Role Title: AI & Automation Specialist (Logistics Inventory Systems)
Company Overview: We are Ananke Studios, a forward-thinking company dedicated to empowering mid-sized freight forwarders ($10M-$50M Revenue) with advanced AI and automation solutions. We are seeking an innovative AI & Automation Specialist to design and implement a cutting-edge inventory and logistics management system that will revolutionize our clients' operations.
Role Essential Qualifications / Skills (Must Haves):
Advanced Automation Platform Experience: Proven experience in designing, developing, and implementing complex workflow automations using n8n or similar robust integration platforms.
Database & API Integration Expertise: Strong working knowledge of database management, API integrations, and data synchronization across multiple systems (e.g., inventory, CRM, accounting, external AI services).
AI Integration Experience: Ability to integrate and troubleshoot AI components, particularly computer vision APIs for image analysis (e.g., detecting container types, condition from photos).
System Architecture & Design: Experience in designing end-to-end technical solutions, including data flow, system architecture, and user interface logic for complex operational systems.
Problem-Solving & Logic Development: Exceptional problem-solving skills with a proven ability to translate intricate business requirements (e.g., specific inventory deduction logic, release number validation) into functional technical solutions.
Technical Documentation: Fluent written and spoken English; able to create clear, detailed technical documentation and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for system usage and maintenance.
Communication Skills: Clear, patient communicator comfortable explaining complex technical steps and system functionalities to non-technical users.
Role Preferred Qualifications / Skills (Nice-to-Haves):
Logistics/Supply Chain Domain Knowledge: Prior experience or strong understanding of the freight forwarding, logistics, or shipping container industry.
Mobile App Integration: Familiarity with integrating backend systems with mobile applications, particularly for driver-facing tools.
Cloud Platform Experience: Experience with cloud services (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) for deploying and managing AI models or automation platforms.
Data Visualization/BI Tools: Comfort with data visualization or business intelligence tools (e.g., Google Data Studio/Looker Studio) for creating performance dashboards.
Agile Development: Experience working in an Agile development environment.
KPIs / Success Measures:
Fully functional, end-to-end automated inventory and dispatch system deployed within 60 days.
Zero double-bookings or incorrect container pickups due to system errors within the first 90 days of operation.
AI-powered photo verification system accurately flags 95%+ of container mismatches before delivery.
Reduction of manual inventory tracking and dispatch coordination by 80% within the first 3 months.
Comprehensive technical documentation and user SOPs for all system components completed.
Main Responsibilities:
System Design & Development: Lead the design, development, and implementation of a comprehensive, AI-powered inventory and dispatch system.
Workflow Automation: Build and optimize end-to-end workflows for inventory control, load booking, driver assignment, and rate confirmations using n8n.
AI Integration: Implement and integrate computer vision AI for real-time analysis of container photos (door type, container type, condition, ISO codes).
Validation Logic: Develop and implement robust validation rules for release numbers, container types, and other critical data points to prevent errors.
Error Handling & Alerting: Design and configure automated error detection, flagging, and notification systems for operational discrepancies.
System Integration: Ensure seamless integration between the core inventory system, dispatch, and potential connections to accounting and CRM platforms.
Testing & Optimization: Conduct thorough testing of all system components and workflows, continuously optimizing for performance and reliability.
Documentation & Training: Create detailed technical documentation, user manuals, and SOPs for the new system, potentially providing guided training.
Technical Support: Serve as the primary technical expert for the inventory system, troubleshooting issues and implementing enhancements.
Compensation Range: $3,000 – $6,000+/month (contract, part-time, flexible hours) Option to scale to ongoing retainer for maintenance and new feature development.
Contract Type: Temporary (90-day engagement) with option to extend based on project scope and ongoing needs.
Location: Remote – North America (preferred) — must overlap with U.S. Eastern Time.
Timezone: EST (preferred) • CST • MST • PST
Trial Period: Successful candidates will be invited to a paid, 3- to 7-day trial period designed to assess practical skills and working style. This trial will involve a specific, project-relevant task with clearly defined KPIs, required software, and expected outcomes. A fixed compensation will be provided upon successful completion of the trial, leading to potential offer for the full 90-day contract.