI and Automation

Ziegler Companies is seeking a Principal Program Manager AI and Automation to build and scale the enterprise’s AI and automation capability. This role serves as the company’s primary strategist, governor, and change leader, responsible for defining the AI vision, establishing governance, delivering early outcomes, and maturing the practice over time. Operating in a Microsoft first environment (Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Azure), the role ensures AI is applied to amplify our people and relationships, reduce cost to serve, improve operational efficiency, and support growth.

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the enterprise AI & automation strategy and roadmap

• Establish secure, governed architectural patterns for AI solutions and autonomous agents

• Lead AI governance, including intake, risk classification, documentation standards, and compliance

• Manage the AI & automation intake process and maintain a prioritized enterprise backlog

• Own the AI budget, monitor consumption, and develop ROI and value‑realization metrics

• Evaluate Microsoft‑centric and third‑party AI platforms; guide build‑vs‑buy decisions

• Drive workforce enablement through training, guardrails, and practical AI use cases.

• Lead cross‑functional delivery pods to achieve outcome‑based results

• Partner across IT and business teams to identify high‑value AI opportunities and drive organizational change

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience considered.

• 10+ years of progressive experience across enterprise technology domains including applications, platforms, data, or systems.

• 5+ years driving outcomes across organizational and functional boundaries through strategic influence

• Proven experience establishing governance, operating models, and decision frameworks for complex, cross-functional initiatives.

• Demonstrated financial discipline, including managing variable consumption-based technology costs and building ROI cases.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex topics into clear, executive-level decisions.

• Strategic yet pragmatic; focuses on outcomes over novelty

• Comfortable operating with ambiguity while building structure and discipline

• Highly collaborative with a bias toward shared ownership

• Willing to challenge existing models to improve speed and effectiveness

• Trusted by peers as a thoughtful leader, not an AI evangelist

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience operating in a Microsoft-centric enterprise (Dynamics 365, Microsoft 365, Azure).

• Leadership in leading automation, AI, or large-scale technology-enabled transformation initiatives

• Experience driving change in organizations adopting new service models and trying to grow in new markets while sustaining culture

Minimum Physical Requirements:

• Using hands, talking,  and hearing

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Ziegler Inc. will reasonably accommodate the known disabilities of qualified disabled individuals.

SEE YOURSELF AT ZIEGLER

Founded in 1914, Ziegler is a third-generation, family-owned CAT dealer with over 2400 employees across 30+ locations in Minnesota, Iowa and northern Missouri. Since day one Ziegler has had the same philosophy- if the customer is successful- then Ziegler will be successful. That is why Ziegler is committed to providing employees with the best possible work environment and the right tools for career development. This means great benefits, work/life balance, and ongoing professional development and training. Fulfill your calling by starting a career with Ziegler today!

The pay range for this position is

$146,000.00 to $182,500.00

Starting wage is dependent on skills, experience, education and location. Pay range may vary by 10% depending upon the applicant’s location. Along with competitive pay, full time positions are benefits eligible which includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• 15 days of PTO your first year, accrual starts day 1

• 9 paid holidays

• 401(k) plan with company contribution and match

• HSA (Health Savings Account), Ziegler contributes up to $1000 tax-free each year

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance, FSA & EAP

• Paid Parental Leave & Funeral Leave

• Fitness membership discount

• Education Assistance

At Ziegler Inc. we’re committed to equal opportunity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.