Job Description

The Data & AI Manager will lead enterprise-wide data & AI transformation programs, driving strategic alignment between business goals and data capabilities. This role is accountable for overseeing the design, execution, and governance of holistic data & AI strategies, ensuring measurable business impact through advanced analytics, AI integration, and enterprise data management. The Data & AI Manager will mentor teams, influence executive stakeholders, and ensure the organization remains at the forefront of data innovation.

The Data & AI Manager will be responsible for setting the strategic direction for data & AI across the enterprise, shaping long-term data roadmaps, and operationalizing data-driven business models. The role requires deep expertise in data governance, architecture, AI enablement, and business value realization. Working directly with C-suite executives, business leaders, and technology teams, the Data & AI Manager will drive complex, multi-disciplinary initiatives that unlock the full potential of data as a strategic asset. The Data & AI Manager will also serve as a trusted

Key Responsibilities

Define, lead, and execute enterprise data & AI strategies aligned to business priorities, regulatory obligations, and industry-leading practices. Shape and oversee data governance models, ensuring organization-wide data quality, stewardship, and compliance (GDPR, POPIA). Lead the development of AI/ML strategic roadmaps and drive adoption across business units, ensuring operationalization of intelligent capabilities. Direct organizational data & AI maturity assessments and transformation programs, identifying strategic gaps and delivering actionable improvement plans. Act as an advisor to leadership on data monetization, cost efficiencies, and competitive differentiation through data & AI. Drive the development of enterprise data architecture strategies in collaboration with technology teams to enable scalable and secure data platforms. Facilitate high-level stakeholder engagements, steering committees, and executive workshops to align data initiatives with corporate strategy. Oversee KPI frameworks and business impact measurement to track value realization of data and analytics investments. Monitor global trends in data, AI, and digital transformation to guide strategic planning and innovation pipelines. Lead and mentor data & AI strategists and consultants, fostering best practices in delivery and thought leadership.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Data Science, Computer Science, or a related field. 6+ years of experience in enterprise data strategy, AI & analytics transformation. Proven experience leading large-scale data & AI programs within financial services, insurance etc. Demonstrated success in developing and executing data and AI/ML-driven strategies and embedding them into core business processes. Knowledge of data governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and data ethics. Experience architecting cloud-based data and AI solutions (Azure, GCP, AWS) and modern data ecosystems. Strong track record of advising senior executives and boards on data strategy and innovation. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills, with experience guiding cross-functional teams.

Key Skills

Technical & Strategic Expertise

Enterprise Data Strategy & Governance - Vision setting, maturity modeling, policy creation, regulatory alignment. AI & Advanced Analytics Leadership - Defining data & AI operating models, scaling machine learning adoption, measuring business impact. Cloud & Data Architecture Oversight - Strategic alignment of data infrastructure with business growth and scalability needs. Data Monetization & Value Realization - Business case development, KPI design, performance tracking, and strategic outcomes. Leadership & Advisory Skills Executive Influence & Stakeholder Leadership - Building trust with senior leadership and communicating data-driven business opportunities. Program Leadership & Change Management - Driving cross-enterprise data & AI transformation programs with measurable outcomes. Thought Leadership & Innovation - Representing the organization in external forums, contributing to industry discourse on data & AI strategy trends. * Team Development & Capability Building - Coaching and developing high-performing teams in data & AI strategy and analytics delivery.