Director of Data Analytics and AI

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

The Director of Data Analytics and AI is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing the organisation's Automation and AI and Analytical Research and Insight functions. This individual 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. Reporting to the Chief Product and Technical Officer (CPTO), this person will work closely with the Director of Innovation and the Director of Product to ensure the adoption and productionisation of data automation and AI. They will 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.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a vision for the Automation and AI, and Analytical Research and Insight functions.
• Lead the migration of existing data operations to the Expert Platform, ensuring alignment with its architecture and goals.
• Act as an inspirational thought leader for introducing new data methodologies, AI technologies, and innovative analytics strategies.

2. Oversight of Core Functions

A. Automation and AI

• Build and lead a team to develop automation pipelines, AI models, and workflows.
• Leverage machine learning and AI to optimise data collection, validation, and anomaly detection.
• Drive innovation by exploring and implementing AI agents and other emerging AI technologies.
• Ensure governance and security are integral to all AI and automation processes.

B. Analytical Research and Insight

• Oversee the production of advanced analytics and research outputs to inform decision-making.
• Develop and deliver client-centric insights, reports, and dashboards tailored to the Expert Platform.
• Foster collaboration between the insights function and other teams to align data products with client needs.
• Explore new areas of data and research that align with evolving client demands and industry trends.

3. Collaboration and Adoption

• Work closely with the Director of Innovation and Director of Product to drive the adoption and productionisation of data automation and AI.
• Align data functions with product development and innovation pipelines to ensure seamless integration into the Expert Platform.
• Advocate for the use of advanced analytics and automation across the organisation to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

4. Governance and Security

• Establish robust governance frameworks to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and compliance.
• Promote best practices in AI governance, ensuring that all solutions adhere to ethical, secure, and transparent principles.
• Implement controls to ensure that AI applications align with customer and organisational security requirements.

5. Team Leadership

• Manage and mentor a diverse team of engineers, data scientists, analysts, and researchers.
• Cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure knowledge retention and upskilling of team members to adapt to emerging technologies.

6. Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a liaison between data functions and other organisational units, ensuring alignment on objectives.
• Communicate complex analytics and AI strategies to non-technical stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance the organisation’s data vision.

The Ideal Candidate:

Qualifications and Skills

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.