Data Governance and AI Project Manager

Kemin Industries is looking for a Data Governance Project Manager who can bring fresh perspective and new energy to a program with a strong foundation already in place. Two years into building our data governance framework, we’re ready for someone who can elevate it even further - connecting AI, enterprise data, and governance into one cohesive, forward‑moving portfolio

You’ll lead the governance workstream of a high‑priority AI initiative, partnering closely with IT, business units, and our AI consultant to strengthen data quality, define ownership, and turn complex requirements into practical processes. This role sits at the center of Kemin’s data and AI evolution, perfect for someone who loves bringing clarity, structure, and momentum to a space that’s growing fast and full of possibility.

This position will sit on-site at Kemin's WW Headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa.

Join the Kemin Team and Transform Lives!

We are a privately held, family-owned-and-operated global biotechnology company driven by curiosity and committed to transforming the quality of life for people, pets, and the planet.

We create solutions that strengthen health and wellbeing, provide nutrition and immune support for pets and production animals, safeguard the planet’s natural resources, and protect the global food supply chain for generations to come.

We supply over 500 specialty ingredients for various industries, including human and animal health and nutrition, pet food, aquaculture, nutraceutical, food technologies, crop technologies, textiles, biofuels, and animal vaccines.

We employ 3,500 global employees and operations in 90 countries, including manufacturing facilities in Belgium, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Italy, San Marino, Singapore, South Africa, and the United States.

As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your financial, physical, and professional well-being:

• Competitive Financial Package: Enjoy a rewarding salary, uncapped bonus opportunities, a 401k match program, and generous paid vacation and holidays.
• Health and Wellness Support: Stay fit and healthy with our fitness reimbursement for the whole family, access to an on-site fitness center, a restaurant offering seasonal fresh food options, and free fresh fruit in break areas.
• Career Development and Advancement: Unlock your potential with opportunities for growth and development throughout your entire career.
• Continued Learning Opportunities: Grow your skills with our in-house learning platforms, offering thousands of training resources both live and online, and take advantage of tuition reimbursement for external post-secondary pursuits.
• Service Opportunities: Make a positive impact with paid time off for service, partnerships with The World Food Programme and Habitat for Humanity, and local community initiatives.

• Execute organizational change management strategies to increase data literacy and adoption of data governance principles throughout a global workforce.
• Draft, implement, and maintain data policies, standards, and procedures; manage project documentation, version control, and governance templates.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive training programs on data governance policies, ensuring ongoing education and annual policy reviews.
• Identify and prioritize essential workflows, rigorously monitor project timelines, and drive continuous improvement in data quality.
• Track adherence to data governance policies, collaborate with data stewards to address non-compliance, and establish clear escalation mechanisms and engagement forums to maintain alignment and accountability.
• Coordinate the integration of data governance and AI initiatives across business units by managing cross-functional meetings, agendas, ethical AI practices, team onboarding, and regular project standups.
• Track data and AI project milestones, ROI, and success metrics; maintain risk registers, support A/B testing, and escalate blockers to leadership as needed.
• Enable effective two-way communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders by framing AI data risks, trade-offs, and decisions in accessible terms.
• Ensure the original intent of business, legal, and ethical decisions is preserved as they are operationalized in data and AI workflows, while aligning governance initiatives with evolving strategic priorities.
• Establish ongoing governance processes, including model review boards and knowledge transfer sessions between internal teams and external partners.

• Education
  • Bachelors Degree in Data Management, Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Administration, or related field. 5+ years of relevant experience
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management abilities
• Understanding of how data governance supports business goals and strategy
• Skilled in developing training materials and conducting workshops
  
  

Highly Preferred

• CSM (Scrum Master)
• Certifications in data governance (e.g., DAMA CDMP), data quality (e.g., IQ-DQ), PMP or MLOps
• Knowledge of data governance tools including Informatica, PowerBI, etc
• Understanding of metadata management, data lineage, and data quality frameworks
• Familiarity with A/B testing frameworks and their integration into analytical models
• Experience facilitating model validation and UAT sessions with diverse stakeholders
• Skilled in change management frameworks (e.g., Prosci, ADKAR) to support culture shifts
• Practical knowledge of AI governance concepts, including model lifecycle management, data lineage, quality controls, bias, fairness, explainability, and model risk management
• Experience in establishing, tracking, and reporting on AI performance and ROI metrics for executive audiences
  
  

We are an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed/religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status (where applicable), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy/childbirth/breastfeeding or related conditions, age (40+), disability (including the use of a service animal), genetic information, marital status, familial or caregiver status, military or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, reproductive health decision‑making, and any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also prohibit retaliation for raising concerns or participating in an EEO process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation to apply or interview can email TalentAcquisition.US@Kemin.com.

A post-offer background check and drug screen is required.  Additional pre-employment requirements may be necessary based on position.

Kemin is a drug-free and tobacco-free campus. 

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