Head of Data & AI

Company DescriptionABOUT LGC:LGC is a leading, global life science tools company, providing mission-critical components and solutions into high-growth application areas across the human healthcare and applied market segments. Its high-quality product portfolio is comprised of mission-critical tools for genomic analysis and for quality assurance applications, which are typically embedded and recurring within our customers’ products and workflows and are valued for their performance, quality, and range.Job DescriptionThe Head of Data & AI is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO). This role is crucial for spearheading our data and AI initiatives, driving innovation, and ensuring these technologies deliver measurable value to the business.The successful candidate, from a data perspective will drive remediation of our critical data covering both commercial and scientific assets, lead the implementation of a data governance framework, and evolve the current data culture across LGC. They will also need to ensure the continued development of our underlying data infrastructure that is supporting a voracious demand for analytics, integrations and automations.In the area of AI, the role will oversee delivery of AI projects, ensuring a focus on initiatives that support LGCs strategic objectives. Other key responsibilities include supporting the development of foundational AI capabilities in terms of skills, governance processes and third party relationships.The role will work closely with other functions in IT and with partners in Legal, HR and Compliance to ensure that while LGC realises the benefits of AI adoption, we do so in a secure, ethical and regulatory compliant manner.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategy and ImplementationDrive remediation and enrichment of critical data assets that cover our commercial, financial, and scientific domainsEnsure a scalable and robust infrastructure and architecture to support LGC's AI, analytics, and data ambitionsIdentify and prioritise data provisioning and AI use cases that can deliver significant business valueDrive the design and implementation of solutions in artificial intelligence and data engineering across LGCGovernance and StandardsRefine and implement a data governance framework across the organisationEstablish and supervise data quality standards, data integrity, and reliabilityChairs the LGC AI Governance board that coordinates our AI agenda, standards, and controlsEnsure all AI and data initiatives align with relevant regulations and ethical standardsData-Driven Value CreationFind opportunities to use data assets for business growth and operational efficiencyEmbed data-driven insights into decision-making processes throughout the organisationLeadershipLead a group of data and AI professionals, including scientists, engineers, analysts, and architectsSupervise the allocation of resources, prioritization, and budgeting for AI and data projectsSupport continued development of foundational AI capabilities related to skills, processes, and governanceEffectively engage with senior leadership, including the executive suiteBuild partnerships with external vendors, academic institutions, and industry partnersQualificationsIdeally Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field7+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or AI, with at least 5 years in a leadership roleConsistent track record of efficiently implementing large-scale data improvement programmesSolid understanding of data governance principles, data privacy regulations, and industry standardsSuperb communication and presentation skills, with the ability to influence C-level executivesExpertise in machine learning algorithms, statistical analysis, and data modelling techniquesFamiliarity with cloud-based AI and data platforms (preferably AWS or Azure)Proven project management skills and experience leading multi-functional and matrix teamsDemonstrated ability to translate sophisticated technical concepts into business valueExperience in change management and driving organisational transformationStrong ethical judgement and dedication to responsible AI practicePerson SpecificationLocation: Located in the UK with flexible working options. Ideally, can travel to an LGC site occasionally for meetings, workshops, engaging with interested parties, etc. Capability to collaborate with senior managers (including executive-level leadership) throughout the organisationProactive and adaptable: Can thrive in a multifaceted, fast-paced environmentAbility to quickly assimilate knowledge from outside own area of expertiseStrong leadership skills, capable of motivating teams and working optimally in a matrix organisationAdditional InformationOUR VALUESPASSIONCURIOSITY INTEGRITYBRILLIANCERESPECTEQUAL OPPORTUNITIES LGC strongly believes that every job applicant and employee should be valued for their individual talents regardless of age, disability, race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief. Short listing, interviewing and selection will always be carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, color, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age, or trade union membership.For more information about LGC, please visit our website www.lgcgroup.com#scienceforasaferworld