Director, Data and AI

Director, Data and AI
Travel is not just about the destination; it's about every memory made along the way. We are dedicated to shaping the future of travel by partnering with 200+ airline, hospitality, cruise, passenger rail, and financial services companies to create new, meaningful revenue streams through incredible customer experiences. Rooted in our core values of being ambitious, innovative, and collaborative, we are driven to continuously raise the bar, exceed expectations, and bring out the best in everyone, fostering a culture where we believe we are better together, working towards an extraordinary future in travel. Come help us transform everyday travel into extraordinary experiences.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The Director, Data and AI is a technical and strategic leader who will drive the organization's Corporate data and AI initiatives, with a focus on AI Agents, Generative AI, and other AI applications. This role requires a deep understanding of data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, as well as the ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business strategies. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of leading successful data and AI projects, building high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of innovation.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:
Contribute and execute the organization's data and AI strategy, with a focus on AI Agents, Generative AI, and other AI applications: Define the delivery goals, and roadmap for data and AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives and metrics.
Develop and maintain performance and cost metrics of data and AI platform
Lead the AI team: Build and mentor a team of MLOps Engineers, and other specialists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
Collaborate with the Data Engineering leader to help execute the Data and AI strategy Identify and prioritize data and AI opportunities: Collaborate with Plusgrade’s business stakeholders (Finance, Legal, HR and Technology, Business Operations) to identify opportunities to leverage data for advanced analytics and AI to drive business value.
Oversee the development and deployment of data and AI solutions: Manage the full lifecycle of data and AI projects, from ideation to deployment and monitoring.
Ensure data quality and governance: Establish and enforce data quality standards and governance practices, ensuring data accuracy, integrity, and security.
Stay abreast of emerging data and AI trends: Monitor the latest developments in data science, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, and identify opportunities to apply them to the organization.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders: Collaborate with business leaders, IT, corporate security and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and support for data and AI initiatives.
Communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences: Translate complex technical concepts into clear and concise language that can be understood by all stakeholders.
YOU ARE SOMEONE WITH:
Advanced degree in a relevant field: Master's or Ph.D. in computer science, data science, statistics, or a related discipline
Extensive experience in data and AI: Proven track record of leading successful data and AI projects, with a deep understanding of data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, especially in AI Agents, Generative AI, and other AI applications.
Strong leadership and management skills: Ability to build and manage high-performing teams, with a focus on collaboration, innovation, and results.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences, and build strong relationships with key stakeholders.
Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills: Ability to think strategically, identify opportunities, and solve complex problems.
Passion for data and AI: A strong interest in the potential of data and AI to transform businesses and industries.
Key Competencies
Data Science: Expertise in data mining, statistical analysis, machine learning, and other data science techniques.
Artificial Intelligence: Deep understanding of AI concepts, including natural language processing, computer vision, and deep learning.
Machine Learning: Proficiency in machine learning algorithms and frameworks
Data Engineering: Knowledge of data warehousing, data pipelines, and data governance.
Cloud Computing: Experience with cloud platforms and services, such as AWS, Azure, and GCP.
Business Acumen: Understanding of business operations and the ability to translate technical concepts into business value.
Experiences and Skills
Extensive experience in providing technical management to one or more software delivery teams, with experience working in Agile environments
Experience in managing and implementing AI and Gen AI capabilities (medium-to-large scale initiatives)
Bachelor’s degree (Computer Science or a technical degree preferred); Master’s degree is a plus
Expert knowledge of AI, Gen AI, Software Development Life Cycle, and cloud platforms
Deep understanding and application of project management tools and methodologies
 Ability to rationalize design decisions clearly and objectively and challenge engineering teams to produce their best work
Familiarity with the following technologies:
GenAI Services (AWS Bedrock and Sage, GCP Vertex, Azure OpenAI)LLM Models (GPT-4.0, Gemini, Llama)Orchestration (Native Python, Semantic Kernel, Langchain)Vector Databases PythonObservability (Langfuse)Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)UI (React & Next.js)
Experience with the following technologies:
AWS and GCP Machine Learning
Additional Skills
Programming: Proficiency in Python, R, or other programming languages
Data Visualization: Ability to create clear and compelling data visualizations
Project Management: Experience in managing data and AI projects.
Understanding of both client needs, and industry needs as they relate to specific Gen AI software solutions
WHAT YOU’LL LOVE ABOUT US:
🏦RRSP/401(k) Matching🏥Comprehensive health plans 📅Flexible Paid Time Off✈️Annual upgrade credit 🏋️‍♀️Annual physical wellness credit 🧘Annual mental wellness credit 🍼 Parental Leave Top Up 🌍 Adventure Pass 
OUR PROCESS: Plusgrade is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an accessible recruitment process. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of gender identity or expression, race, ethnic origin, creed, place of origin, age, sex, marital status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, and any other category protected by law. Upon request we will provide accommodation for applicants with disabilities.
We believe in diversity and inclusivity and that is why our interview process is designed for a positive candidate experience and to ensure every candidate is evaluated equally. All applications will be reviewed from our Talent Team and the successful candidate(s) will go through the following recruitment process:Recruiter Phone Interview Hiring Manager Interview Team Interview 
All candidates will be provided with feedback regardless if they pass or didn’t pass any of our interview stages. All your information will be kept confidential.