Dir, IT Digital Tech Solutions & Strategy
San Francisco, CA

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Group IT intends to leverage more intensively advanced technologies and "Big Data" concepts to differentiate the core business of Audi of America from its competitors. This differentiation by IT aims at empowering business to move into adjacent markets, make new sales channels available, drive sales in established markets as well as dramatically improve enterprise effectiveness in all areas of marketing, sales, after sales, product development and production.

The role of the Dir IT, Digital Technology Solutions and Strategy is responsible to drive new innovative technologies, lead digitalization approaches and solutions to support the Audi business in creating new and differentiating business models.

Job Responsibilities:

Leadership - 20% of time

* Lead the SF innovation lab
* Educate and inform business leaders and senior executives about technology opportunities
* Advocate in the group for cloud architecture
* Build strong parity with Audi and Volkswagen AG stakeholders and digital counterparts to strengthen RA position and influence

Strategic Work - 20% of time

* Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with IT technology leaders and promising startup companies and incubators in Silicon Valley
* Creating scenarios and future visions for technology-led business transformation
* Consult on the initial conversion from analog to digital solutions.
* Lock-down a footprint in Silicon Valley to attract and retain top technology talent (internal and services agency
* Integration of state-of-the-art ideas and developments into operative business

Operational Work - 30% of time

* Conducting technology and environmental scans ("push innovation approach")
* Identifying opportunities to use new technologies in the business together with the different business divisions ("pull innovation approach")
* Act as the Audi representative in group committees
* Identifying, evaluating and refining leading-edge tools and methods for technology and service innovation management
* Progressive Retail Initiative and provide fluid system integration with all partners
* Consult on innovative project management methods (e.g. agile)

Lead Digitalization Initiatives - 30% of time

* Leading and manage critical AUDI, systems, and processes in the digitalization area
* Create and document best practices to share across VW Group

Experience Required:

Minimum of 10 years information technology experience

7 years of innovative technology experience, preferred

Degree Required:

Bachelors, MIS, Computer Science or Engineering

Degree Desired:

Masters in MIS

Skills Required:

* Self-motivated and initiative in a virtual team
* Cultural awareness and sensitivity
* Builds sustainable relationships with colleagues, customers and partners
* Dedicated know how about innovation technologies, "Big Data" activities, digitalization approaches and disruptive business models in the automotive industry
* Outstanding experiences and skills in project management and Agile development methodologies
* Extensive proven experience in:
* Cloud hosting
* Continuous delivery models
* Modern web-site experience
* App development
* Experiences in connected vehicle integration to front and backend systems
* Extensive network in Silicon valley especially with potential automotive relevant start up

Skills Desired:

* Network in the Volkswagen Group and especially within the Audi brand in Germany
* Language skills in German or Spanish

Work Flexibility:

Must be willing to travel up to 40% (including travels to Germany)