Data & AI Manager

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.

Job Description

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.