Lead the AI-Driven Future of Holiday Experiences at Forge Holiday Group At Forge Holiday Group, we don’t just do holidays, we create memories. As the group behind leading brands including Sykes Holiday Cottages and Forest Holidays, we’re building one of the UK’s most exciting travel and technology platforms. With a rich data ecosystem, ambitious growth plans, and strong AI adoption across the organisation, we are at a pivotal moment in our evolution. Why This Role Stands Out Shape an AI-Driven Organisation - Lead the transformation of a data-rich business investing heavily in AI, machine learning, and modern data platforms. Build the Future of Data at Scale - Define the strategy, infrastructure, and operating model that will power data across multiple brands and markets. Drive Real Commercial Impact - Every initiative will connect directly to revenue growth, customer experience, and owner success. Join a Strong Technology Leadership Team - Work alongside senior leaders driving product, platform, and AI transformation across the group. About the Role We’re looking for a Director of Data to set the strategic direction for how data and AI drive growth. Reporting directly to the Group CTO, you’ll move the organisation from insight on request to intelligence by design, ensuring data powers decision-making, innovation, and commercial outcomes. As Director of Data, you will: Set the AI-native data strategy and roadmap for the group Lead a high-performing team of data scientists, engineers, and analysts Shape modern data infrastructure and tooling for scalable analytics and AI Partner with commercial and tech leadership to ensure data initiatives deliver measurable business outcomes You’ll be a leader who combines technical depth with commercial acumen, building a data function capable of transforming insight into action. Role Details: Salary: Circa £110K bonus Location: Head Office - One City Place, Chester (Hybrid) Reporting to: Group CTO Key Responsibilities: AI-Native Data Strategy Define and execute a roadmap for automated, intelligence-driven data capabilities Embed AI, machine learning, and LLMs into business processes Set data quality and ownership standards that enable innovation at speed Modern Data Architecture Lead the evolution of pipelines, cloud platforms, and MLOps tooling Ensure infrastructure enables production AI at scale Team Leadership & Capability Build, mentor, and grow a high-performing Data & Analytics function Assess current capabilities and evolve team structure for an AI-transformed organisation Commercial Impact Ensure all data and AI initiatives connect to revenue, customer experience, or owner retention Bring technical input early in project planning to shape outcomes What You’ll Bring: Hands-on experience in data science, machine learning, or AI/ML Proven track record of leading data functions through transformation Deep understanding of modern data infrastructure, cloud platforms, and MLOps Ability to translate complex data capability into commercial outcomes Strong leadership skills with experience building high-performing teams Excellent communication skills, able to influence at executive and board level Desirable: Experience in private equity-backed or high-growth businesses Familiarity with travel, hospitality, or consumer platform companies Experience with LLMs, agentic AI workflows, or conversational AI platforms Knowledge of Azure, AWS, Microsoft Fabric, or modern data methodologies Forge Holiday Group Benefits: Annual STIP Company-wide Bonus Scheme offering up to an additional 30% of your salary through our performance-based bonus program ✈️ 33 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), plus up to 5 extra with long service. Option to purchase extra holiday days if you wish. A day off for your birthday ✋ 2 volunteering days per year. Enhanced parental leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at full pay). Pension scheme with employer contributions Discounted and last-minute stays at Forest Holidays and Sykes Cottages for you, your friends & family. ️ Special offers and discounts designed to enhance your overall wellbeing. ❤️Health cash plan & life assurance. Training & development opportunities. 24/7 mental health support. ♂️ On-site gym and parking at Chester HQ (near train station). Employee savings scheme Long service awards and company events We’re all about diversity, inclusion, and bringing your authentic self to work. Need adjustments for the recruitment process? Just ask. Ready to lead with purpose and shape the future of data at Forge Holiday Group? Apply now or share with someone exceptional.