Director Data Operations

Description

Windward is a leading maritime AI company, offering advanced risk management, intelligence, and logistics solutions. Our state-of-the-art platform utilizes cutting-edge AI technology to provide actionable insights, driving growth and transformation within the global trade industry. 

We are a dynamic, growing SaaS company dedicated to delivering high-quality data solutions to our customers. Our platform relies on accurate, reliable data to provide exceptional value, and we're looking for a talented Director of Data Operations to lead our data quality initiatives.

The Role

As our Director of Data Operations, you will lead all aspects of data sourcing, maintenance, operations, and quality management for our AI-driven maritime analytics platform. This role is crucial in driving our company's data strategy and ensuring the highest standards of data integrity and relevance.

You'll oversee our back-office teams, specialized data analysts and experts, all working collaboratively to ensure our data meets or exceeds customer expectations. 

The position is based in Tel-Aviv (Hybrid role, 3 days a week in the office) and reports to the VP Business Services. 

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership & Management

• Build, develop and manage the data-ops team, including back-office operations and data analysts
• Establish clear KPIs for the team and implement systems to monitor performance regularly
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and data-driven decision making
• Coordinate back-office services with product/R&D teams for new initiatives and feature development

Data Quality & Operations

• Analyze the maritime industry at a micro level from a data perspective, including deep knowledge of ship characteristics, ownership structures, supply chain, AIS and vessel positions and emerging industry trends.
• Take full ownership of overall data maintenance and quality presented/delivered to customers, with accountability for defined KPIs
• Develop and implement data validation frameworks and quality assurance processes
• Lead proactive data validation efforts based on customer priorities identified by CS, support and pre-sale teams
• Oversee the processing of incoming customer data (ownership, contracts, etc.)
• Establish efficient workflows for pushing data into our system
• Create and execute data improvement plans to enhance overall system quality
• Implement and maintain robust data governance practices to ensure compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards.
• Drive continuous improvement in data acquisition processes and tools to enhance efficiency and data quality.

Requirements

Required Experience & Skills

• 7+ years of experience in data operations, data management, or related fields. Knowledge of the Maritime domain - huge advantage. 
• 5 years of experience in team leadership or management roles
• Proven track record of improving data quality metrics and operational efficiency
• At least 3 years of experience working for global companies and managing remote teams.
• Strong understanding of data management technologies, AI/ML applications in maritime analytics, and big data platforms.
• Excellent negotiation skills and a proven track record in vendor management.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics or related field

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in SaaS environments with complex data requirements
• Knowledge of data validation methodologies and quality assurance frameworks
• Familiarity with data processing workflows and ETL processes