4+ years of experience in technology delivery and business process improvement.
Proven track record of leading AI and automation projects from concept to deployment with measurable outcomes.
Expertise in Python and SQL for application development and automation.
Strong understanding of cloud architecture and enterprise systems like Microsoft 365 and ERPs.
Experience in vendor selection and managing third-party delivery partners.
Responsibilities
Own end-to-end technical design for enterprise initiatives focused on EBITDA and working capital impact.
Serve as the technical architect on multiple projects, creating reference architectures and reusable design patterns.
Design and build cloud-based solutions that integrate various operational platforms.
Lead the delivery of initiatives from concept through pilot to scaled deployment, ensuring user adoption.
Identify and prioritize AI and automation use cases aligned with business objectives.
Benefits
Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, including pet insurance.
Hybrid work schedule for better work-life balance.
401(k) plan with immediate enrollment and competitive matching.
Employee assistance and health wellness programs.
Generous paid time off including personal, sick, and vacation days.
Full Job Description
Role Summary: The Solutions Architect, AI & Automation serves as a strategic and execution-focused partner to business leaders, designing and delivering applied AI and automation solutions that improve operational performance, decision-making, and productivity. This role combines hands-on technical execution with business partnership: identifying high-value opportunities directly with site and vertical leadership, architecting the solution, building it, and driving adoption. The position operates with a high degree of autonomy and is accountable for measurable EBITDA and working capital outcomes rather than tasks, serving as the company's internal technical authority on automation, cloud architecture, and applied AI.
Benefits: Gexpro Services offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
Competitive compensation plus annual bonus
Medical, dental, vision, life insurance and pet insurance
Hybrid work schedule
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employee assistance program and Health wellness programs
401(k) immediately with a competitive match
Several paid holidays and paid time off that includes personal, sick and vacation time.
Essential Responsibilities
Solution Architecture & Delivery
Own end-to-end technical design across the full solution stack - data, integrations, backend services, applications, and cloud infrastructure - for enterprise initiatives prioritized on EBITDA and TWC impact.
Serve as the technical architect on multiple concurrent projects, setting direction through working code, reference architectures, and reusable design patterns.
Design and build cloud-based solutions and system integrations that connect ERP (QAD), Microsoft 365, reporting, and operational platforms.
Develop applications and automations using Python, SQL, and cloud services, from prototype through production deployment.
Lead end-to-end delivery of initiatives from concept through pilot to scaled deployment, including change management and user adoption.
Define plans to deliver change in 1-3 month increments, using agile methodologies to deliver incremental improvements in quick time periods.
Travel to sites as required to deploy solutions, train end users, and drive adoption.
AI & Automation Strategy
Identify, scope, and prioritize AI and automation use cases aligned to business value and strategic objectives.
Translate operational pain points into AI-enabled workflows, copilots, automations, and decision-support tools.
Evaluate, recommend, and implement AI and automation technologies, including generative AI, RAG, agentic solutions, robotic process automation, and machine learning applications.
Support and lead development of AI use cases including Microsoft 365 Copilot, internal agents, and ERP-adjacent solutions.
Establish standards, governance, and reusable patterns for automation and AI development across the business.
Rapidly prototype to demonstrate possibilities to business leaders and build the case for investment.
Conduct build-versus-buy analysis and advise leadership on where internal development delivers better value than third-party engagement.
Identify technical, delivery, and adoption risks early and develop mitigation strategies that optimize cost and risk.
Maintain current expertise in a rapidly evolving technology landscape through industry conferences, vendor technical briefings, certification programs, and continuous hands-on evaluation of new platforms and tools.
Bring external market and technology insight back into the business, assessing new capabilities against Gexpro's operating needs and recommending where they warrant investment or piloting.
Business Partnership & Process Improvement
Engage directly with branch teams, functional support, vertical and site leadership, customers, and suppliers to identify process gaps and simplification opportunities.
Gather business requirements independently and translate them into technical requirements and solution designs without intermediary analysis.
Drive strategic initiatives aimed at improving business KPIs through defining the issue, analyzing and prioritizing root causes, making improvements, and verifying results.
Gather data on existing processes, identify where the top problems are, and demonstrate improvement results after positive changes are made.
Build and present business cases, cost-benefit analyses, and solution recommendations to executive leadership, including the CEO.
Gain the "hearts and minds" of employees globally to change the way they work and improve the top/bottom line and customer service.
Vendor & Program Leadership
Lead technology vendor evaluations and selection processes, including requirements definition, demonstrations, scoring, and commercial recommendation.
Own the business case and secure funding approval for technology investments.
Partner with IT, vendors, and business stakeholders to integrate solutions into existing enterprise systems.
Govern third-party delivery partners through the implementation lifecycle, including regular working sessions, scope management, and acceptance of delivered work against requirements.
Configure and lead the setup of supporting IT infrastructure required for third-party and internal solutions.
Leadership & Team Development
Manage and develop direct reports, including goal setting, work assignment, performance feedback, and career development planning.
Provide technical mentorship through code review, design review, and pairing; establish the engineering standards and practices the team works to.
Onboard and ramp early-career technical hires, building their capability in cloud, automation, and AI development.
Scope and delegate work appropriately, balancing individual delivery against team throughput and development goals.
Skills, Knowledge, And Education
Required
At least four years of professional experience spanning technology delivery and business process improvement.
Experience leading multiple AI, automation, or data-driven solutions from concept through deployment with measurable business outcomes.
Demonstrated experience owning solutions end-to-end: business requirements, solution architecture, development, integration, deployment, adoption, and ongoing improvement.
Proficiency in Python and SQL.
Working knowledge of cloud architecture, security, identity, and cloud-native solution design.
Experience designing system integrations and APIs across enterprise platforms.
Working knowledge of enterprise systems (Microsoft 365, ERPs, etc.).
Understanding of Robotic Process Automation and enterprise automation platforms.
Experience leading vendor selection and managing third-party delivery partners.
Strong project and program management capabilities.
Strong knowledge of process improvement.
Proven ability to translate ambiguous business problems into actionable technical solutions.
Experience driving change management and user adoption.
Experience working cross-functionally within the business and with external partners.
Solid presentation skills, including executive-ready communication and experience presenting to executive audiences.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate effectively and work across all levels of the organization.
Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and the ability to rapidly acquire and apply new technical skills as the technology landscape changes.
Team oriented with a hands-on leadership style.
Preferred
Experience with Microsoft Foundry, Azure AI Services, and the broader Microsoft AI ecosystem.
Experience designing and building applications using generative AI services, models, APIs, and SDKs.
Experience with Microsoft Fabric, including data engineering, analytics, semantic models, and integration of enterprise data into AI solutions.
Experience with AI agents and agentic workflows, including tool/function calling, orchestration, and integration with enterprise systems.
Experience with CI/CD, infrastructure as code, containerization, and cloud deployment practices.
Relevant Microsoft Azure, AI, Data, or Fabric certifications, including current Microsoft Applied Skills credentials.
Experience mentoring technical staff or providing technical leadership across cross-functional teams.
Experience in distribution, supply chain, manufacturing, or other operationally complex environments.
Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification or equivalent process-improvement experience.
