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Canada
Remote only
This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, which manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Product Automation based in Canada.
The Director, Product Automation will lead the development and implementation of an organization-wide AI and automation strategy, transforming how services are delivered and how clients experience technology-enabled solutions. This founding leadership role offers the opportunity to build a new function from the ground up and establish a scalable approach to product innovation. You will identify and implement technologies that improve community management, social media strategy, insights, monitoring, and social listening while maintaining high standards of quality and client service. Working closely with operations, product marketing, growth, and executive leadership, you will connect internal innovation with compelling market positioning. The role combines strategic vision, practical experimentation, and cross-functional influence to deliver measurable improvements in service quality, efficiency, and scalability. You will also help shape a clear vision for combining AI capabilities with human expertise in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Define and lead the organization's AI and automation strategy across products, workflows, and client service delivery.
Evaluate, test, and implement tools and technologies that improve the speed, precision, quality, and scalability of core services, including community management, social media strategy, insights, monitoring, and social listening.
Develop a standardized automation framework that can be applied consistently across service offerings rather than relying on isolated, client-specific solutions.
Establish reporting infrastructure and performance metrics to measure automation's impact on operational efficiency, service quality, and margins across the technology ecosystem.
Apply a product-led approach to automation by designing, piloting, evaluating, and continuously improving capabilities based on measurable outcomes and client needs.
Collaborate with operations, product marketing, growth, and marketing teams to translate internal AI and automation capabilities into clear go-to-market strategies and messaging.
Partner with service delivery, operations, and client success teams to ensure new tools and workflows are effectively adopted and integrated into everyday work.
Represent AI and automation strategy at the leadership level, contributing to business priorities and competitive positioning as client expectations and industry technologies evolve.
Develop and communicate a company-wide vision for combining AI-enabled capabilities with human expertise, both internally and externally.
Mentor colleagues and influence teams across the organization to strengthen automation literacy, encourage experimentation, and build confidence in emerging technologies.
Proven experience building or scaling a product, automation, AI, or technology strategy function, ideally within a services, agency, marketing technology, or related environment.
Demonstrated success translating AI or automation initiatives from initial concept into measurable operational improvements.
Strong cross-functional leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to align marketing, service delivery, operations, and executive stakeholders around shared goals.
Familiarity with social media platforms, community management, social listening, or related digital marketing technologies is a strong asset.
Experience working with enterprise marketing technology platforms, particularly where reporting or data limitations require creative solutions, alternative workflows, or additional systems.
A product innovation mindset, with the ability to evaluate emerging technologies and connect their practical value to client experience and business outcomes.
Ability to establish structure, processes, and strategic direction while building a new function in an evolving environment.
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including the ability to explain complex technical capabilities in clear, compelling business terms.
Strategic thinking combined with a hands-on approach to experimentation, implementation, and continuous improvement.
Confidence influencing teams and senior leaders without initially relying on a large direct-report organization.
Salary: Annual salary range of USD $110,000–$135,000. Actual compensation may vary based on location, relevant experience, knowledge, and skills.
Employment type: Full-time, permanent position.
Flexible work arrangements: Remote designation may be available depending on the role, location, and business needs.
Collaborative work environment: Opportunities to work across teams and functions, with in-person collaboration where required by business needs.
Leadership impact: Opportunity to establish and shape a new AI and automation function and influence organization-wide strategy.
Professional growth: Exposure to emerging technologies, product innovation, strategic leadership, and cross-functional initiatives.
Innovation-focused culture: Opportunity to experiment with new tools and approaches while helping evolve digital and social media services.
Inclusive workplace: Commitment to equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.