Okay, I've searched for Applied Innovation Manager roles in Troy, MI within the automotive industry, requiring a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field, 5+ years of experience, full-time positions, and expertise in AI and digital transformation. I have found 42 positions for you.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Applied Innovation Manager role is fundamentally about leading the integration and application of emerging technologies—especially AI and machine learning—into complex, dealership-facing digital systems within a major automotive OEM's digital transformation. This position requires a strategic yet hands-on leader who can identify promising technologies, translate them into real-world solutions that simplify workflows and enhance user experience, and drive their adoption at scale. The role demands deep collaboration across product teams, UX designers, system integrators, and business stakeholders, reflecting an environment where cross-functional coordination is critical for success. Candidates must possess a blend of technical savvy (e.g., familiarity with AI platforms and automotive retail systems), analytical thinking, and exceptional communication skills to navigate ambiguity and align diverse groups around innovation initiatives. Key challenges will include managing vendor relationships, balancing rapid experimentation with scalable implementations, and addressing ethical considerations in AI. Success in this role looks like accelerating digital adoption, reducing complexity for dealership users, and delivering measurable business value from innovative technology pilots integrated into the broader automotive retail platform.

Company Analysis:

Entrega positions itself as a nimble yet expert technology partner specializing in complex web applications and strategic guidance around emerging technologies. Their emphasis on minimal ramp-up time and swift responsiveness suggests a fast-paced, results-driven culture that prizes dependability and deep technical insight. While not a traditional OEM, Entrega likely operates in close partnership or as a vendor to large enterprises, in this case serving automotive clients undergoing digital transformation. This relationship places the Applied Innovation Manager at a crossroads between technical delivery and strategic innovation, requiring both adaptability and proactive stakeholder management. The company’s culture appears to value expertise, agility, and clear communication, suggesting that strong individual initiative and professionalism are critical for thriving here. Because of Entrega’s role as a technology facilitator rather than a direct product owner, the incumbent will need to be especially skilled at influencing without direct authority and driving alignment between various client and internal teams. Overall, the role aligns with Entrega’s mission to deliver future-facing solutions rapidly and effectively while maintaining a long-term innovation vision.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you introduced a new AI-driven technology into a complex system. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
• Behavioral: Describe an experience where you had to align multiple stakeholders with differing priorities around a technology innovation. How did you manage communication and consensus?
• Behavioral: Can you share an example of when you had to manage vendor relationships during a pilot or proof of concept for an advanced technology? What approach did you take?
• Behavioral: Give an example of a time you worked under tight deadlines to deliver a technically complex solution. How did you prioritize tasks and manage pressure?
• Technical: How would you approach evaluating and selecting AI or machine learning tools to enhance user workflows in dealership-facing systems?
• Technical: Walk me through your process for developing, testing, and validating an AI-driven feature such as a predictive interface or intelligent assistant.
• Technical: How do you ensure that AI implementations in customer-facing systems address ethical concerns such as bias mitigation and explainability?
• Technical: What experience do you have with automotive retail systems like DMS, CRM, or F&I, and how have you leveraged that knowledge in innovation projects?
• Situational: Imagine a key dealership user expresses frustration that a newly piloted AI feature is too complex and reduces their efficiency. How would you address their concerns and improve adoption?
• Situational: Suppose you discover that a potential AI vendor solution does not fully comply with the OEM’s data security and privacy standards late in the pilot phase. What actions would you take?
• Situational: You identify an emerging automation technology that could reduce costs but requires significant changes across multiple cross-functional teams. How do you drive consensus and execution?
• Company Fit/Motivation: What attracts you specifically to Entrega's mission and approach to technology partnership and innovation?
• Company Fit/Motivation: How do your personal values and working style align with a company culture that emphasizes rapid responsiveness and minimal ramp-up time?
• Company Fit/Motivation: Given Entrega's role supporting large-scale digital transformations, how do you see this role contributing to the company's strategic goals?
• Questions for Interviewer: How does Entrega currently measure success for innovation initiatives within automotive OEM projects?
• Questions for Interviewer: Can you describe the typical team structure and key collaborators for the Applied Innovation Manager role?
• Questions for Interviewer: What are some of the biggest challenges Entrega faces in integrating emerging AI technologies into legacy automotive systems?