Director Data Governance and AI (Ref: 193224)

Job Title: Director Data Governance and AI Location: Michigan Type: Permanent (Open to C2H) Salary: Up to $215,000 + Benefits

Join a leading global manufacturer at the forefront of digital transformation. The business is investing heavily in modernising its enterprise systems and driving smarter, data-led decision-making across every function.

As Director Data Governance and AI, you will shape the company’s data agenda, overseeing governance, quality, and architecture while enabling the next phase of analytics, machine learning, and AI-driven innovation. This is a rare opportunity to build the bridge between technology and business strategy in a well-established, forward looking organisation.

Develop and implement the enterprise data strategy, focusing on governance, quality, and accessibility. Oversee data operations and data management across a global business, ensuring consistency and trust in data. Partner with AI and analytics teams to align data structures and pipelines that enable machine learning and predictive insights. Work with executive stakeholders to embed data-driven decision-making and build business-wide data literacy. Lead a cross-functional data team (data governance, BI, and regional contributors) of ~18–20 people. Collaborate with IT to connect enterprise platforms (SAP, Ariba) with analytics and AI environments. Drive continuous improvement in data quality and simplify data for business consumption. Champion agile, high-impact data delivery — breaking down AI projects into practical, value-generating phases. Act as a bridge between business and technical teams, translating complex data requirements into actionable solutions.

8+ years of experience in data management, governance, or architecture, including leadership responsibilities. Experience supporting or enabling AI and machine learning initiatives through strong data foundations. Proficiency in data governance, master data management, and data quality frameworks. Hands-on understanding of enterprise systems (SAP preferred) and data integration. Exposure to analytics platforms, cloud environments, and modern data tools.

Deep understanding and experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Tableau and the governance frameworks underpinning this. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills — able to influence at senior levels. Experience within manufacturing or consumer goods industries preferred, but not