Director, Gen AI Technical Product Manager (R&D)

Director, Technical Product Manager – Generative AI (R&D)

The Director, Technical Product Manager – Generative AI (R&D) is a forward-thinking leader responsible for driving rapid prototyping and experimentation to accelerate Marriott's AI innovation pipeline. This role focuses on transforming emerging ideas into tangible proofs of concept that validate business value and technical feasibility. By leveraging cutting-edge generative AI technologies, the Director ensures prototypes evolve into scalable solutions that enhance operational efficiency, elevate guest experiences, and create competitive advantage. This position requires a unique blend of technical depth, product vision, and creative problem-solving. The Director partners closely with data scientists, engineers, and designers to ideate, build, and iterate prototypes in an agile environment. Acting as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, this leader communicates complex concepts clearly, champions responsible AI practices, and fosters a culture of experimentation and continuous learning.

Key Responsibilities

• Prototype Development & Innovation
  • Lead the design and delivery of AI prototypes that explore new use cases and validate strategic opportunities.
  • Apply rapid experimentation and iterative development methodologies to accelerate time-to-value.
• Technical Leadership
  • Collaborate with engineering and data science teams to ensure prototypes are technically sound and aligned with enterprise architecture.
  • Evaluate emerging technologies and frameworks to inform prototype design and scalability.
• Strategic Alignment
  • Partner with product leadership to prioritize R&D initiatives based on business impact and feasibility.
  • Translate prototype outcomes into actionable insights for enterprise adoption.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Engage stakeholders across business units to identify high-value problems and co-create innovative solutions.
  • Serve as a technical liaison, ensuring clarity and alignment between technical teams and business leaders.
• Responsible AI & Governance
  • Embed ethical AI principles and governance frameworks into all prototype development processes.
  • Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory standards.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in product management or technical leadership roles, with at least 3–5 years in AI/ML or generative AI.
• Proven track record of delivering prototypes or proofs of concept that informed enterprise-scale solutions.
• Strong technical acumen in AI/ML architectures, cloud platforms, and modern development practices.
• Expertise in agile methodologies and rapid experimentation frameworks.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field.
• Experience in R&D environments or innovation labs.
• Familiarity with hospitality or consumer services industries.