Sr. Director - Finance Data, Analytics and AI

Ford; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Ford seeks a senior leader to define and execute the Finance data, analytics, and AI strategy within the Global Data, Insights & Analytics (GDIA) team. You will partner with the FOX Finance Transformation team and ERP tech groups to build data infrastructure and governance, delivering measurable business impact.

You will recruit and mentor a world-class team of data scientists, AI engineers, and product managers, ensuring responsible AI practices and strong data quality across programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in analytics, data science or AI roles.
• 6+ years in a leadership role building and managing data/AI teams.
• Experience supporting corporate finance functions (FP&A, Accounting, Tax, Audit, Treasury).
• Expertise in statistical modeling, ML algorithms, generative AI and their business applications.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the data/AI strategy for Finance within GDIA.
• Lead end-to-end lifecycle of AI/ML solutions from ideation to deployment and monitoring.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing data/AI team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (AIAC, DPE, ERP) and Finance stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Data science

AI leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Job description

This leadership role is a critical part of the Global Data, Insights & Analytics (GDIA) team within Enterprise Technology, dedicated to supporting the Finance organization. You will be responsible for working closely with the Finance functions, in particular the Finance Operational Excellence (FOX) team that is leading the modernization and transformation strategy for Finance, all while aligning with GDIA's overarching data strategy and governance frameworks.

You will help define and execute the data and AI strategy specific to Finance, build and lead a world-class team, and work with the AI Advancement Center and Data Platform and Engineering teams as well as the ERP technology teams to establish the data infrastructure, governance, and AI capabilities necessary to support the FOX team’s transformation strategy. This role requires a strong technical leader with deep expertise in data science, AI, and a proven track record of delivering measurable business impact.

• Strategic Leadership:
  • Help Identify and prioritize key Finance workflows that can be enhanced with data, analytics and AI.
  • Champion democratized AI and analytics capabilities from GDIA across the Finance organization.
• Team Building & Leadership:
  • Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of data scientists, AI engineers, product managers and software engineers.
  • Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, continuous learning, and accountability within the team.
  • Provide strong technical and strategic guidance, ensuring best practices in data quality, and AI development.
• AI Innovation & Implementation:
  • Identify opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence to enhance Finance processes and workflows.
  • Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of AI/ML solutions, from ideation and prototyping to deployment, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
  • Ensure responsible AI practices, including fairness, transparency, and privacy, are embedded in all AI initiatives.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Partner closely with the FOX team to enable their transformation strategy and execute their enterprise level AI initiative.
  • Collaborate with GDIA’s AIAC and DPE teams as well as the ERP teams part of the Corporate Staffs Technology teams.
  • Act as the primary interface between Finance and the broader GDIA organization, ensuring alignment, sharing best practices, and leveraging enterprise-wide data assets and capabilities.
• Performance & Impact:
  • Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness and business impact of data, analytics, and AI initiatives for Finance.
  • Present technical data, analytics and AI solutions to executive leadership within Finance in a clear and compelling manner.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in analytics, data science or AI roles.
• 6+ years of experience in a leadership role, building and managing high-performing data, analytics, and AI teams.
• Experience supporting corporate finance functions such as FP&A, Accounting, Tax, Audit, Treasury.
• Demonstrated expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms, generative AI and their practical application to business problems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative field.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science (e.g., Python, R, SQL).
• Experience with (gen)AI/ML Ops practices and tools for deploying and managing production (gen)AI/ML tools at scale.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into business terms for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to influence and collaborate effectively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams, particularly within a matrixed organization like GDIA.