Head of Data & Analytics

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national airline is looking for global talent to build on our ambition to be the World’s most inspiring airline with an exceptional guest experience.

JOB ROLE 

This is a senior role reporting to the VP Digital & Innovation. The Head of Data and Analytics will be responsible for setting the organizations data vision, strategy, and roadmap to enable a data driven organization where data is seen as a critical strategic enterprise asset that can be leveraged by everyone in the organization to derive insights specific to their own context. They will be responsible for developing complex conceptual and logical data definitions and specifications for the organization and ensuring the data architecture is optimized to meet the requirements and needs of the business.

This role will also lead the data and information architecture community with responsibility for role definition, methods, practices, tools, and professional development. Community members will be embedded within the delivery teams where they will map, structure and document data architecture as well as create and maintain data models. The role holder will develop and own a ‘rule book’ which defines ‘must-do’s’ for all autonomous agile teams, as well as projects, and drives technology and partner selection. As such, the role provides strategic direction to the enterprise on both product and sourcing decisions within the data & analytics domain.

This role will work closely with executive level stakeholders across DTI as well as the functional business to advise on data solutions to business problems and opportunities, leveraging modern architecture practices. They will create and maintain the data architecture knowledge base and repository, working closely with stakeholders to ensure that assets are re-used and aligned where necessary.

GENERAL ACTIVITIES

• Responsible for the data strategy and roadmap that enables data to become an enterprise-wide asset driving revenue growth and cost optimization.
• In collaboration with Architecture, design and develop the data management infrastructure that will enable enterprise-wide data analysis and insights generation and support decision making.
• Develop a data sourcing strategy considering both internal and external sources of data.
• Strategically plan the insourcing / outsourcing and right sizing delivery capability as it relates to data management to meet the demands of the business.
• Actively pursue data management efficiencies across the organization.
• Provide line management of the data governance, data engineering and platform engineer management team ensuring adequate management of capacity across the team.
• Standardize data management methods, tools, processes and practices to drive efficiency and re-use of data.
• Work with the Value Stream Leads and the Product Owners to understand the desired data capabilities and support them in the definition and prioritization of data related initiatives and the definition of data products in line with the data strategy and roadmap.
• Own the relationship with senior business stakeholders, escalating impediments, managing risk, and driving relentless improvement.
• Develop a data sourcing strategy considering both internal and external sources of data required to enable the enterprise digital strategy.
• Oversee the design and development of data management infrastructure that will deliver enterprise-wide data analysis and insight to the enterprise.
• Lead the development and enforcement of policies and guidelines for data management and data governance.
• Create a data science Centre of Excellence (CoE) which will develop advanced analytics capabilities, models and algorithms to drive decision making across the Group and support the CoE in defining a data science roadmap.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS 

Professional Experience

• 12+ years of experience in a data and platform engineering role or related functions.
• 5+ years of Scaled Agile methodology experience, applying agile and/or scrum as a way of working to deliver technology products.
• Data leader with a track record of successfully defining the technology future for an enterprise, articulating a vision and mobilizing direct and indirect resources to conceive, build, launch and continuously improve data products.
• Development & execution experience and ability to provide technical inputs to low level design.

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Mathematics or equivalent is mandatory. Master's degree would be an advantage.

Competency Requirements

• Knowledge of best practices in data management capabilities (e.g., data strategy, acquisition, governance, quality, scouting, metadata management, reporting, MDM) and a strong understanding of the data lifecycle.
• Experience handling large scale data and/or big data platforms and tools.
• Experience of working in a Scaled Agile environment, applying agile and/or scrum as a way of working to deliver technology products is essential.
• Goal driven leader with the ability to build high performing teams, motivating, mobilizing and coaching employees to meet high standards.
• Results driven achiever with exemplary planning and organizational skills and a high attention to detail.
• Experience of disruptive technologies and capabilities including IOT, Data Science, AI, Block Chain.
• Track record of successful large-scale transitions of insourcing and outsourcing of professional data services.
• Advanced knowledge of airline regulations as well as EU compliance, with a strong focus on GDPR and Data Privacy.
• Must have strong experience managing cross functional teams including third-party service providers.
• Strong project and program management skills ranging from minor technology upgrades to major shifts in technology approach.
• Good knowledge of cyber security threat environments and how to build secure data platforms/infrastructure.