Head of Data & AI in Manchester

Head of Data & AI in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 90000 - 110000 £ / year (est.) Hybrid
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the Data & AI Solution Sales team to drive exceptional customer outcomes.
  • Company: Join CDW, a Fortune 500 tech solutions provider with a collaborative culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Be part of a team that values trust, innovation, and continuous learning.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the fast-paced world of Data & AI.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in IT and a strong understanding of Data & AI.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.

At CDW, we make it happen, together. Trust, connection, and commitment are at the heart of how we work together to deliver for our customers. It’s why we’re coworkers, not just employees. Coworkers who genuinely believe in supporting our customers and one another.

Job Summary

Responsible for leading CDW's Data & AI Solution Sales team which sits within the Solution Sales organisation. This strategic leadership role will have specialist sales, alliance leadership and technical presales as direct reports and will be responsible for setting and managing the standards, directional plans and continuously driving improvement into the team for future business, team and personal growth.

The Data & AI team’s primary goal is delivering exceptional business outcomes for our customers through the sale and delivery of market leading products and value-added solutions and services. The defining purpose of this Centre of Excellence (CoE) is to add significant value to our customers by improving and preparing their data – its quality, structure, governance, security and accessibility – so that they can enrich and unlock the full value of AI.

The role holder is accountable for building a UK practice that leads with data readiness and converts it into sustained AI adoption and measurable customer outcomes.

The primary objectives of this role are:

  • To deliver exceptional internal and external customer experiences and outcomes within the Data & AI portfolio and wider Solution Sales organisation whilst also driving a profitable outcome for CDW.
  • To clearly define the Data & AI Strategy and go to market – which technology areas we focus on, how we sequence data foundations ahead of AI, and how we continue to manage and grow a positive P&L within this team.
  • To work in partnership with various internal business units, supporting initiatives that drive improvements to the way we operate through process and platform.
  • Provide success against revenue and GP targets relating to Data & AI such as modern data platform, data engineering and integration, data governance and quality, analytics, and applied AI.
  • To establish CDW as the UK's most credible partner for making customer data AI-ready.
  • To ensure our propositions are delivered within UK regulatory, data protection, sovereignty and responsible AI expectations.
  • To create and evolve learning and development programmes ensuring co-workers are continuing to develop individually and in line with business objectives.

What you will do

  • Build the UK's best Data & AI Solution Sales business by leading and developing this growth CoE.
  • Proactively drive exceptional and consistent customer and seller experiences innovating our delivery model.
  • Create and execute on a business plan which is aligned to CDW's business strategy and delivers profitable outcomes.
  • Own and evolve the data readiness proposition.
  • Continue to evolve the CoE to ensure relevance and forward thinking in an exceptionally fast-moving market.
  • Proactively engage with sales leadership, sellers, and the wider business to assess and support opportunities.
  • Develop market insights and competitive intelligence in collaboration with the Solution Sales leadership team.
  • Own the senior relationship with Microsoft and other strategic Data & AI vendors.
  • Host, attend and participate in internal, customer or partner events to showcase CDW's capability.
  • Drive deliberate and exceptional collaboration across all Solution Sales business units.
  • Work with the delivery and managed services organisations to ensure sold outcomes are deliverable, repeatable and supportable.
  • Establish the governance, guardrails and internal standards for how CDW sells AI responsibly.

Management Responsibilities

  • Create and foster an environment conducive to innovation, high productivity, and high quality.
  • Lead and develop teams and individuals within their responsibility.
  • Assist in the development of training and certification plans for the Integrated Technology business.
  • Contribute to the ongoing development of the Integrated Technology business culture.
  • Attract new and retain existing coworkers that have technical or professional expertise.
  • Conduct monthly 121 meetings with the team, monitoring performance and supporting development.
  • Accountable for accurate departmental financial forecasting and cost center management.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with other departmental leads.
  • Act as a senior escalation point for business-critical events related to the business unit you lead.

What we expect of you

  • Proven successful experience in the Information Technology market with demonstrable experience working in a leadership position.
  • Demonstrable experience of building, leading or scaling a data, analytics or AI business.
  • Proven C-level interaction, engagement and relationship management.
  • Demonstrable track record of driving revenue and profit growth.
  • Strong understanding and experience of the procurement lifecycle.
  • Commercial fluency across consumption, licensing, annuity and services-based models.
  • Experience in building internal departmental brand and engaging with multiple internal business units.
  • Core technical breadth across the Data & AI domain sufficient to lead credibly.
  • A clear understanding of what makes a data estate AI-ready.
  • Working knowledge of the UK data and AI regulatory landscape.
  • Knowledge of UK routes to market and public sector procurement frameworks.
  • Experience of senior vendor and partner management.
  • Professional certifications (desirable) such as Sales, Business Administration or Leadership & Management qualifications.

CDW is committed to being an AI-fluent organization. As a leader, you will champion and be accountable for our vision of becoming an AI-fluent organization.

Additionally, CDW is committed to fostering an equitable, transparent, and respectful hiring process for all applicants.

About Us

CDW is a Fortune 500 technology solutions provider that helps businesses, government, education, and healthcare organizations achieve what’s possible through technology. We believe meaningful work happens when people feel supported, heard, and empowered to contribute.

Head of Data & AI in Manchester employer: CDW

At CDW, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture where every coworker is valued and empowered to contribute. Located in the heart of London, our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while ensuring that you are part of a dynamic team dedicated to innovation and excellence in technology solutions. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a commitment to embracing AI and new technologies, CDW is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.

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Contact Details:

CDW Recruitment Team

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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data & AI in Manchester

Leadership Skills
Sales Strategy Development
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AI Readiness Assessment
Customer Relationship Management
Technical Presales Expertise
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