Director - Data & AI

Our client is a boutique FS business with c. 2,000 headcount across the UK and overseas but are part of a much larger international parent business. We are seeking to appoint a Director of Data & AI to spearhead a major transformation in data and AI capabilities with a focus on legacy transformation, as well as upscaling of existing systems and identifying areas in which AI can be used more broadly across the organisation. It will be a hands‑on leadership role and will have oversight of the IT and Data teams, reporting directly to the CTO.

The Role

• Define and execute a comprehensive data and AI strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead the migration from legacy platforms to modern cloud‑based solutions (including Snowflake), ensuring operational excellence and data quality.
• Manage a team of 4 direct reports and oversee a multidisciplinary team of ~50 professionals across data management, governance, engineering, and analytics.
• Champion ethical and responsible AI practices while driving innovation in areas such as generative AI, large language models, and advanced analytics.
• Collaborate with senior stakeholders across risk, compliance, operations, and investment teams to embed data‑driven decision‑making.
• Establish KPIs to measure the impact of data and AI initiatives on business outcomes.

Key Requirements

• Hands‑on leadership style – able to lead by example and roll up your sleeves when needed.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Proven experience in data management, AI strategy, and technology transformation within a highly regulated environment.
• Demonstrable track record of delivering complex data platform migrations and cloud adoption programmes.
• Strong knowledge of data governance, architecture, and AI/ML technologies.
• Experience managing large, diverse teams and developing talent internally and externally.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Deep understanding of data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements across UK and international contexts.
• Experience implementing ethical guidelines, bias detection, and risk mitigation strategies for AI systems.
• Background in financial services or investment management, or experience working in highly regulated environments.
• Familiarity with Snowflake, Databricks, and SaaS‑based data solutions.
• Experience with S&P EDM (formerly Cadis).

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Information Technology and Finance

Industries

Financial Services, IT System Data Services, and Data Infrastructure and Analytics