Director of Data Analytics and AI

ECA International; London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company seeks a Director of Data Analytics and AI to spearhead the evolution of data operations and AI initiatives. This strategic role focuses on building high-performing teams, driving transformation aligned with the new Expert Platform, and ensuring data governance. Ideal candidates will possess extensive experience in AI, data analytics, and leadership within a tech-driven environment, contributing to innovative solutions and enhanced operational efficiency.

Benefits

Enhanced Stakeholder Pension Contribution

25 days annual leave

Health, Life Insurance + EAP Wellbeing Support

Eligible for Annual Bonus Scheme

Enhanced Family Leave

Up to £1,000 per year for personal development & training

Flexible/hybrid Work Environment

Cycle to Work Scheme

Free Eye Test

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience in data, analytics, or AI.
• 5+ years in a senior leadership role.
• Expertise in managing automation and analytics functions.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformation of data operations aligned with the Expert Platform.
• Build and guide high-performing teams of AI engineers and data scientists.
• Oversee delivery of advanced analytics and dashboard outputs.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Team Building

Analytical Skills

Technical Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, AI, Business Analytics or related field

PhD in a relevant discipline (advantageous)

Tools

Python

R

SQL

AWS

Job description

About Us

As a leading group of companies, the ECA International Group stands as a global frontrunner in simplifying international mobility. Our collective vision is to make a positive impact by delivering exceptional products and services to our prestigious list of large enterprise clients.

Our global presence across the UK, EU, Hong Kong, Australia, and the US offers our team a world of opportunities, and our commitment to innovation ensures that you will be at the leading edge of your field.

We love to invest in our people's success and development pathways, creating a diverse and inclusive community where your unique talents shine. Your work here has a global impact, and we prioritise work-life balance, offering flexibility to enable you to perform your best. Join us to experience a rewarding career where your potential is celebrated, and your journey to excellence begins.

About The Role

We are seeking a results-driven Director of Data Analytics and AI to lead our Automation & AI and Analytical Research & Insight functions. You will drive the transformation of data operations to align with the capabilities of the new Expert Platform, ensuring that both functions seamlessly migrate to and serve its evolving needs and shape the future of how we collect, process, and leverage data, driving automation and intelligent analytics across the organisation.

Reporting to the Chief Product and Technical Officer (CPTO), you will work closely with the Director of Innovation and the Director of Product to ensure the adoption and productionisation of data automation and AI and advocate for innovative approaches to data collection, analytics, and research while maintaining a strong focus on governance, security, and ethical AI practices that benefit the organisation and its customers.

This is a strategic leadership role, pivotal in aligning data functions with our new Expert Platform and accelerating our use of AI to deliver real-world value to clients.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

Define and drive the strategic vision for AI, data analytics, and automation.

Lead the transformation of data operations aligned with the Expert Platform.

Act as a thought leader in AI, analytics innovation, and data strategy.

Automation and AI

Build and lead a high-performing team of AI engineers and data scientists.

Develop scalable AI models, automation pipelines, and intelligent workflows.

Champion emerging AI tech (e.g., AI agents, generative models).

Ensure strong governance, ethical standards, and security in all AI initiatives.

Analytical Research and Insight

Oversee delivery of advanced analytics, dashboards, and research outputs.

Generate actionable client and business insights via the Expert Platform.

Identify emerging trends and explore new, valuable data domains.

Innovation and Integration

Collaborate with Product and Innovation leaders to integrate AI into products.

Promote adoption of automation and advanced analytics across the organisation.

Governance and Security

Implement governance frameworks for data quality, compliance, and ethical AI.

Apply best practices in AI transparency, security, and data privacy.

Team Leadership

• Inspire and mentor a multidisciplinary team of analysts, scientists, and engineers.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Drive upskilling and capability-building aligned with future tech trends.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as a strategic liaison across departments, translating complex AI concepts.
• Engage internal and external stakeholders to advance data and AI strategy
  
  

The Ideal Candidate:

Education

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, Computer Science, or a related field
• A PhD in a relevant discipline is advantageous
  
  
  

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in data, analytics, or AI, with 5+ years in a senior leadership role
• Proven success in managing automation, analytics, and research functions, particularly in transitioning to new platforms
• Expertise in cloud-based solutions (e.g., AWS) and data migration projects
  
  
  

Technical Expertise

• Advanced knowledge of AI/ML technologies, automation tools, and analytics platforms
• Strong understanding of data integration, pipelines, and cloud-based workflows
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, R, SQL) and data visualisation tools
  
  
  

Leadership Skills

• Exceptional leadership, project management, and team-building capabilities
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to problem-solving
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Proven track record of managing a departmental P&L
  
  
  

Benefits

What's in it for you

• Enhanced Stakeholder Pension Contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Health, Life Insurance + EAP Wellbeing Support
• Eligible for Annual Bonus Scheme
• Long Service Awards
• ️️ ClassPass Membership
• Enhanced Family Leave
• Up to £1,000 per year for personal development & training
• Season Ticket Loan
• Flexible/hybrid Work Environment
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Free Eye Test
  
  
  

Our Team and Culture

We are a super friendly team that thrives on collaboration and supporting each other. We cultivate an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best work, helping us to realise our ambitious growth goals and mission.

Our hybrid working structure includes spending around two days a week at our Head Office in Holborn, London, in a great space filled with creative, colourful.

Need a change of scenery? Our breakout areas have comfortable seating and cool décor where you can work in your own space. Not to mention, being in the hub of the West End, we're surrounded by many cafes and restaurants and are just a hop, skip, and a jump from the tube.