Director of Data and AI

This role will play a pivotal part in executing the Technology strategy alongside the rest of the technology leadership team. Key responsibilities include creation and execution of data & AI strategies, the integration of recent acquisitions, and the long-term development of our technology capabilities. Impact will be measured on business outcomes including adoption of data products across the business, customer satisfaction, cost optimisation and operational efficiency.·       Job Title –  Director of Data and AI·       Location – BL9 8RR·       Working rota – Monday-Friday·       Working hours – 40What You'll Be Doing:As a Director of Data, you'll be doing the following: Develop and Implement Data Strategy: Formulate and implement a Group-led data strategy that supports business goals, enables governance & reporting, and provides a blueprint to regional technology teamsMigration, Standardization, and Integration: Oversee the migration to a unified cloud data provider and BI tool. Develop standardized processes for franchise operations and ensure seamless integration of acquired entitiesBuild unified Tech-Data team: (currently decentralised across departments). This includes target operating model recommendation, execution plan to target state and continuous development of the data and AI talent within that teamBusiness partner: Work closely with commercial data leads in the business to understand interal customer requirements and unlock Tech data strategyFoster Business-Led Way of Working: Drive a business-led mindset in data product development, ensuring solutions are aligned with business needs and contribute to strategic objectivesData & AI Innovation and Transformation: Lead data and AI transformation initiatives, driving innovation through the adoption and integration of AI. Enhance data literacy and data-driven decision making across the businessTeam Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing data and AI team. Foster a culture of continuous learning and development, and ensure the team has the necessary skills and capabilities to execute the strategyData Governance: Establish and maintain robust data governance frameworks to ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with regulatory standardsBudget Management: Develop and manage the annual budget for the data and AI function. Allocate resources effectively to support strategic initiatives and operational excellenceWhat We're Looking For:15+ years of business experience, ideally in business management, legal, financial, or information or IT management — recently at or near the Director level. Broad business experience internally and within the vertical industry is desired.5+ years of progressive leadership experience in leading cross-functional teams, multidisciplinary environments, and enterprise-wide data analytics and AI programs operating and influencing effectively across the organization and within complex contextsExperience in integrating complex cross-corporate processes and information strategies and/or designing strategic metrics and scorecards. Strategy and management consulting experience is desirable.