Description

Position at Matson Navigation Company of Alaska, LLC

About the Role

The AI Specialist serves two complementary functions. First, and primarily, the role builds a deep understanding of terminal business processes, translates those processes into measurable KPIs that impact terminal operations, and sources and maps operational data into those KPIs to identify, prioritize, and measure AI opportunities. Second, the role drives organizational adoption of AI tools - in partnership with Matson's IT and AI Acceleration teams - through training, coaching, process improvement, and governance.

This person serves as the primary on-site resource for AI education and guidance, supports business units in identifying AI opportunities, and helps employees maximize productivity through effective and responsible use of AI technologies. This is a dynamic role that requires someone adaptable to change who can pivot quickly to new priorities.

The ideal candidate combines strong analytical and data skills with a working knowledge of operational processes, and pairs that with the training, communication, and change-management skills needed to build a culture of innovation through responsible AI use.

What you'll do:

1.Terminal Operations Analytics and KPI Development

• Develop a deep working knowledge of terminal operating processes end-to-end, including vessel operations, yard planning, gate operations, equipment utilization and maintenance, and labor planning, sales, and finance.
• Translate operational processes into clearly defined, measurable KPIs that impact terminal performance (e.g., crane productivity, truck turn time, gate throughput, yard utilization, cost per lift).
• Identify, extract, and prepare data from operational source systems (terminal operating system, timekeeping, equipment/telematics, EDI) and unstructured sources (emails, documents, PDFs, reports).
• Map operational data into KPIs and build repeatable reporting that establishes baselines and tracks improvement over time.
• Partner with terminal leadership to validate KPI definitions, set targets, and use them to prioritize where AI is applied.
• Measure and report on business impact, efficiency gains, cost savings, and ROI resulting from AI initiatives.

2. AI Strategy, Use Case Identification, and Process Improvement

• Identify operational and business processes that can benefit from AI, automation, and digital transformation.
• Collaborate with operational leaders to develop AI use cases that improve efficiency, quality, safety, and customer service.
• Evaluate AI tools and platforms (e.g., Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, Power Platform AI capabilities).
• Build or support AI-enabled workflows that streamline processes, automate repetitive tasks, and eliminate inefficiencies.
• Assist operational teams in documenting best practices and standard work procedures using AI tools.
• Recommend AI adoption strategies, best practices, and governance standards aligned with organizational goals.

3. Training, Enablement, and User Support

• Design and deliver AI training programs, workshops, webinars, and hands-on learning sessions.
• Provide one-on-one coaching and group support; help employees improve prompting skills and AI workflows.
• Create AI playbooks, prompt libraries, job aids, quick-reference guides, SOPs, and role-specific use cases for different departments.
• Act as the internal AI subject matter expert and first point of contact for AI-related questions and troubleshooting.

4. AI Governance and Responsible Use

• Educate users on ethical AI practices, responsible usage, and appropriate handling of confidential and proprietary information within AI systems.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, data privacy standards, cybersecurity requirements, and operational controls.
• Support development and implementation of AI governance standards; monitor risks associated with AI use and recommend mitigation strategies.

5. Change Management and Adoption

• Drive AI adoption initiatives across the organization and support leaders in managing the workforce transition to AI-enabled processes.
• Address employee concerns and resistance; develop communication and engagement plans to increase awareness and participation.
• Track AI utilization and adoption metrics and assess training effectiveness.
• Gather user and stakeholder feedback, recommend enhancements to AI programs and training, and share success stories that demonstrate operational value.

You have these skills:

• Business process analysis, with working knowledge of terminal, transportation, or supply-chain operations.
• KPI design and performance measurement - defining metrics from business processes and sustaining the reporting behind them.
• Data handling and analysis: SQL and Excel/Power BI (or equivalent), across structured and unstructured data.
• Strong understanding of AI tools and generative AI technologies.
• Presentation, facilitation, change management, and communication skills.
• Data privacy and AI governance knowledge.
• Problem-solving, stakeholder management, and continuous improvement methodologies.

And these qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Computer Science, Data/Business Analytics, or a business-related field, or equivalent experience.
• Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in operations, process improvement, data analysis, technology implementation, or operational excellence.
• Demonstrated experience defining operational KPIs from raw business data and building the reporting to sustain them.
• Hands-on experience extracting, organizing, and preparing structured and unstructured data (system extracts, emails, documents, PDFs) for analytics or AI-driven workflows.
• Hands-on experience using AI tools in a professional environment; familiarity with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, or Gemini and how they apply to business operations.
• Good understanding of business processes and operational workflows, with a track record of identifying opportunities for AI, automation, and process improvement.
• Experience developing and delivering training programs.
• Experience leading process improvement, operational efficiency, or change management initiatives.
• Comfortable being a self-starter and adapting to ever-changing needs.
• Works well with IT, Architecture, Security, and business stakeholders, with strong communication skills.

Extra credit if you have:

• Experience in transportation, logistics, or marine terminal operations (strongly preferred).
• Experience implementing enterprise AI solutions.
• Experience working hands-on with business users to build solutions together through collaboration.

At Matson, we're looking for people to build a unified team to maintain our values of trust, integrity, and reliability. We welcome people who think rigorously and thoughtfully challenge assumptions.

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