Job Description
Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, the Chief AI Officer will lead the development of the company’s AI strategy and oversee the integration of advanced analytics capabilities into the platform.
Key areas of focus include:
AI Strategy
• Develop a comprehensive AI roadmap aligned with product strategy
• Identify opportunities to embed machine learning and predictive analytics into the platform
Data Infrastructure
• Build scalable infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale data analysis
• Partner with engineering teams to integrate AI capabilities across products
Product Innovation
• Translate advanced analytics into customer-facing product capabilities
• Support the development of new data-driven solutions
Team Leadership
• Build and lead a high-performing data science and machine learning organization
• Establish best practices for experimentation, model development, and deployment
Industry
Company Description
The company provides enterprise customers with a technology platform designed to capture, analyze, and operationalize large volumes of data across complex business environments.
The platform is used by organizations seeking greater operational visibility, improved forecasting capabilities, and more sophisticated analytics tools.
The business has grown rapidly in recent years and now operates across multiple industry verticals.
The private equity sponsor is actively investing in technology, data capabilities, and strategic acquisitions to accelerate the company’s growth trajectory.
Opportunity
A middle-market private equity sponsor has partnered with the leadership team of a rapidly expanding data platform company serving enterprise and mid-market organizations across North America. The business has developed a proprietary technology platform that captures and analyzes large volumes of operational data, helping customers improve decision-making and operational performance.
As artificial intelligence continues to transform how organizations interpret and act on data, the company is investing in new capabilities that will embed advanced analytics and AI-driven insights directly into its platform.
The Chief AI Officer will play a central role in shaping this next phase of innovation, helping the company translate its growing data assets into differentiated customer solutions and new product capabilities.
Market Position
The company operates at the intersection of data infrastructure and operational intelligence, providing customers with tools that transform fragmented data into actionable insights.
Key strengths include:
• Proprietary datasets generated through long-standing customer relationships
• A cloud-based technology platform embedded within customer workflows
• Increasing demand for data-driven decision tools across the company’s core markets
• Strong recurring revenue and high customer retention
Multiple Growth Drivers
The business has several opportunities to accelerate growth through expanded analytics and AI capabilities.
Key initiatives include:
• Embedding machine learning models into the company’s core platform
• Developing predictive analytics and automation features
• Expanding the platform’s ability to process and analyze large-scale datasets
• Leveraging AI capabilities to improve customer outcomes and operational efficiency
Value Creation Opportunity
The private equity sponsor views advanced data capabilities as a major driver of long-term competitive advantage.
Priority initiatives include:
• Developing scalable AI infrastructure across the platform
• Translating complex data assets into high-value product features
• Strengthening the company’s ability to deliver predictive and prescriptive insights
• Building a world-class data science and AI organization
This role represents an opportunity for a technology leader to shape the evolution of a rapidly growing data platform while operating within a performance-oriented private equity environment.
Candidate Requirements
Education / Experience
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field preferred
• 15+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or AI leadership roles
Technical Expertise
• Deep experience developing machine learning models and analytics platforms
• Strong understanding of modern data architecture and cloud environments
Leadership
• Experience building and scaling data science teams
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into business value
Private Equity Orientation
• Comfort operating in fast-paced, performance-driven environments
• Ability to balance long-term innovation with near-term commercial priorities
Travel % Requirements
Compensation Description
• Base salary: $300K – $350K
• Performance-based bonus
• Meaningful equity participation
Thrive Resources is the leading talent platform for private equity-backed businesses.
We partner with private equity firms and their portfolio companies to build high-performing leadership teams through executive search, onboarding, leadership development, and our exclusive ThriveBoard job platform. Our placements span the C-suite to critical functional roles, with a focus on operators who drive value creation and scale.
We also serve executives through a curated community, mentorship, and tailored programs that prepare and support leaders for success in private equity environments.
When you see a Thrive-listed opportunity, it’s more than a job post — it’s part of a broader commitment to matching top-tier talent with high-impact roles in the PE ecosystem.