Michael Kors Director, Emerging Technology & AI Innovation
About Michael Kors
Michael Kors is a globally recognised luxury fashion brand within the Capri Holdings portfolio, known for accessible luxury in ready-to-wear, handbags and accessories. As part of a multi-brand luxury group, the employer operates global retail and e‑commerce channels and invests in technology and innovation to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
Michael Kors (Capri Holdings) seeks a Director, Emerging Technology & AI Innovation in East Rutherford, USA to lead GenAI and emerging technology strategy.
Role & Responsibilities
- Define and execute the global strategy for Agentic AI, Generative AI and emerging technologies aligned to business and IT objectives.
- Establish and operate an innovation framework and governance model, managing an innovation portfolio with defined ROI, adoption metrics and success criteria.
- Identify and prioritise high‑value AI/GenAI use cases across design (generative design, 3D modelling, automated pattern creation), supply chain (predictive logistics, anomaly detection), merchandising/planning (demand forecasting, pricing and allocation), retail/e‑commerce and corporate back‑office functions.
- Lead rapid prototyping, proofs of concept and pilots; evaluate scalability and integration potential and manage transitions from pilot to enterprise scale.
- Lead a small cross‑functional team of innovators and developers; build partnerships with vendors, startups and academia to secure early access and co‑innovation opportunities.
- Advise and influence senior leadership and the CIO on innovation pipeline, strategic impact and risk; prepare dashboards and KPI reporting.
- Ensure responsible, compliant AI adoption by collaborating with IT Security, Legal and privacy teams and applying bias mitigation and ethical frameworks.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or a related field.
- Minimum 10 years of progressive technology experience in IT, including at least 5 years focused on innovation or emerging technologies.
- Proven track record of leading technology pilots and scaling AI/GenAI solutions with measurable business outcomes.
- Deep understanding of AI/ML, Generative AI and Agentic AI concepts, IoT and cloud platforms.
- Demonstrated experience leading small agile teams in rapid prototyping and innovation.
- Strong executive presence with the ability to influence C‑suite and translate technical concepts for non‑technical stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication, facilitation, presentation and storytelling skills.
- Experience in retail or consumer‑facing industries preferred; certifications in AI/ML, cloud or innovation management are a plus.
Skills
Experience
At least 10 years of progressive IT experience with a minimum of 5 years in innovation or emerging technologies, including hands‑on leadership of AI/GenAI pilots and experience scaling solutions across retail, supply chain or corporate functions. Experience managing small agile teams and external partnerships is required; prior retail or consumer industry experience is strongly preferred.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
Workplace
This position is based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, within easy reach of New York.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 150,000 to USD 210,000 per annum.
Benefits
Generous PTO & Holiday Schedule; Summer Fridays; Internal mobility across Capri Brands; Cross‑brand Discount; Exclusive Employee Sales; Fav 5 Cards (MK friend & family discount); 401(k) match; Paid Parental Leave; Thrive Wellness Program (seasonal in‑office massages); Commuter Benefits; Gym Discounts
Culture
Michael Kors operates in a fast‑paced, design‑driven environment that values creativity, commercial rigor and customer experience. As part of Capri Holdings, the brand prioritises cross‑brand mobility, collaborative working across retail and corporate functions, and an innovation mindset that balances bold experimentation with disciplined execution.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.
Frequently Asked Questions
The luxury industry is characterised by a diverse and nuanced nomenclature. Esteemed houses frequently employ proprietary terminology, and even within a single organisation like Michael Kors, titles may vary across global markets to reflect local conventions. To ensure absolute clarity, Cerulean assigns a standardised, industry-coherent canonical title to every listing. However, it is worth noting that this role is functionally synonymous with «Head of Emerging Technologies & AI», «Director of AI Innovation», «Director of Emerging Technology and Innovation», «Head of Generative AI & Innovation», and other variations. Our sophisticated search architecture anticipates these variations, ensuring that inquiries using related terms will seamlessly yield the exact roles you desire.