Group Director of Data and AI

This role will play a pivotal part in executing the Technology strategy alongside the rest of the technology leadership team. Key responsibilities include creation and execution of data & AI strategies, the integration of recent acquisitions, and the long-term development of our technology capabilities. Impact will be measured on business outcomes including adoption of data products across the business, customer satisfaction, cost optimisation and operational efficiency.

·       Job Title –  Director of Data and AI

·       Location – BL9 8RR

·       Working rota – Monday-Friday

·       Working hours – 40

What You'll Be Doing:

As a Director of Data, you'll be doing the following: 

• Develop and Implement Data Strategy: Formulate and implement a Group-led data strategy that supports business goals, enables governance & reporting, and provides a blueprint to regional technology teams
• Migration, Standardization, and Integration: Oversee the migration to a unified cloud data provider and BI tool. Develop standardized processes for franchise operations and ensure seamless integration of acquired entities
• Build unified Tech-Data team: (currently decentralised across departments). This includes target operating model recommendation, execution plan to target state and continuous development of the data and AI talent within that team
• Business partner: Work closely with commercial data leads in the business to understand interal customer requirements and unlock Tech data strategy
• Foster Business-Led Way of Working: Drive a business-led mindset in data product development, ensuring solutions are aligned with business needs and contribute to strategic objectives
• Data & AI Innovation and Transformation: Lead data and AI transformation initiatives, driving innovation through the adoption and integration of AI. Enhance data literacy and data-driven decision making across the business
• Team Leadership: Lead and develop a high-performing data and AI team. Foster a culture of continuous learning and development, and ensure the team has the necessary skills and capabilities to execute the strategy
• Data Governance: Establish and maintain robust data governance frameworks to ensure data integrity, security, and compliance with regulatory standards
• Budget Management: Develop and manage the annual budget for the data and AI function. Allocate resources effectively to support strategic initiatives and operational excellence

What We're Looking For:

• 15+ years of business experience, ideally in business management, legal, financial, or information or IT management — recently at or near the Director level. Broad business experience internally and within the vertical industry is desired.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in leading cross-functional teams, multidisciplinary environments, and enterprise-wide data analytics and AI programs operating and influencing effectively across the organization and within complex contexts
• Experience in integrating complex cross-corporate processes and information strategies and/or designing strategic metrics and scorecards. Strategy and management consulting experience is desirable.

The Company:

The JD Group is a leading omnichannel retailer of Sports Fashion, Street & Premium Fashion, Outdoors and Gyms with over 60,000 colleagues over 3,400 stores across several retail fascia's in over 30 markets around the world.

We are an equal opportunities employer who embraces and values differences. We recognise the importance of an inclusive workplace culture in which everyone can thrive irrespective of their background or identity.

To be a part of this successful and continuously growing company, you will have the desire to ingrain our strategic goals of being a people first, a digital leader and customer focused organisation which provides operational excellence and is continuous with identifying new areas of growth into our day-to-day.

We know our employees work tirelessly to make JD Sports the success it is today and in turn, we offer them some amazing benefits:

• Incremental Holiday Allowance
• Staff Discount on qualifying purchases across Group retail stores and online
• Exclusive Colleague Bike Discount scheme
• Discounted Gym membership
• Personal development opportunities to learn and develop at work
• Access to Apprenticeships and accredited qualifications

Interested?

If you are interested in this position, then press the Apply Now button.

Due to the high volumes of applications our opportunities attract, it takes time to review them all. If you don't hear back within two weeks of your application, please consider your application to have been unsuccessful on this occasion

Applications that meet the skills criteria will be contacted for a 1st stage meeting with the talent team. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to interview with the hiring manager.

Thank you again for your time.