Head of Data Analytics / AI

About The Role
Right across infrastructure, theres a requirement to not only maintain, but also renew and reimagine. Whatever stage youre at in your career, with us youll have an opportunity to grow and develop. Delivering essential infrastructure services for life, while being safety first, and client and customer centric in a friendly, fun and respectful environment where you are encouraged to thrive.
Where will you be working?
As an organisation, there is little we dont do and plenty to get involved in. Our Group Support roles are vital in making sure we can help over 11,000 people deliver essential infrastructure seamlessly across water, energy, transport and telecom.
Want to come and be a part of it?
We are seeking a visionary and commercially astute Head of Data Analytics and AI to lead the creation and scaling of a new Group-level function. This is a rare opportunity to drive foundational change, establish AI and data as core enablers, and deliver tangible business value across a complex, multi-platform UK based enterprise of £3 billion turnover and over 20,000 employees.
You will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, building the team and operating model and leading the organisation from a low level of AI maturity to a position of industry leadership.
This will require a leader who thrives in ambiguity, is comfortable building from the ground up, and can drive cultural, technical and organisational transformation.
What will you be doing?
You will lead the organisations journey from early-stage AI maturity to advanced, sustainable capability. This includes defining and delivering a multi-year AI strategy, building robust governance, data management, and technology standards, and driving cross-divisional alignment to embed analytics and AI at scale.
Youll recruit and develop a high-performing, inclusive team, foster AI literacy across all levels, and oversee the design and delivery of centralised data architecture and platforms. Partnering with key vendors, youll manage ecosystems, prioritise high-impact AI/ML use cases, and ensure measurable value realisation aligned with corporate goals, regulatory obligations, and risk appetite.
What youll bring:
Experience Proven track record in leading enterprise-scale Data and AI transformation programmes.
Experience in regulated, high-availability domains
Strong background in stakeholder management, including C-suite and Board-level engagement.
Demonstrated success in building and scaling cross-functional AI and Data teams and delivery models.
Skills & Attributes Strategic Product focused thinker with hands-on Data and AI technical credibility.
Exceptional communicator, able to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences.
Commercially minded, outcome-focused and culturally aware.
Deep understanding of modern data platforms, AI/ML technologies and governance frameworks.
Actively engaged in industry forums
Leadership style that is resilient, adaptable, and ethically grounded.
Whats in it for you?
We offer a range of benefits designed to support your life in and out of work, some of which include; Matched or contributory pension scheme
Online GP service, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Employee assistance programme
My Rewards portal, access to 1000s of retail discounts
Life assurance
Cycle to work, salary finance and give as you earn schemes
Enhanced maternity, paternity leave and adoption leave
Reward and recognition scheme
In addition, this role offers; Company car (or allowance) and fuel card with a range of EV and hybrid vehicles to choose from
My Car Choice our salary sacrifice EV/ Hybrid car scheme
Private health care and health care cash plan for you (and your family)
Discretionary bonus scheme
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
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About us
We want to be an employer of choice and a great place to work, attracting diverse and talented people, who join us and make a difference. Were one of the Top 100 UK companies actively supporting and recruiting army veterans. Our ENABLE inclusion networks bring together people who have a shared passion, to help create an environment where everyone belongs.
Our values help to shape our culture and how we work with one another. We recruit with these values in mind, to ensure your aspirations, and ways of working, align with ours. Were responsible and go further for our people, clients, communities and the planet
Were open and seek new and better ways of exceeding expectations
Were together and as one team; the whole is greater than the sum of the parts
Were ambitious and embrace opportunity, to lead essential infrastructure services for life
Whether youre a trainee, apprentice or graduate, or progressing through your career, our people benefit from industry recognised programmes, training and development.
Its an exceptional time to be a part of M Group.
Please note: Occasionally, job adverts might be closed before the stated closing date. Do apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered.
For certain roles, successful candidates will be subject to 3rd party background checks as part of the hiring process. Some roles require drug and alcohol testing as part of induction and onboarding.
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