AI & Automation Solutions Manager

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world . Job Purpose To lead the design, governance, implementation and adoption of AI-enabled automation solutions that improve productivity, service quality, data-driven decision making and operational scalability across business lines and support functions. The role bridges business needs with practical technology delivery, using workflow automation, Microsoft Power Platform, Copilot Studio, Power BI and responsible AI practices to convert business pain points into sustainable digital solutions. Scope • Own the AI and automation opportunity pipeline from discovery, prioritisation and business case development through solution delivery, adoption and benefit tracking. • Partner with country and business line stakeholders to identify high-impact use cases in operations, commercial, finance, HR and shared service processes. • Promote reusable solution patterns, governance standards and adoption practices to scale automation safely and consistently. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES • Lead the country AI and automation roadmap, ensuring initiatives are aligned with business priorities, compliance requirements and measurable productivity outcomes. • Translate business requirements into practical automation, analytics and AI solution designs, including process workflows, dashboards, AI assistants, document extraction, AI agents and system integration opportunities. • Manage the full delivery lifecycle for automation initiatives, from use-case assessment and solution feasibility to implementation, testing, deployment, change management and post-implementation benefits review. • Establish responsible AI and automation governance, including guardrails for data privacy, security, access control, risk management, documentation and user adoption. • Build internal capability by coaching business users, developing champions, creating reusable templates and promoting automation discipline across functions. • Evaluate external vendors and solution partners where required, ensuring fit-for-purpose technology selection, commercial viability and sustainable support models. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITES Strategy, Portfolio and Governance • Develop and maintain a prioritised pipeline of AI, workflow automation, RPA, analytics and digitalisation initiatives. • Apply portfolio governance to track status, risk, dependencies, resource needs, adoption readiness and realised benefits. • Prepare business cases and recommendations for leadership approval, including effort, cost, impact, scalability and risk considerations. Solution Design and Delivery • Design and coordinate implementation of business solutions using Microsoft 365, Power Platform, Power Automate, Power BI, Copilot Studio and other approved enterprise tools. • Support AI-enabled use cases such as document extraction, knowledge-base assistance, workflow intelligence, AI agent support and reporting automation. • Work with IT and data owners to ensure solution architecture, data flow, integration, permissions and support model are fit for purpose. Stakeholder Management and Change Adoption • Facilitate workshops with business users to map processes, identify pain points, simplify workflows and define clear requirements. • Engage senior stakeholders to align priorities, remove roadblocks and communicate value creation from automation initiatives. • Drive user adoption through communication, training, champions network, feedback loops and continuous improvement. Leadership and Capability Building • Lead or coordinate a small team of automation analysts, developers, citizen developers or project resources, depending on business needs. • Define standards, reusable templates and playbooks for automation delivery, testing, documentation and handover. • Promote a practical innovation culture focused on responsible AI, measurable outcomes and operational excellence. PROFILE Education and Experience • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Business Information Systems, Engineering, Data Analytics or related discipline. • Minimum 8 to 10 years of experience in digital transformation, business process automation, AI-enabled solutions, workflow automation, consulting, business analysis or technology delivery. • Proven experience leading automation or digitalisation initiatives across multiple functions, business units or countries. • Demonstrated ability to manage stakeholders, shape requirements, lead delivery governance and convert business problems into practical technology solutions. • Experience in regulated, risk-aware or enterprise environments with strong attention to governance, documentation and change control. Preferred Qualifications • Microsoft Power Automate RPA Developer Associate (PL-500), Power Platform certification, Microsoft Copilot Studio, Azure AI, Power BI certification, PMP/CAPM, Agile or Lean Six Sigma certification will be an advantage. • Experience with AI proof-of-concepts, document intelligence, workflow intelligence, AI agents, OpenAI/LLM integration or enterprise knowledge-base automation will be an advantage. • Strong command of English and Bahasa Malaysia; Mandarin or other regional language capability is an advantage for stakeholder engagement. Behavioural Competencies • Customer-focused and service-oriented approach. • Strong collaboration and partnership mindset. • Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced environment. • Demonstrates sound judgment and decision-making capabilities. • Committed to SGS values, quality standards, and ethical conduct. Travel Requirement: Up to 20% Employment Type: Permanent