Director of Data & AI

Director of Data & AI

£120,000

Northwest

This is a pivotal leadership position within a data-rich, technology-enabled organisation currently undergoing significant transformation and investment in AI. The Director of Data & AI will shape the strategic direction for how data, intelligence, and automation drive commercial performance.

The ideal candidate will bring a blend of deep technical expertise across data science, machine learning, and modern data architecture, paired with strong commercial acumen and an ability to translate capability into meaningful outcomes. This role requires someone who has built high-performing data functions, understands the operational foundations required for success, and is energised by creating world-class data capabilities from the ground up.

As Director of Data & AI, you will have:

• Proven hands-on technical foundation in data science, machine learning, AI/ML, or adjacent fields, with the depth to make credible architectural decisions.
• Demonstrated experience leading and modernising a data function through significant change.
• Strong understanding of modern data infrastructure, including data pipelines, cloud platforms, and MLOps.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into commercial language for senior stakeholders and boards.
• Strategic thinker with a track record of developing and executing a data strategy aligned to broader business goals.
• Experience defining and driving the adoption of self-serve data products and increasing data literacy across the organisation.
• Ability to identify new opportunities where data and AI can create measurable business value.

Desirable Experience, Knowledge & Skills

• Experience operating in a private-equity-backed or exit-focused environment.
• Familiarity with consumer-facing digital platforms or multi-brand environments.
• Working knowledge of LLMs, agentic workflows, and conversational AI technologies.
• Exposure to emerging data platforms and cloud tooling (e.g., Microsoft Fabric, Azure, AWS).

Key role duties:

• AI-Native Data Strategy
• Define and own the vision, roadmap, and architectural direction for an automated, intelligence-led data ecosystem.
• Establish and enforce data quality and governance standards that support, rather than constrain, innovation and commercial agility.
• Lead the evolution of core data infrastructure, ensuring the right tooling and platforms are in place to scale effectively.
• Monitor and evaluate emerging AI capabilities, particularly agentic AI and LLM-based technologies, and guide how the organisation adopts them.
• Team Leadership & Capability
• Lead the Data & Analytics function with clarity and technical authority, creating an environment where teams can excel.
• Assess current capabilities and design an operating model aligned to an AI-first future.
• Mentor and guide data scientists, engineers, analysts, and emerging talent; build structured development pathways and best-practice ways of working.
• Commercial Impact & Stakeholder Partnership
• Ensure all data and AI initiatives directly support revenue growth, customer experience, and long-term retention.
• Engage early in project scoping so technical insight shapes business decisions from the outset.
• Partner closely with Product, Technology, and Commercial leadership teams to drive the organisation's AI transformation agenda.

Role-Specific Responsibilities

• Act as a senior leader and champion of innovation, contributing to transformative technology initiatives across the organisation.
• Play a key role in the Senior Leadership Team, shaping both the commercial and operational direction of the business.
• Provide thought leadership in how AI and data can unlock new opportunities and efficiencies.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates