Head of Data and AI (Contract)

Overview

This is a high-profile contract opportunity for a Head of Data and AI / Director of Data and AI to support a major UK hospitality business as it launches a substantial AI transformation agenda. The role is based in Dublin city centre and follows a hybrid pattern with two days per week onsite. The assignment is an initial six-month engagement with a strong possibility of extension.

The main focus is to convert senior leadership ambition around AI into a clear, ordered, and executable delivery plan. You will work closely with executive stakeholders to define the AI direction, set up governance, identify the most valuable use cases, and guide an established team through the first delivery phase.

Responsibilities

• Own and steer the delivery of an enterprise-wide AI strategy.
• Shape, organise, and drive a ranked AI roadmap.
• Spot and assess high-impact opportunities across AI, machine learning, and automation.
• Create AI governance structures and responsible AI controls.
• Direct a cross-functional group of roughly 8 to 10 people, including data engineers, data scientists, business analysts, and project managers.
• Work directly with executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.
• Deliver measurable commercial outcomes within a fast-moving six-month assignment.

Requirements

• Demonstrated background leading large-scale data or AI transformation initiatives in complex organisations, ideally from a consulting or advisory setting.
• Strong commercial judgement and proven stakeholder management capability.
• Experience creating AI strategies and converting them into practical delivery roadmaps.
• Working knowledge of generative AI, machine learning, and contemporary data platforms.
• A consulting or broader enterprise transformation background is strongly preferred.
• Experience in hospitality, retail, or consumer businesses, especially those with large customer, loyalty, or marketing datasets, would be beneficial but is not mandatory.

Additional information

This contract is for an initial six-month term and may extend beyond the first phase. The role is onsite in Dublin city centre for two days each week. The organisation is in the middle of a significant AI change programme, so the successful candidate will be expected to operate at pace and help turn strategic intent into practical delivery.