Head of Data & AI

West Midlands - Hybrid working 2/3 days onsite

Greenfield opportunity | Build a Data & AI function from scratch

I''m working on an exciting opportunity for a Head of Data & AI to join a growing technology business and take ownership of building its entire Data & AI capability from the ground up.

This is a genuine blank canvas, with no established data function or architecture currently in place. You''ll have the autonomy to shape the strategy, build your own team and drive how data and AI are used across the business.

The initial focus will be on establishing strong data foundations, governance and reporting before progressing into AI initiatives, including agentic AI and embedding AI into the customer-facing platform.

Key responsibilities:

• Define and deliver the Data & AI strategy and operating model.

• Build and lead a new team of data architects and analysts.

• Establish data architecture, governance and quality standards.

• Transform internal MI and reporting, moving away from Excel towards automated dashboards.

• Take ownership of the existing data migration team and standardise processes.

• Identify opportunities to commercialise data and develop new data products.

• Shape and deliver the AI roadmap, including practical use cases and agentic AI.

• Work closely with Product, Architecture and the senior leadership team to drive adoption across the business.

What are they looking for?

• Proven experience building a Data function from scratch.

• Strong background in data strategy, architecture, governance and MI.

• Experience delivering AI solutions and identifying commercial opportunities.

• Understanding of agentic AI and its potential business applications.

• Product-minded, ideally within a technology or SaaS-led environment.

• Commercially astute, with experience developing or monetising data products.

• A strong communicator, comfortable influencing at executive level.

• Happy to operate strategically while remaining hands-on when needed.

Desirable: Salesforce exposure, data migration experience and experience in a PE-backed or scale-up environment.

Why consider it?

A rare opportunity to build something from the ground up, with genuine autonomy, executive backing and the chance to shape the future of Data & AI within a growing business. You''ll build the function, recruit your own team and lead its evolution long term.

At Gleeson Recruitment Group, we embrace inclusivity and welcome applicants of all backgrounds, experiences, and abilities. We are proud to be a disability confident employer.

By applying you will be registered as a candidate with Gleeson Recruitment Limited. Our Privacy Policy is available on our website and explains how we will use your data.