Senior Director – Data & AI, Tech Operations

Senior Director – Data & AI, Tech Operations

Location: Remote (Europe / Ireland / US)

Type: Full-time

We’re partnering with a global, innovation-driven organisation seeking a Senior Director to lead Data & AI strategy across Tech Operations. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on scaling enterprise AI and advanced analytics capabilities within a highly regulated environment.

You’ll sit at the intersection of strategy, operations, and technology — driving AI adoption, shaping transformation initiatives, and ensuring data-driven decision making across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and technical operations.

The Opportunity

This role will own and scale a TechOps-focused Data & AI Centre of Excellence, acting as the key business-facing leader responsible for:

• Defining and executing the TechOps Data & AI strategy and roadmap
• Prioritising high-value AI and analytics initiatives
• Driving adoption, capability uplift, and measurable business outcomes
• Governing responsible AI implementation in a regulated environment
• Partnering with enterprise technology and engineering teams to operationalise solutions at scale

This is an opportunity to build and shape AI capabilities at enterprise level while influencing senior stakeholders globally.

Key Responsibilities

Data & AI Strategy

• Lead the TechOps Data & AI vision and multi-year roadmap
• Shape and prioritise AI/analytics use cases across operations
• Own end-to-end delivery outcomes from experimentation through adoption
• Align initiatives with broader digital transformation objectives

Operating Model & Governance

• Lead a federated Data & AI operating model within Tech Operations
• Collaborate closely with enterprise engineering, platform, and security teams
• Ensure AI initiatives comply with governance, privacy, validation, and regulatory standards
• Champion responsible, ethical, and explainable AI practices

Innovation & Delivery

• Sponsor experimentation, pilots, and proof-of-concepts
• Drive successful transition of validated initiatives into production
• Ensure AI solutions integrate into operational workflows and decision-making processes

Adoption & Capability Building

• Develop AI literacy and capability programmes across TechOps
• Lead change management and adoption initiatives
• Measure business impact, usage, and realised value

Leadership

• Build and lead a high-performing Data & AI function
• Influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional leadership teams globally
• Translate complex AI and analytics concepts into business value

What We’re Looking For

Required Experience

• Proven leadership experience delivering enterprise-scale Data, Analytics, or AI strategies
• Strong understanding of AI/ML and advanced analytics in operational or industrial environments
• Experience operating within federated or hub-and-spoke organisational models
• Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills
• Strategic mindset combined with strong operational execution

Preferred Background

• Experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, manufacturing, or other regulated industries
• Familiarity with MLOps, AI product operating models, and advanced analytics platforms
• Advanced degree in Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, or similar
• Track record of driving AI adoption and organisational capability building

Why Apply?

• Enterprise-wide influence and visibility
• Opportunity to shape AI transformation at scale
• Remote flexibility with international collaboration
• Strategic leadership role with significant growth potential

If you’d like to learn more, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.