Head of Data

Vaerdi Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Opportunity to shape AI strategy

Influence over AI roadmap

Job summary

Vaerdi Recruitment Limited is seeking a Head of Data & AI to shape the company's AI strategy and lead a growing team on an exciting data journey. The role blends strategic oversight with hands-on development of AI solutions and collaboration with senior stakeholders to translate business challenges into technical outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in Data Science, AI and Machine Learning, plus experience building or growing a Data Science/AI function and a commercial

Qualifications

• Strong background in Data Science, AI and Machine Learning.
• Experience leading or developing a Data Science / AI function.
• Ability to combine strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the organisation's Data & AI strategy.
• Identify opportunities to introduce AI, Machine Learning and automation across the business.
• Take a hands-on approach to developing and implementing AI solutions.
• Lead, mentor and develop an existing small team, with the opportunity to grow the function.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to understand business challenges and translate them into technical solutions.
• Provide technical leadership across Data Science, AI and the wider data landscape.
• Help shape the data infrastructure and platforms needed to support future AI initiatives.
• Drive innovation and establish best practices across the function.

Skills

Data Science

AI

Machine Learning

Job description

Permanent | Hybrid – 2–3 Days per Month in Office

I'm recruiting for an experienced Head of Data & AI to join an established organisation at an exciting stage of its data and AI journey.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a strong background in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to shape the company's AI strategy, lead a growing team and drive the adoption of AI across the business.

The organisation is still relatively early in its AI journey, so there's a real opportunity to influence the direction, identify opportunities and build solutions that deliver genuine business value.

The Role

• Define and lead the organisation's Data & AI strategy
• Identify opportunities to introduce AI, Machine Learning and automation across the business
• Take a hands-on approach to developing and implementing AI solutions
• Lead, mentor and develop an existing small team, with the opportunity to grow the function
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to understand business challenges and translate them into technical solutions
• Provide technical leadership across Data Science, AI and the wider data landscape
• Help shape the data infrastructure and platforms needed to support future AI initiatives
• Drive innovation and establish best practices across the function

Skills & Experience

• Strong background in Data Science, AI and Machine Learning
• Experience leading or developing a Data Science / AI function
• Ability to combine strategic leadership with hands-on technical expertise
• Experience delivering AI or ML solutions that provide measurable business value
• Good understanding of Data Engineering, Data Platforms and Data Architecture
• Strong communication and senior stakeholder management skills
• Experience mentoring and developing technical teams
• Commercial mindset with the ability to identify where AI can make a meaningful impact

The Opportunity

This role would suit someone who enjoys being both strategic and technically involved, rather than moving entirely away from hands-on delivery.

You'll have the opportunity to shape the AI roadmap, develop the team and play a key role in how the organisation uses data and AI moving forward.

Package

• Salary: Up to £110,000
• Employment: Permanent
• Hybrid: 2–3 days per month in the office
• Opportunity to shape and lead the Data & AI function
• Significant influence over the organisation's AI strategy