Global Data Science & AI Manager

Global Data Science & AI Manager

Houston, TX (preferred) | Open to relocation

$150K-200K base + 10-20% bonus + equity (flexible)

About the Opportunity

We’re partnering with a global industrial manufacturing organization undergoing a major digital and AI transformation to hire their first dedicated Data Science & AI leader .

This is a net-new, highly visible role where you’ll be responsible for building AI capability from the ground up—defining strategy, identifying use cases, and delivering real business impact across a complex, global organization.

If you’re looking for a role where you can own something from day one and shape the future direction of a business , this is it.

What You’ll Be Doing

Own the AI Strategy

• Assess current data, systems, and infrastructure
• Define a clear AI and data roadmap aligned to business goals
• Identify high-impact use cases across operations, product, and corporate functions

Drive Execution

• Take AI/ML initiatives from concept through to production
• Focus on real-world impact (efficiency, reliability, cost savings)
• Balance quick wins with long-term transformation

Build from Scratch

• Operate in a true greenfield environment
• Work with messy, fragmented data and bring structure over time
• Help shape future tooling, architecture, and best practices

Work Cross-Functionally

• Partner with IT, R&D, engineering, and business leaders
• Influence without direct authority
• Drive adoption of data-driven decision making across the organization

Set the Foundation for Growth

• Start as an individual contributor
• Help define the long-term AI org structure
• Play a key role in future hiring and team buildout

What We’re Looking For

Core Experience

• 5–10 years in Data Science, AI/ML, or Advanced Analytics
• Experience working in industrial, manufacturing, energy, or infrastructure-heavy environments
• Proven ability to operate as both:
• A strategic thinker (roadmap, prioritization)
• A hands-on doer (execution, delivery)

Key Skills

• Experience leading or contributing to data/AI transformation initiatives
• Ability to translate business problems into technical solutions
• Strong stakeholder management across technical and non-technical teams
• Comfortable working in ambiguous, unstructured environments

Technical / Domain Exposure

• Experience with:
• ERP systems and operational data
• Industrial / OT (Operational Technology) environments
• Data pipelines and infrastructure
• Exposure to cloud platforms (Azure preferred)

What Success Looks Like

• Early: Assess current state and define roadmap
• Mid-term: Deliver initial AI-driven wins with measurable impact
• Long-term: Build scalable AI capability across the business

Why This Role Stands Out

• First AI hire → real ownership and influence
• Greenfield environment → build it your way
• High visibility → direct exposure to senior leadership
• Global scope → impact across multiple business units
• Practical focus → real results, not just experimentation

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Pragmatic and execution-focused (not overly academic)
• Comfortable working with imperfect data and evolving systems
• Strong communicator who can influence across functions
• Excited by the opportunity to build something from scratch