Head of Data science and AI platforms & Engineering
Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering | London | Permanent | Hybrid
A market-leading organisation is hiring a Head of Data & AI Platforms & Engineering to lead a large-scale transformation of its data landscape.
This is a senior, business-critical leadership role focused on designing and operating modern, enterprise-grade data platforms that power analytics, reporting, and AI across a complex global environment.
Why This Role?
You'll be stepping into a function that's receiving significant investment and executive backing, with a clear mandate to modernise, scale, and future-proof its data and AI capabilities.
It's a rare opportunity to influence both long-term strategy and real-time platform performance in a highly visible role.
The Role
You'll take ownership of end-to-end data platform capability, combining strategic leadership with hands-on oversight of delivery and operations.
This includes:
- Shaping and executing the data & AI platform vision and roadmap
- Defining architecture, standards, and engineering best practice
- Leading complex platform modernisation and transformation initiatives
- Ensuring robust day-to-day platform operations across critical systems
- Driving improvements in performance, scalability, resilience, and security
- Embedding best-in-class data governance, lineage, quality, and observability
- Overseeing service management (SLAs, incident response, monitoring)
- Building and leading high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams
- Managing third-party technology partners and delivery vendors
- Acting as a key partner to senior stakeholders across Technology and the Business
About You
- Experienced leader in data platform / engineering environments at enterprise scale
- Strong background in cloud-based data ecosystems and modern architectures
- Proven success delivering large transformation programmes alongside BAU ownership
- Deep understanding of risk, governance, and regulatory considerations in data
- Comfortable leading large, distributed teams and external suppliers
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders
- Pragmatic mindset - able to balance innovation, cost, and operational stability
The Environment
- Complex, global technology landscape
- Mix of legacy modernisation and greenfield platform build
- Strong focus on enabling AI and advanced analytics at scale
- Hybrid operating model (internal teams + strategic partners)
FAQs
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