Head of Data and AI

Project overview

Head of Data and AI

About the role

We are looking for an experienced Head of Data and AI to develop and implement an organization-wide strategy for data, analytics, artificial intelligence, integrations, and automation.

This is a strategic leadership role in which you are responsible for further developing the organization's digital capabilities and ensuring that data, insights, and technology deliver demonstrable business value. You are responsible for the enterprise data platform, the analytics capabilities, the integration landscape, AI capabilities, and the low-code ecosystem. In addition, you will contribute to broader digital transformation initiatives.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of technical specialists and business professionals. You will work closely with senior management, process owners, and international stakeholders to drive innovation, improve operational performance, and realize scalable, secure, and reliable digital solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

Data, AI, and Platform Governance

Data & Analytics

AI, Automation & Integrations

Operational & Financial Management

Project & Transformation Management

Leadership & Team Development

• Develop, shape, and execute the group-wide strategy for Data, AI, Integrations, and Automation.
• Translate organizational objectives into departmental goals, policies, roadmaps, and governance frameworks.
• Lead the development and implementation of long-term capabilities in data and AI.
• Contribute to broader digital transformation strategies and initiatives.
• Establish and maintain organization-wide governance frameworks for data, AI, integrations, and low-code platforms.
• Develop principles for Master Data Management (MDM), focusing on data ownership, quality, consistency, and standardization.
• Define principles for APIs and Model Context Protocol (MCP) to promote interoperability between systems.
• Promote responsible AI use and increase knowledge of data and AI within the organization.
• Ensure that platforms and processes comply with relevant policy guidelines, governance frameworks, and security requirements.
• Lead the development of enterprise data platforms and analytics solutions.
• Establish KPI frameworks and processes for performance management.
• Facilitate self-service reporting, analytics, and data-driven decision-making.
• Ensure reliable, consistent, and accessible information throughout the organization.
• Identify and implement scalable and reusable AI solutions that improve productivity and operational effectiveness.
• Drive automation and low-code initiatives to meet business needs.
• Oversee secure and reliable data exchange between business systems.
• Develop integration standards and ensure effective interoperability between applications and platforms.
• Be responsible for daily operations and execution within the Data, AI & Integrations domain.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets in collaboration with relevant stakeholders.
• Prioritize investments and monitor business benefits, performance, and return on investment.
• Provide management information, analyses, and recommendations to senior IT management.
• Continuously improve processes, governance, and working methods.
• Be responsible for the group-wide Data and AI roadmap and associated budget proposals.
• Lead and contribute to strategic projects in the areas of data, AI, integrations, and automation.
• Ensure successful implementation, evaluation, and adoption of solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to prioritize initiatives and achieve measurable business results.
• Lead, coach, and develop a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
• Create an open, safe, and collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and responsibility.
• Be responsible for recruitment, personnel development, performance reviews, and capacity planning.
• Build a high-performing team focused on delivering high-quality, service-oriented solutions.

Requirements

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate combines a strategic vision with strong operational leadership. You understand how data, AI, automation, and integrations can transform business performance and possess the leadership qualities to translate this vision into a practical, organization-wide strategy.

You are accustomed to influencing senior stakeholders, managing budgets, developing technical teams, and driving complex transformation initiatives. You know how to combine innovation with governance, security, scalability, and business value. You promote a collaborative, service-oriented culture where quality and responsibility are central.

What does this role offer?

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.

Kiara Cumming

• A completed bachelor's degree or higher in IT, Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a comparable field.
• 6 to 8 years of relevant management experience.
• Demonstrable experience in data, analytics, integrations, automation, and AI.
• Proven experience in leading multidisciplinary teams of technical specialists and business professionals.
• Experience in developing and implementing organization-wide strategies, roadmaps, and governance frameworks.
• Thorough knowledge of enterprise data platforms, analytics, data governance, and Master Data Management.
• Experience with AI adoption, automation, low-code platforms, and system integrations.
• Knowledge of APIs and modern interoperability methods; familiarity with MCP is a plus.
• Experience in realizing large-scale digital transformations.
• Experience collaborating with senior stakeholders within an international organization.
• Strong strategic, analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to translate business needs into practical technological solutions and measurable results.
• Good command of the Dutch language.
• The opportunity to develop and lead a group-wide strategy for Data, AI, Integrations, and Automation.
• A decisive role in the digital transformation and the further development of the organization's technological capabilities.
• The responsibility for leading and developing a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
• The opportunity to promote organization-wide governance, innovation, and data-driven decision-making.
• Intensive collaboration with senior management and international stakeholders.
• The chance to achieve measurable improvements in productivity, performance, and operational effectiveness.

Project details

• Start: flexible
• Location: Eindhoven, Netherlands, NL
• Languages: Dutch