Artificial Intelligence (AI) Adoption & Enablement Manager

Job Posting:

Since 1953, Ferguson has been a source of quality supplies for a variety of industries. Together We Build Better infrastructure, better homes and better businesses. We exist to make our customers’ complex projects simple, successful, and sustainable. We proactively solve problems, adapt and grow to continuously serve our customers, communities and each other. Ferguson, a Fortune 500 company, is proud to provide best-in-class products, service and capabilities across the following industries: Commercial/Mechanical, Facilities Supply, Fire and Fabrication, HVAC, Industrial, Residential Trade, Residential Building and Remodel, Waterworks and Residential Digital Commerce. Ferguson has approximately 36,000 associates across 1,700 locations. Ferguson is a community of proud associates who operate with the shared purpose of building something meaningful. You will build a career that you are proud of, at a company you can believe in.

The AI Adoption & Enablement Manager is the human architect of Ferguson's AI transformation, responsible for ensuring that technology adoption translates into genuine capability building, behavioral change, and cultural evolution. This role sits at the critical intersection of Ferguson's human-first AI philosophy and its execution, designing and delivering the experiences that help associates see AI as amplifying their expertise.

Working with the VP of AI Enablement, this position owns the fluency framework that builds AI literacy and capability across Ferguson's diverse associate population, from counter representatives to sales associates to HQ functions. Equally important, this person works hands-on with functional teams to discover use cases, embed AI into real workflows, and coach teams through early adoption. Success requires deep empathy for how people experience change. It also requires a sophisticated understanding of adult learning principles. Candidates need enough technical proficiency to guide practical implementation. They must have political savvy to navigate a culture where respect, trust, and credibility are earned through demonstrated care for people's success.

Location: This role is approved to be either Remote within the United States or Hybrid for associates in Newport News, VA, in accordance with company policy.

Fluency Framework Design & Delivery

• Design comprehensive AI fluency curriculum spanning awareness, literacy, capability, and mastery levels tailored to Ferguson's role segments
• Partner with the Ferguson Academy team to develop engaging, practical learning experiences that connect AI capabilities directly to associates' daily challenges
• Build role-specific use case libraries that demonstrate how AI enhances rather than replaces human expertise
• Pilot, iterate, and scale training programs based on learner feedback and business impact data
• Deliver high-impact training sessions that leave associates energized and confident

Functional Adoption & Workflow Integration (30%)

• Lead functional group workshops tailored to specific team workflows, challenges, and success metrics (Sales, Operations, Product, Branches, etc.)
• Facilitate use case discovery sessions that translate AI capabilities into practical applications for each function's actual work
• Partner hands-on with functional teams to embed AI into existing processes, systems, and operating rhythms - not as theoretical add-ons but as natural workflow enhancements
• Serve as coach and on-the-ground advisor during early adoption phases, troubleshooting barriers and building confidence through direct support
• Develop function-specific playbooks, templates, and enablement materials based on actual implementation experience and observed patterns
• Build deep relationships with functional leaders and frontline teams that provide ongoing insight into adoption health and emerging needs
• Collaborate with AI Platform Engineer(s) to ensure functional requirements and workflow realities inform platform configuration and agent development

Change Management & Adoption Strategy

• Develop and execute change management strategy grounded in emotion-based approaches appropriate for Ferguson's relationship-driven culture
• Identify, recruit, and enable AI champions across functions and geographies - particularly respected veterans whose endorsement influences broader adoption
• Design interventions that address specific adoption barriers (fear, skepticism, inertia, technical confidence) at individual and organizational levels
• Create feedback mechanisms that surface resistance early, allowing for proactive intervention before attitudes harden
• Partner with functional leaders to embed AI adoption into existing team rhythms, performance conversations, and recognition programs
• Work with AI COE Manager to ensure adoption insights inform governance decisions and resource allocation

Success Story Development & Internal Marketing

• Build systematic approach to identifying, documenting, and amplifying early wins and success stories from functional implementations
• Develop compelling narratives that illustrate AI's value in language that resonates with Ferguson's culture (customer impact, associate empowerment, revenue growth)
• Create multi-format success story library (videos, written cases, metrics dashboards, associate testimonials) for different audiences
• Partner with Communications on internal communication strategies that build momentum and maintains visibility for AI initiatives
• Design recognition programs that celebrate both AI champions and associates achieving measurable results with AI
• Turn skeptics-turned-believers into powerful advocates by helping them articulate their transformation journey

Experience & Background

• 7-10 years in organizational change management, learning & development, or transformation roles, with significant focus on technology adoption and hands-on functional implementation
• Demonstrated success driving behavioral change in large, distributed, relationship-driven organizations (distribution, field sales, manufacturing, healthcare)
• Experience designing and delivering enterprise-wide learning programs that measurably changed how people work
• Must have deep comfort with emerging technology concepts and ability to learn platforms quickly; direct experience with AI/ML technology adoption strongly preferred
• Track record of working with frontline/field populations, not just corporate headquarters or knowledge workers
• Experience in operational excellence, sales enablement, or business transformation roles where you embedded new capabilities into actual workflows (not just trained people on them)

Expertise & Methodologies

• Strong grounding in change management frameworks (Kotter, ADKAR, Bridges) with ability to adapt rather than apply dogmatically
• Expertise in adult learning principles, instructional design, and experiential learning approaches
• Understanding of AI/ML technologies and enterprise AI platforms sufficient to: translate capabilities into practical applications, demo basic functionality, troubleshoot common user issues, and know when to escalate to technical resources
• Skilled in facilitation techniques for use case discovery, design thinking workshops, and process improvement sessions
• Comfortable with workflow analysis and process mapping. Can quickly grasp how functional teams actually work and spot integration opportunities.

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Exceptional emotional intelligence and ability to read individual and group dynamics in real-time
• Comfortable spanning from strategy conversations to hands-on coaching in a branch office or warehouse
• Compelling facilitator and storyteller who makes complex concepts accessible and engaging across education and experience levels
• Ability to build trust quickly with diverse team members, particularly those skeptical of change initiatives or corporate programs
• Cultural sensitivity and humility; understands that respect in Ferguson's culture is earned through demonstrated competence and care, not conferred by title
• Active listener who asks good questions and makes people feel heard even when delivering difficult messages

At Ferguson, we care for each other. We value our well-being just as much as our hard work. We are committed to a holistic approach towards benefits plans and programs that support the mental, physical and financial well-being of our associates. Our competitive offering not only includes benefits like health, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance and a 401(k) with a company match, but our associates also enjoy additional meaningful and inclusive enhancements that are adaptable to their diverse situations and needs, including mental health coverage, gender affirming and family building benefits, paid parental leave, associate discounts, community involvement opportunities and more!

#LI-REMOTE

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Pay Range:

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Actual pay rate may vary depending upon location. The estimated pay range for this position is below. The specific rate will depend on a candidate’s qualifications and prior experience.

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Estimated Ranges displayed are Monthly for Salaried roles OR Hourly for all other roles.

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This role is Bonus or Incentive Plan eligible.

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Ferguson complies with all wage regulations. The starting wage may be higher in certain locations based on local or state wage requirements.

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The Company is an equal opportunity employer as well as a government contractor that shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), which prohibits discrimination against qualified protected Veterans and the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(A), which prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability.

Ferguson Enterprises, LLC. is an equal employment employer F/M/Disability/Vet/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation Information