Senior Director – Data & AI, Tech Operations in Oxford

Senior Director – Data & AI, Tech Operations in Oxford

Oxford Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Working from home possible
BioTalent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead Data & AI strategy, driving innovation and transformation across Tech Operations.
  • Company: Global, innovation-driven organisation with a focus on AI and advanced analytics.
  • Benefits: Remote work flexibility, enterprise-wide influence, and significant growth potential.
  • Other info: Opportunity for international collaboration and to influence senior stakeholders globally.
  • Why this job: Shape AI capabilities at scale and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in Data, Analytics, or AI strategies; strong stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.

Location: Remote (Europe / Ireland / US)

Type: Full-time

We're partnering with a global, innovation-driven organisation seeking a Senior Director to lead Data & AI strategy across Tech Operations. This is a high-impact leadership role focused on scaling enterprise AI and advanced analytics capabilities within a highly regulated environment.

You'll sit at the intersection of strategy, operations, and technology — driving AI adoption, shaping transformation initiatives, and ensuring data-driven decision making across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and technical operations.

The Opportunity

This role will own and scale a TechOps-focused Data & AI Centre of Excellence, acting as the key business-facing leader responsible for:

  • Defining and executing the TechOps Data & AI strategy and roadmap
  • Prioritising high-value AI and analytics initiatives
  • Driving adoption, capability uplift, and measurable business outcomes
  • Governing responsible AI implementation in a regulated environment
  • Partnering with enterprise technology and engineering teams to operationalise solutions at scale

This is an opportunity to build and shape AI capabilities at enterprise level while influencing senior stakeholders globally.

Key Responsibilities

Data & AI Strategy

  • Lead the TechOps Data & AI vision and multi-year roadmap
  • Shape and prioritise AI/analytics use cases across operations
  • Own end-to-end delivery outcomes from experimentation through adoption
  • Align initiatives with broader digital transformation objectives

Operating Model & Governance

  • Lead a federated Data & AI operating model within Tech Operations
  • Collaborate closely with enterprise engineering, platform, and security teams
  • Ensure AI initiatives comply with governance, privacy, validation, and regulatory standards
  • Champion responsible, ethical, and explainable AI practices

Innovation & Delivery

  • Sponsor experimentation, pilots, and proof-of-concepts
  • Drive successful transition of validated initiatives into production
  • Ensure AI solutions integrate into operational workflows and decision-making processes

Adoption & Capability Building

  • Develop AI literacy and capability programmes across TechOps
  • Lead change management and adoption initiatives
  • Measure business impact, usage, and realised value

Leadership

  • Build and lead a high-performing Data & AI function
  • Influence senior stakeholders and cross-functional leadership teams globally
  • Translate complex AI and analytics concepts into business value

What We're Looking For

Required Experience

  • Proven leadership experience delivering enterprise-scale Data, Analytics, or AI strategies
  • Strong understanding of AI/ML and advanced analytics in operational or industrial environments
  • Experience operating within federated or hub-and-spoke organisational models
  • Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication skills
  • Strategic mindset combined with strong operational execution

Preferred Background

  • Experience within pharmaceutical, biotech, manufacturing, or other regulated industries
  • Familiarity with MLOps, AI product operating models, and advanced analytics platforms
  • Advanced degree in Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Statistics, or similar
  • Track record of driving AI adoption and organisational capability building

Why Apply?

  • Enterprise-wide influence and visibility
  • Opportunity to shape AI transformation at scale
  • Remote flexibility with international collaboration
  • Strategic leadership role with significant growth potential

If you'd like to learn more, please get in touch for a confidential discussion.

Senior Director – Data & AI, Tech Operations in Oxford employer: BioTalent

Join a global, innovation-driven organisation that prioritises employee growth and collaboration in a remote work environment. As a Senior Director in Data & AI, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape enterprise-level AI strategies while enjoying a culture that values ethical practices and continuous learning. With a focus on meaningful impact and international teamwork, this role offers significant career advancement potential in a highly regulated industry.

BioTalent

Contact Details:

BioTalent Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Director – Data & AI, Tech Operations in Oxford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the industry, attend virtual meetups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make those personal connections that could lead to your next big opportunity.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s AI initiatives and tech operations. We recommend crafting thoughtful questions that show your interest and understanding of their challenges. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely invested in their mission.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or case studies that highlight your previous successes in Data & AI. We believe that demonstrating your impact through real-world examples can really set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to drive AI transformation at scale.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Director – Data & AI, Tech Operations in Oxford

Data & AI Strategy
AI/ML Understanding
Advanced Analytics
Stakeholder Management
Executive Communication
Operational Execution
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior Director role. Highlight your leadership in Data & AI strategies, especially in regulated environments, to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about AI and how you can drive transformation in Tech Operations. Share specific examples of your past successes to show us what you bring to the table.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience in managing senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams. We want to see how you've influenced decision-making and driven AI adoption in previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at BioTalent

Know Your AI and Data Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in AI and data analytics. Brush up on your knowledge of MLOps and advanced analytics platforms, as these will be crucial in demonstrating your expertise during the interview.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience in delivering enterprise-scale Data and AI strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've influenced senior stakeholders and led cross-functional teams to achieve measurable business outcomes.

Understand the Regulatory Landscape

Since this role involves working in a highly regulated environment, it’s essential to understand the compliance and governance aspects of AI implementation. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated these in past roles.

Align with the Company’s Vision

Research the company’s mission and values, especially regarding their approach to AI and data. Be ready to articulate how your vision for Data & AI aligns with their strategic objectives and how you can contribute to their digital transformation initiatives.