Vice President, AI and Data

Position Overview

Certus is seeking a Vice President of Data and AI to lead the company's data strategy and artificial intelligence initiatives across its portfolio of compliance training and workforce development brands. This is a senior role that will define how Certus harnesses data and emerging AI capabilities to drive product innovation, operational efficiency, and competitive differentiation.

Reporting to the CTO, the VP of Data and AI will build and lead a high-performing team responsible for data infrastructure, analytics, machine learning, and AI-powered product development. This leader will partner closely with Product, Technology, Sales/Revenue, and Marketing to embed intelligence throughout the Certus platform and customer experience.

The Opportunity

Certus operates at the intersection of regulated industry compliance, workforce safety, and skills development — serving customers across construction, food service, automotive, environmental, and occupational health sectors. With a growing catalog of digital training content, assessment tools, and learner data spanning millions of course completions annually, Certus is positioned to become a data-driven leader in the compliance learning market.

The VP of Data and AI will be the architect of that transformation — building the data foundation, establishing the AI roadmap, and delivering measurable outcomes that serve learners, customers, and the business.

Key Responsibilities

AI & Machine Learning Product Development

• Build and own the enterprise AI roadmap, identifying high-value applications across content, learner experience, assessment, sales, and operations

• Lead development and deployment of AI-powered features including adaptive learning, content recommendations, simulation-based assessments, and automated compliance monitoring

• Partner with the Chief Product Officer to embed AI capabilities into existing and new product lines across TPC Training, StateFoodSafety, OSHA Education Center, S/P2, and other Certus brands

• Evaluate and implement best-in-class AI/ML tools, LLM integrations, and third-party platforms that accelerate time-to-value

Analytics & Business Intelligence

• Champion a data-driven culture by delivering executive dashboards, operational reporting, and self-serve analytics across the organization

• Partner with Revenue, Marketing, and Finance leadership to provide insights that drive customer acquisition, retention, and pricing strategy

• Build predictive models that support learner outcome optimization, customer churn reduction, and product roadmap prioritization

Data Strategy & Infrastructure

• Define and execute a company-wide data strategy aligned to Certus's business objectives and brand portfolio needs

• Oversee the architecture, governance, and reliability of Certus's data platform, including the enterprise data lakehouse environment

• Establish data standards, quality frameworks, and access controls to ensure trusted, secure data across the organization

• Lead master data management and data integration efforts across Certus brands, platforms, and acquired entities

Team Building & Leadership

• Coach and develop a talented team spanning Database Architects, Data Engineers, and Business Intelligence, Data analysts. Assess talent and build the business case for additional hires.

• Establish team operating rhythms, project prioritization frameworks, and cross-functional collaboration models

• Serve as a thought leader and advocate for responsible AI development, ensuring ethical standards and compliance with emerging AI regulations

• Represent Certus externally as a data and AI leader in the compliance training and workforce development space