AI Program Lead

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is a world-famous brand with offices across the globe. Fender was born in Southern California and has built a worldwide influence beyond the studio and the stage. A Fender is more than an instrument; it’s a cultural symbol that resonates globally.

We are searching for an AI Program Lead to join our team.

Strong communication and organizational skills are critical to success in this position, along with the ability to build strong relationships, collaborate in a cross-functional environment, and utilize problem-solving skills to proactively identify and manage risks and opportunities.

The AI Program Lead will be a key member of the Program Office team, responsible for driving the PM AI strategy and innovation within the organization. This role requires a visionary leader with strong thought leadership, foresight, and the ability to bring differentiated solutions to market. The PM AI Business Strategist will work closely with capabilities and industry to ensure the successful delivery of Operations AI-driven solutions and the growth of the AI project management at our factories.

Essential Functions:

AI Project Optimization

• Develop and implement Operations and Program Office AI strategies aligned with the organization’s goals.
• Create technology roadmaps for AI implementation.
• Partner with capabilities and industry to deliver differentiated AI solutions for Corona Campus operations.
• Portfolio analytics and executive reporting: build data pipelines and analytics to identify patterns, emerging technical needs, and cross-segment synergies; provide metrics-driven technical insights and architectural recommendations that inform AI strategy.
• Enable the organization to deliver AI solutions by offering guidance and support.
• Grow the AI pipeline by originating new opportunities and generating excitement around AI solutions.

Collaboration Platforms & Transformation

• Work closely with legal, governance, engineering, operations, and business development to gather requirements, prioritize responsible integration approaches, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage the agency’s AI ecosystem—from text and image generators to video synthesis, personalization tools, automation platforms, and more.
• Lead onboarding, training, and ongoing support across teams to drive adoption and effective use of AI tools.
• Collaborate with Strategy, Production, and various operations teams to build custom AI workflows that boost speed, scale, and storytelling, supporting new business initiatives.
• Partner with external platforms and vendors to test beta tools, secure partnerships, and influence product development where feasible.
• Serve as the agency’s primary resource for creative technology, proactively identifying ways AI can augment—not replace—the creative process.

Qualifications:

• 8 years of experience in technical product or program management, or technology strategy roles, with hands-on experience building technology dashboards in collaboration with engineering and business teams.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams—capable of coaching in addition to coordinating.
• 5–8 years of experience in creative technology, digital innovation, or related fields.
• Hands-on familiarity with leading AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT/Sora, Gemini/Veo, Runway, ElevenLabs, etc.) and AI-powered project management platforms, with a drive to stay at the forefront of developments.
• Experience creating or managing creative workflows and deploying technology across multiple teams or departments.
• Background in marketing, design, creative operations, product, or emerging tech is a strong plus.
• Strong presentation, documentation, and project management skills.
• Bonus: some experience with scripting, APIs, or low-code/no-code platforms.

About Fender Musical Instruments:

Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors, whose portfolio of brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch®, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, among others. For more information, visit www.fender.com. FMIC offers a competitive benefits package which includes medical, dental, 401(k), paid time off, and an equipment purchase program to help you get the band back together. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

Fender is required by law in certain jurisdictions to include a pay scale in the job posting for this position.  “Pay scale” means the salary or hourly wage range that Fender reasonably expects to pay for this position; it is neither a promise nor a guarantee of the compensation that the successful candidate will receive.  The pay scale for this position takes into account the wide range of factors that Fender considers in making compensation decisions, including, without limitation: skill set, experience, and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.  If this is a remote position, the pay scale disclosed herein may be adjusted further based upon the applicable geographic differential associated with the location from which the successful candidate will work.  Please note that it is not typical for a Fender employee to be at or near the top of the pay scale for their role – especially as a new hire – and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.  Subject to the foregoing, the current pay scale for this position is $80,000 to $100,000 per year.

#LI-Onsite