Position Summary

The Innovation & AI Process Specialist II plays a key role in advancing Clayton’s Innovation and Artificial Intelligence Delivery Processes by managing the lifecycle of both general innovation initiatives and AI-related projects.

This role supports the company’s vision to develop housing innovations that improve lives and build a better tomorrow. The position combines strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and project execution to foster a culture of innovation and ensure the successful implementation of high-impact ideas. The specialist will support the innovation pipeline, facilitate AI use case development, and support program operations, reporting, and knowledge sharing.

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain idea repository and pipeline, ensuring visibility, traceability, and timely updates.
• Lead small to mid-sized projects or phases of larger initiatives, defining tasks, monitoring progress, and ensuring timely delivery.
• Manage collaboration and support of idea generation activities for AI use cases and other strategic priority topics by engaging with technology and business leaders to surface new opportunity areas, clarify ownership, and align on next steps.
• Apply structured criteria to evaluate and prioritize ideas, enabling leadership to focus resources on the most impactful projects and initiatives.
• Support AI and Innovation Process operations, including policy updates, license management, and educational initiatives.
• Develop communication strategies and materials to promote innovation and AI initiatives across the organization.
• Develop and deliver regular reports on KPIs, project status, and recurring themes.
• Promote a culture of innovation by encouraging idea sharing and cross-functional collaboration.

Primary Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree (or above) required
• Minimum 3 years of experience managing projects or processes, demonstrating skills in project planning, delivery coordination, and risk management.
• Active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, demonstrating expertise in project management methodologies preferred, equivalent experience accepted.

Desired Skills

• Exceptional organizational abilities of multiple subject matters, while meeting tight deadlines.
• A demonstrated history of successfully delivering projects, from conception to deployment, demonstrating expertise in project management and facilitation.
• Meticulous attention to detail, even in high-pressure situations, with the ability to anticipate potential issues and proactively mitigate risks.
• Proficient in information management and adept at using a wide range of project/process management tools (such as JIRA, ServiceNow SPM, and Smartsheet).
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Zoom, Teams, and other productivity tools, with a focus on maximizing efficiency and effectiveness.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with creativity and latitude in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present information clearly and effectively.
• Ability to work collaboratively with teams across different departments, while managing competing priorities and meeting tight deadlines.

Behavioral Competencies

• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Relationship Building
• Strategic Thinking
• Influence and Persuasion
• Communicating
• Planning and Priority Setting
• Adaptability
• Creativity and Innovation

Why Clayton Homes?

Founded in 1956, Clayton is a Berkshire Hathaway Company committed to opening doors to a better life and Building Happyness® through homeownership. Through its family of brands, Clayton builds, sells, finances, and insures traditional site-built homes and off-site built housing – including modular homes, manufactured homes, CrossMod™ homes, tiny homes, college dormitories, military barracks, and apartments. Corporate headquarters is located in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, specifically, Maryville, Tennessee. Clayton is the recipient of numerous industry awards including 2019 Builder of the Year and ranks as the #2 builder of homes in the U.S. by units sold. Our site-built division, Clayton Properties Group, is the 8th largest site builder in the U.S. We achieve our results through the strength of our people and have been recognized on the 2021 Forbes Best Employers for Diversity and 2021 Forbes America’s Best Employers Lists. To learn more about Clayton Homes, go to: https://www.claytonhomes.com

Benefits

• Competitive benefits including 401(k) with 100% company match of the first 4%; medical, dental and vision plans; paid time off days and holidays.
• Quarterly bonus program.
• Forbes lists: America’s Best Employers, America’s Employers by State, Best Employers for Diversity, Best Employers for Women.
• Recognized as one of East Tennessee’s top technology workplaces.
• Wellness programs that focus on emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, environmental, physical, and financial well-being.
• Onsite fitness facility with full gym, workout classes, volleyball and basketball, ping-pong, and disc golf course.
• Paid Time Off for Volunteer work.

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