Data and AI Business Unit Executive

Ioco Talent; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 80 000 - 150 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a dynamic Data and AI Business Unit Executive to spearhead the growth of their Data and AI division. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of innovation, driving the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI solutions that align with business objectives. Your leadership will guide a talented team, ensuring operational excellence and compliance in a rapidly evolving landscape. If you are passionate about harnessing AI to solve complex challenges and have a proven track record in scaling AI-driven business units, this is your chance to make a significant impact in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in AI and data analytics, with 5+ years in leadership.
• Proven track record of building AI-driven business units or products.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic growth of the Data and AI division.
• Oversee the development and commercialization of AI-driven solutions.

Skills

AI

Data Analytics

Business Strategy

Leadership

Stakeholder Management

Regulatory Compliance

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Master’s degree in Data Science

Business Administration

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

AWS

Azure AI

Job description

We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Data and AI Business Unit Executive to lead and drive the strategic growth of our Data and AI division. This executive will be responsible for overseeing the development, deployment, and commercialization of AI-driven solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives, and fostering innovation. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in AI, data analytics, business strategy, and leadership, with a proven track record of scaling AI-driven business units.

What you’ll do:

1. Strategic Leadership: Define and execute the business unit’s vision, strategy, and roadmap to drive innovation and revenue growth.
2. Business Development: Identify and pursue new market opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams within the AI and data ecosystem.
3. Product Solution Development: Oversee the design and implementation of AI-driven products and services that align with customer and business needs.
4. Operational Excellence: Establish and optimize processes for AI model development, data governance, and deployment of AI solutions at scale.
5. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with technology, sales, marketing, and product teams to ensure seamless integration and adoption of AI solutions.
6. Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of AI and data professionals.
7. Stakeholder Management: Engage with key internal and external stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies, to drive AI adoption and compliance.
8. Risk and Compliance: Ensure AI and data initiatives comply with industry regulations, ethical AI principles, and data security policies.
9. Performance Metrics: Define and monitor KPIs to assess the success of AI initiatives and drive continuous improvement.

Your expertise:

1. 10+ years of experience in AI, data analytics, or digital transformation, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
2. Proven track record of building and scaling AI-driven business units or products.
3. Strong understanding of AI technologies, machine learning, data governance, and cloud computing.
4. Experience in business strategy, financial management, and PL ownership.
5. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
6. Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments related to AI and data security.
7. Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for driving innovation in AI and data analytics.

Industry Experience:

1. Working in Financial Services and Insurance (FSI), FMCG, and consulting services.
2. Familiarity with AI frameworks and tools such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, AWS, Azure AI, etc.
3. Experience in managing AI ethics, bias, and responsible AI frameworks.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's or Master’s degree in computer science, Data Science, AI, Business Administration, or a related field.

Other information applicable to the opportunity:

1. Permanent Position
2. Location: Johannesburg

Why work for us?

Want to work for an organization that solves complex real-world problems with innovative software solutions? At iOCO, we believe anything is possible with modern technology, software, and development expertise. We are continuously pushing the boundaries of innovative solutions across multiple industries using an array of technologies.

You will be part of a consultancy, working with some of the most knowledgeable minds in the industry on interesting solutions across different business domains.

Our culture of continuous learning will ensure that you will have all the opportunities, tools, and support to hone and grow your craft.

By joining IOCO you will have an open invitation to developer inspiring forums. A place where you will be able to connect and learn from and with your peers by sharing ideas, experiences, practices, and solutions.

iOCO is an equal opportunity employer with an obligation to achieve its own unique EE objectives in the context of Employment Equity targets. Therefore, our employment strategy gives primary preference to previously disadvantaged individuals or groups.

Desired Skills:

• Adaptability
• Authenticity
• Partnership
• Ingenuity
• Mastery