Head of AI and Software Delivery (Northern CA) in San Francisco, California - #72298 | VanderHouwen

Description

Job Id: 72298

Head of AI and Software Delivery (Northern CA)
Our client is seeking a VP of Delivery who is native to the Bay Area technology ecosystem—deeply fluent in enterprise-scale data platforms, AI-native engineering, and frontier AI adoption—and ready to build one of the region’s most technically ambitious delivery practices. This leader will oversee delivery excellence across flagship enterprise accounts in the San Francisco–Silicon Valley corridor, expand the organization’s Data & AI delivery capabilities, and serve as a trusted advisor to executive-level stakeholders who expect a strategic partner rather than a traditional vendor.

This role is based in San Francisco, California.

Head of AI and Software Delivery Responsibilities

• Own the Bay Area enterprise portfolio. Lead delivery across flagship accounts in the San Francisco–Silicon Valley corridor. Serve as the senior delivery voice in client engagements—from data architecture strategy and AI program planning through production delivery and account growth.
• Scale and strengthen the Data & AI practice. Establish and grow the organization’s data platform and AI/ML delivery capabilities within the Bay Area market.
• Define the delivery model, build high-performing teams, and lead large-scale data transformation initiatives valued at $10M+.
• Front transformation efforts. Guide executive stakeholders through delivery architecture decisions, data platform strategy, AI adoption roadmaps, and enterprise transformation initiatives. Become the trusted advisor clients rely on when programs face complexity or pressure.
• Leverage the frontier AI ecosystem. Translate emerging AI capabilities—from foundation models, specialized technology partners, and hyperscaler platforms—into enterprise-ready solutions that deliver measurable business value.
• Build and develop talent. Recruit, mentor, and retain AI-native, cloud-native, and data-native delivery professionals across the West Coast. Establish high standards for modern delivery excellence while enabling the growth of Forward Deployed and agentic engineering teams.

Head of AI and Software Delivery Qualifications

• 15+ years of software or data delivery leadership experience within a technology company, consulting organization, or systems integrator, including at least 3 years in a Senior Director, Vice President, or equivalent leadership role overseeing programs valued between $15M and $50M+. Experience leading distributed offshore and nearshore delivery teams is required.
• Proven enterprise delivery experience leading complex, multi-year initiatives across large organizations with multiple stakeholders and geographies. Demonstrated success driving delivery outcomes, improving execution velocity, enhancing data quality, and accelerating AI adoption.
• Deep expertise in enterprise data platforms and AI engineering delivery. Experience leading data engineering, data platform, or AI/ML initiatives at scale. Familiarity with technologies such as Databricks, Snowflake, Spark, or similar platforms, as well as DataOps and MLOps practices.
• Strong understanding of AI-native delivery methodologies, including autonomous testing, LLM-assisted development, agentic quality practices, and AI observability. Able to articulate and defend modern delivery approaches to executive technical audiences.
• Established credibility within the Bay Area market, with relationships across Fortune 500 technology organizations, fintech, biotech/life sciences, or enterprise SaaS environments. Comfortable engaging with executive stakeholders and navigating high-stakes conversations.
• Knowledge of the frontier AI landscape, including its capabilities, limitations, and enterprise applications. Experience bridging the gap between innovative prototypes and production-ready solutions is highly valued. Existing relationships within the broader AI ecosystem are a plus.

Salary: $400K+/year plus bonuses and other compensation. (DOE)

Benefits
Benefits are available to eligible full-time employees and include coverage for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long term disability, and matching 401k.

Meet VanderHouwen
What kind of recruiter do you see yourself working with? One who prioritizes your best interest, no matter what? VanderHouwen does, and we’re in it for the long game! Our recruiters focus on YOU, building meaningful, long-term relationships while developing a deep understanding of companies’ staffing needs and workplace cultures. This approach helps us find an ideal job match that aligns with your unique career aspirations and goals.

VanderHouwen is an award-winning, Women & Diversity-Owned, WBENC certified professional staffing firm. Founded in 1987, VanderHouwen places experienced professionals across the nation! Our recruitment teams specialize in either Technology and IT, Engineering, Human Resources, or Accounting and Finance career markets. Partner with us to land your next exciting career!

VanderHouwen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify. VanderHouwen does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal civil rights laws.