Manager / Senior Manager – Data & AI Strategy and Transformation
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Data & AI Strategy Manager to drive enterprise-wide data and artificial intelligence initiatives for a large-scale digital transformation program. This role requires a unique blend of strategy consulting, AI transformation expertise, data governance leadership, and modern data platform knowledge.
The successful candidate will work closely with C-level executives across Technology, Finance, and Business units to define and operationalize the organization's Data & AI strategy, build governance structures, enable advanced analytics capabilities, and drive measurable business value.
This is a high-impact leadership role requiring strong executive communication skills, deep understanding of enterprise data ecosystems, and the ability to translate strategic vision into operational programs.
Key Responsibilities
1. Enterprise Data & AI Strategy
- Define and evolve the enterprise Data & AI strategy, aligned with business priorities and digital transformation objectives.
- Develop multi-year AI and data roadmaps, identifying key use cases and value opportunities.
- Advise C-suite leaders on AI adoption, data monetization, and digital innovation strategies.
- Translate strategy into implementation programs, governance frameworks, and capability development plans.
2. AI Governance & Operationalization
- Design and implement AI governance frameworks including policies, standards, risk management, and responsible AI practices.
- Define operating models for AI lifecycle management, including model development, deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
- Enable enterprise readiness for Agentic AI and emerging autonomous AI systems, ensuring alignment with security, compliance, and operational controls.
- Work with technology teams to embed AI capabilities into business processes and enterprise systems.
3. Data Governance & Data Management
- Lead the design and implementation of enterprise data governance frameworks.
- Define data operating models, including roles such as data owners, stewards, and governance councils.
- Develop and enforce data policies, standards, and quality frameworks.
- Drive enterprise adoption of Master Data Management (MDM) solutions, including experience with SAP Master Data Governance (SAP MDG).
- Ensure alignment between business processes, enterprise systems, and data standards.
4. Data & Analytics Enablement
- Drive adoption of enterprise analytics platforms to enable data-driven decision making.
- Lead development of Business Intelligence and advanced analytics capabilities.
- Guide teams in building scalable reporting and insights solutions using Power BI.
- Work with business stakeholders to define analytics use cases, KPIs, and performance dashboards.
5. Modern Data Platform & Engineering Collaboration
- Provide strategic oversight for modern data platform architectures, particularly within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.
- Collaborate with engineering teams on:
- Data ingestion pipelines
- Data lake / lakehouse architectures
- Enterprise semantic models
- Scalable analytics platforms
- Support adoption of modern platforms such as Microsoft Fabric.
- Ensure alignment between data architecture, governance, and analytics requirements.
6. Executive Communication & Strategy Advisory
- Create and deliver high-impact C-level presentations to communicate strategy, transformation plans, and progress updates.
- Develop board-level materials on Data & AI transformation initiatives.
- Facilitate executive workshops and strategic decision-making sessions.
7. Program Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Lead large-scale enterprise transformation programs spanning Data, AI, and Digital capabilities.
- Manage senior stakeholders across CIO, CFO, Data & Analytics leadership, and business units.
- Coordinate cross-functional teams including data engineers, data scientists, architects, and governance teams.
- Track program progress, manage risks, and ensure delivery of strategic outcomes.
Required Skills & Experience
Strategy & Consulting
- Strong background in strategy consulting or enterprise transformation programs.
- Proven ability to structure complex problems and communicate solutions clearly to executive audiences.
- Advanced skills in creating C-level presentations and strategic storytelling.
Artificial Intelligence
- Experience developing enterprise AI strategies and roadmaps.
- Understanding of AI governance, responsible AI, and model lifecycle management.
- Knowledge of Agentic AI concepts and emerging autonomous AI architectures.
Data Governance & Data Management
- Deep expertise in enterprise data governance frameworks.
- Experience designing data operating models, policies, and stewardship frameworks.
- Hands-on experience with Master Data Management (MDM) programs.
- Experience with SAP Master Data Governance (SAP MDG) is highly desirable.
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
- Strong experience in enterprise analytics and business intelligence programs.
- Proficiency in Power BI including:
- Dashboard design
- Data modeling
- Enterprise reporting architecture
Data Engineering & Modern Data Platforms
- Working knowledge of modern data architectures and data engineering pipelines.
- Experience with the Microsoft Azure data stack, including services such as:
- Azure Data Factory
- Azure Data Lake
- Synapse / Fabric
- Understanding of Microsoft Fabric and lakehouse architectures.
Program & Stakeholder Management
- Proven track record managing large enterprise programs and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Strong experience working with senior stakeholders (CIO, CFO, CDO, business leadership).
- Ability to operate effectively in complex organizational environments.
Agile Delivery & Scrum Leadership
- Experience working in Agile delivery environments and supporting large transformation programs using Scrum or hybrid Agile methodologies.
- Ability to perform Scrum Master responsibilities, including facilitating sprint planning, stand-ups, retrospectives, and backlog prioritization in collaboration with product owners and delivery teams.
- Ensure alignment between strategic objectives and Agile execution, enabling cross-functional teams across data engineering, analytics, and AI to deliver incremental value.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the Manufacturing industry or industrial sectors.
- Experience leading enterprise data transformation programs.
- Familiarity with ERP ecosystems such as SAP.
- Exposure to AI platforms, machine learning operations (MLOps), and automation technologies.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong business acumen
- Excellent executive communication and storytelling skills
- Ability to bridge strategy and execution
- Collaborative leader capable of working across business and technology domains
- Strong problem-solving and analytical mindset
