Director, AI Solutions Strategy & Planning

Why this role is on the menu

Instacart is building a new, distinctive pillar of the Instacart Platform — an emerging portfolio of AI-driven retailer solutions — and the go-to-market infrastructure to scale it is being built right now. The opportunity is real, but translating it into scalable commercialization frameworks, pricing strategies, and GTM plans requires specialized expertise and a dedicated strategy and planning leader. We're hiring a Director of AI Solutions Strategy & Planning to lead that work end-to-end. This role sits at the intersection of enterprise strategy and frontier AI, working cross-functionally with Product, Sales, Marketing, Legal, and Customer Success to shape how Instacart becomes the preferred technology partner for grocery retailers.

What you'll cook up in your first year

• A comprehensive GTM strategy for Instacart's AI-driven solutions is defined and in motion — spanning consumer experiences, ecommerce analytics, and enhanced retailer workflows — with clear positioning, pricing frameworks, and retailer onboarding playbooks in place.
• Cross-functional alignment across Product, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Legal is established, with governance forums running smoothly and transparent decision-making processes embedded across GTM and product teams.
• Pilot programs and experimentation frameworks are launched and producing real impact — validating AI-powered products with real retailer feedback and iterating based on measurable performance metrics.
• Sales teams are enabled and equipped with AI-specific strategies, enablement materials, and training programs that accelerate adoption and pipeline velocity.
• Market intelligence and competitive analysis are regularly informing product and commercialization decisions, keeping Instacart's AI solutions competitive, scalable, and aligned with evolving retailer needs.

The secret ingredients we're looking for

Must-have pantry staples (Minimum Qualifications)

• 8+ years of experience in strategy, product commercialization, or GTM planning, with a proven track record of defining and executing strategies for emerging offerings and driving measurable market impact.
• Experience developing GTM strategies for AI-powered products, retailer solutions, or enterprise technology platforms.
• Deep understanding of AI technologies, with the ability to translate technical concepts into business value for diverse audiences.
• Expertise in product positioning, pricing frameworks, and solution packaging.
• Strong analytical capabilities, including experience with modeling, forecasting, and evaluating solution performance.
• Exceptional cross-functional leadership skills with a track record of influencing stakeholders across Product, Sales, Marketing, Legal, and Finance.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for simplifying complex concepts and presenting to internal and external audiences.
• Strong quantitative skills to help inform opportunity sizing, impact assessment, pricing strategy, and financial outlook in partnership with cross-functional peers.
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in ambiguous and rapidly changing environments, with a focus on iterative learning and innovation.

Optional garnishes (Preferred Qualifications)

• Familiarity with conversational AI, ecommerce analytics, or retail technology applications.
• Advanced knowledge of AI product monetization models, including subscription, usage-based, and value-based models.
• MBA or advanced degree in business, technology, or a related field.