We want to appoint someone to lead our AI operations and workflow automation, but we are debating whether this seat belongs under our Technology department or our Operations department. How do we decide where this seat lives on our Accountability Chart?

Question

Tyler Smith · Accepted Answer

Deciding where to place new, transformative seats like AI operations is a common challenge for scaling businesses. To resolve this debate, you must look at the primary purpose of the seat on your Accountability Chart.

Ask yourself: is the core responsibility of this seat to maintain infrastructure, or is it to improve the efficiency of delivery and client experience?

Typically, if the role is focused on writing code, integrating software systems, and data security, it belongs under your technology seat. However, if the primary role is to automate workflows, streamline core processes, and eliminate operational bottlenecks, it belongs under your operations seat.

To find the right fit, use the IDS® tool with your leadership team. Review your documented core processes and identify where the friction lies. If your operations department is the primary user of these AI tools, putting the AI seat under operations ensures that technology serves your business processes, rather than the other way around.

Whichever path you choose, ensure there is only one name in the seat and that their five core roles are clearly defined. This clarity prevents turf wars, ensures your technology investments actually close your value gaps, and shows buyers that your team has a clear, structured approach to running a modern, AI-powered business.