Head of Data & AI
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Contract Opportunity - 4 Months
Ipswich, UK (Hybrid/Onsite as required)
Up to £750 per day
Outside IR35
We are partnering with a well-established organisation based in Ipswich, UK, undergoing a major data and AI transformation. They are seeking a highly skilled and visionary Head of Data & AI to lead the transition into a truly data-driven and AI-empowered enterprise.
This is a senior leadership contract role responsible for defining and delivering a comprehensive Data & AI strategy, embedding advanced analytics capabilities, and ensuring AI is deployed responsibly, securely, and at scale across the organisation.
The Opportunity
The successful candidate will own the end-to-end Data & AI agenda, ensuring data becomes a strategic asset that drives insight, innovation, and competitive advantage.
You will hold accountability for:
* AI and advanced analytics
* Reporting and business intelligence
* Data engineering
* Data governance
* Data platforms and infrastructure
This role requires both strategic vision and hands-on leadership capability to drive execution across a team of 10-15 data professionals.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Leadership
* Define and execute a comprehensive Data & AI strategy aligned to business objectives.
* Identify high-impact opportunities where data and AI can drive growth and efficiency.
* Plan, manage, and optimise the Data & AI function budget.
* Lead and develop a high-performing Data & AI team (10-15 professionals).
* Foster a culture of experimentation, continuous improvement, and responsible AI adoption.
Artificial Intelligence
* Lead AI innovation across the organisation.
* Oversee design, development, and deployment of AI/ML models and advanced analytics solutions.
* Drive operationalisation of AI from proof-of-concept through to production-scale systems and AI agents.
* Establish and chair AI governance forums, embedding ethics, compliance, and risk management.
Reporting & Analytics
* Drive data-led decision-making at executive and operational levels.
* Deliver scalable, accessible analytics capabilities.
* Enable insight-driven performance management frameworks.
Data Architecture, Platforms & Engineering
* Lead transition to modern, scalable, and resilient data platforms.
* Oversee secure, reliable, and scalable data pipeline architecture.
* Ensure robust implementation and operation of secure data infrastructure.
Data Governance
* Implement strong governance frameworks covering stewardship, metadata, and privacy controls.
* Champion best practice in data quality, lineage, and lifecycle management.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong relationships with senior business leaders and key partners.
* Translate complex business challenges into actionable AI and analytics solutions.
* Promote self-service data and AI communities across business and technical teams. xxuwjjq
* Bring external insights and innovation into the organisation.