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 Qualifications Required • 10+ years of progressive experience in data, analytics, or AI/ML leadership, with at least 3 years in a Director or VP-level role • Proven track record of building and scaling data and AI capabilities in a SaaS, EdTech, or digital media environment • Deep technical fluency across data engineering, cloud data platforms (Azure preferred), machine learning, and LLM/generative AI applications • Experience leading cross-functional product initiatives with measurable business outcomes • Strong executive presence and the ability to communicate complex data and AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders • Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing, distributed technical teams Preferred • Experience in regulated industries such as safety, compliance, healthcare, or financial services • Familiarity with learning experience platforms (LXPs), LMS technology, or digital credentialing ecosystems • Prior experience in a private equity-backed environment with multiple brands or portfolio companies What We Offer • Competitive compensation package including base salary, performance bonus, and long-term incentive opportunity • The opportunity to shape the data and AI strategy of a market-leading compliance training company at an inflection point • Collaborative executive leadership team with a strong bias for action and continuous improvement • Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and professional development support About Certus Certus is a leading compliance training and workforce development company serving regulated industries across the United States. Through its portfolio of brands — including TPC Training, StateFoodSafety, OSHA Education Center, S/P2, and others — Certus delivers online and instructor-led training solutions that help workers stay safe, businesses stay compliant, and industries meet evolving regulatory requirements. Backed by Ridgemont Equity Partners, Certus is growing rapidly through organic investment and strategic acquisitions, with a mission to become the definitive platform for workforce compliance training in North America. This position will have a base pay of $215,000 - $230,000 plus up to an additional 25% in annual bonus. EEO Statement: Certus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.