Director of Innovation

Colliers Engineering & Design is seeking a Director of Innovation to serve as a strategic business leader responsible for developing and executing the firm’s enterprise AI strategy, governance framework, and prioritized innovation initiatives that deliver measurable value across the organization. This role will lead the AI and automation roadmap, ensuring investments in emerging technologies enhance safety, quality, operational efficiency, and the overall client and employee experience, while remaining aligned with security, legal, and compliance standards.

The Director of Innovation will drive cross-functional initiatives focused on improving organizational efficiency through AI, systems integration, automation, and enhanced connectivity across platforms and teams. Working collaboratively with executive leadership, business units, and technology stakeholders, this individual will identify opportunities to modernize operations, streamline workflows, and foster a culture of continuous innovation throughout the organization.

In close partnership with the CIO and Director of Software Development, the Director of Innovation will help shape and execute the company’s long-term technology vision, ensuring innovation strategies are aligned with business objectives, operational priorities, and future growth initiatives.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement; however, candidates must be able to work regularly from one of Colliers Engineering & Design’s office locations to support collaboration and business needs.

Enterprise AI strategy and roadmap:

• Define and maintain a short and longer term AI and automation roadmap aligned to firm priorities with operations, and corporate services; translate emerging AI (including GenAI) capabilities into business-ready opportunities; provide leadership with regular updates on priorities, progress, outcomes, and ROI.

Evaluation, and prioritization:

• Define qualification criteria (business value, technical feasibility, data readiness, adoption readiness, risk profile); quantify benefits.

Adoption and change enablement:

• Partner with project executives, design managers, and end users to validate workflows (office and field), identify barriers early, and ensure feedback informs pilot iterations; build and sustain an AI champion network; partner with HR/learning and knowledge to build AI fluency through training, playbooks, and change management.

Governance, risk, and enterprise alignment:

• Partner with Technology leadership to align initiatives with approved platforms, architecture, and security standards; coordinate with Legal, Risk, and Information Security on responsible AI practices (including handling of client/project data, contracts, drawings, specifications, and models); establish guardrails for vendor tools and data access; maintain documentation to support audit and contractual compliance.

Transition to delivery:

• Partner with technology delivery teams and operational leaders to transition approved initiatives into implementation with clear business requirements, target workflows, training/adoption plans (including field enablement), and success metrics—while maintaining appropriate separation between pilot ownership and large-scale delivery.

Progressive vision:

• Identify, evaluate, and lead initiatives that improve operational efficiency, system integration, and enterprise connectivity through the adoption of innovative technologies and scalable digital solutions.

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems/Management, Computer/Data Science, Business, or a related field (or equivalent experience) required.
• Advanced degree (MBA/MS) preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategy, operations, transformation, or digital enablement, with demonstrated success delivering measurable outcomes in a AEC environment (or similarly complex, project-based services).
• Risk and responsible AI: Working knowledge of security, privacy, compliance, and responsible AI practices.
• Preferred: Experience with common AEC technology ecosystems (e.g., BIM/VDC platforms, ERP systems, project management/document control, estimating and scheduling tools) and deploying digital solutions throughout company.
• AI/GenAI application: Demonstrated experience applying AI/ML (including generative AI) to real-world business processes; ability to translate opportunities from AEC data sources (project documents, contracts, schedules, cost data, drawings/specifications, BIM/VDC models) into usable solutions.
• Operating model and execution: Experience establishing roadmaps, use-case intake/backlogs, data governance, and delivery guardrails; comfort running pilots with clear success metrics and scale/stop decisions; familiarity with BIM/VDC standards and project information management concepts is a plus.
• Ability to read, write and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and innovatively, with strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Proven leadership and influencing skills with the ability to drive alignment and collaboration across cross-functional teams and stakeholders without direct authority. Exceptional facilitation, presentation, and executive communication skills.
• Risk & Responsible AI: Working knowledge of cybersecurity, data privacy, compliance, and responsible AI principles, with the ability to effectively partner with Legal, Risk Management, and IT Security teams.
• Advanced and consistent understanding of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and operational standards.
• Ability to partner effectively with Legal, Risk, and IT Security.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, perform effectively under pressure, and meet critical deadlines.
• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work effectively within and across teams, balancing competing priorities while fostering a positive and respectful team environment.
• Demonstrates a strong work ethic, sound judgment, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results with accountability and attention to detail.
• Maintains the highest level of professionalism and discretion when handling sensitive, confidential, and proprietary information.
• Travel will be required to other CED offices.

Compensation: $181,000 to $300,000 per year (depending on qualifications)

At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That’s why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.

This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.

We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women’s Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.

Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!