Mgr, Centre of Excellence, Ai & Automation

Who We Are

We are a global mining company dedicated to safely delivering nickel, copper, cobalt, and platinum group metals essential for the world's energy transition. Our mission is to improve lives and shape a better future together.

From utensils to cellphones to satellites, our operations simplify daily life and enhance connectivity. Our metals are integral to life-saving medical equipment and the electric vehicles driving the fight against climate change – our work truly matters.

Join our diverse team of 15,000 talented individuals committed to transforming critical minerals into prosperity and sustainable development in countries like Canada, Brazil, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, and Japan. We invite you to use your skills with us and contribute to something meaningful and enduring.

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Manager, Centre of Excellence (CoE) AI & Automation to join our IT (Information Technology) team in team in Toronto, ON. This is a permanent, hybrid position.

As the Manager, CoE AI & Automation, you will lead the design and execution of Vale Base Metals' AI and automation strategy. You'll focus on augmenting workforce capabilities through GenAI, driving productivity, and enabling smarter decision-making. You will oversee the rollout of agentic AI tools, automate tasks and processes, and partner with business units to identify high-impact use cases. This role ensures secure, compliant deployment of AI solutions and prepares the organization for AI-first operating models and future BPO transformation.

Additionally, in this position you will:

• Define and lead the AI & Automation strategy aligned with VBM's business priorities and transformation roadmap.
• Establish and operationalize the AI & Automation Center of Excellence (CoE) across geographies, driving measurable business value.
• Partner with business units to identify, prioritize, and deliver high-impact AI use cases based on ROI, feasibility, and strategic alignment.
• Collaborate with enterprise architects and technical leads to implement scalable, modern AI and data architectures.
• Integrate agentic AI tools (e.g., SAP Joule, Microsoft Copilot) into business workflows for intelligent automation.
• Lead end-to-end delivery of AI use cases—from ideation to MVP to scale—across operations, corporate functions, and R&D.
• Drive automation of tasks, subprocesses, and full processes using AI agents, targeting "lights-out" operations where feasible.
• Implement governance frameworks to ensure responsible AI adoption, data integrity, and compliance with global standards (GDPR, HIPAA).
• Define and enforce policies for data security, privacy, and ethical AI use across all functions.
• Collaborate with process owners to reengineer workflows for automation readiness and AI integration, leveraging APQC and Signavio frameworks.
• Manage relationships with AI vendors, consulting partners, and platform providers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and strategic alignment.
• Track and report on business impact of AI initiatives using benefits realization frameworks; ensure each use case has a documented value proposition, cost estimate, and implementation timeline.
• Build and lead a cross-functional team of AI developers, data scientists, translators, and architects; mentor junior staff and foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement.
• Stay ahead of emerging trends (GenAI, Agentic AI, AI Mesh) and educate stakeholders including ExCo on AI's potential and limitations.

About You

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field required.
• Master's degree in Engineering or Management preferred.
• Professional certification in data management, database administration, or advanced analytics is considered an asset.

Experience:

• Minimum 15 years' experience in AI, automation, and data analytics, with proven leadership in enterprise transformation.

Skills:

• Deep expertise in GenAI and agentic AI frameworks for enterprise automation.
• Proficiency in ML Ops, model deployment, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Strong knowledge of cloud infrastructure, Infrastructure as Code, and DevOps practices.
• Experience with operational technology (OT), IoT data, and predictive analytics.
• Familiarity with enterprise data platforms and modern data architecture.
• Strong understanding of data security, privacy regulations, and compliance frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional technical teams and manage vendor relationships.
• Strategic thinking to align AI initiatives with business goals and transformation roadmaps.
• Effective communicator able to translate technical concepts for business stakeholders.
• Skilled in change management and stakeholder engagement across global teams.

What We Offer You

• Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan
• Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package
• Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans and optional insurances)
• Leave for all of life's reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)
• Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Virtual Healthcare online
• Online training and career development opportunities

Why Toronto

Vale's Toronto office, nestled in the heart of Canada's largest city, serves as a pivotal hub for the company's operations. This office is central to Vale's finance, strategic planning, commercial (marketing and sales), and sustainability teams, driving key initiatives that support the company's global mission. Toronto's vibrant, diverse, and dynamic environment enhances Vale's ability to innovate and excel in these critical areas, reflecting the city's status as a leading international business center.

Include to Transform

At Vale Base Metals, we are committed to ensuring an inclusive work environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. Vale encourages everyone to express their ideas and opinions and values the plurality of individual profiles. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are critical to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or any other personal consideration that makes us different.

Vale is an equal opportunity employer seeking to increase diversity across our operations and improve equal opportunity at Vale and in the mining industry.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Accommodation is available throughout our recruitment process for applicants with disabilities.

Apply by: Tuesday October 21, 2025

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