HEAD OF DATA / DATA LEAD
First seen by Alion on Oct 13, 2026.
SUMMARY:
Global Data Platforms |Based in South Africa or India | Hybrid
POSITION INFO:
Global Data Platforms | Based in South Africa or India | Hybrid Shape the data future of an international technology group. An international technology group is seeking an experienced Head of Data \/ Data Lead to modernise its global data platforms and turn a complex data environment into a trusted resource for the business. This is an opportunity to combine strategic ownership, hands - on technical delivery and people leadership in an evolving technology environment. Reporting directly to the CIO, you will lead a team of approximately three to four direct reports and their teams and bring together fragmented data across more than 100 systems. Your work will establish the foundations for reliable business decisions, greater self - service capability and practical adoption of AI and Generative AI across the Group. The opportunity will appeal to a technically strong data professional who enjoys solving difficult problems, developing a team and working closely with senior executives to deliver measurable business value. Key responsibilities • Data strategy and modernisation: Define and implement the Group's data strategy and platform roadmap, developing a modern Data Mesh \/ Lakehouse architecture aligned with business priorities. • Platform development and integration: Lead the development of scalable, cloud - based data platforms. Get involved in the technical detail to improve integration, rationalise data and resolve data quality problems across a complex systems environment. • Data - as - a - Product and self - service: Establish trusted data products and secure, governed access that enables business teams, analysts and developers to use data effectively. • Governance and data quality: Strengthen Master Data Management, data quality controls and ownership accountability, with appropriate privacy, security and responsible AI standards. • AI enablement: Support the practical adoption of machine learning and Generative AI through suitable infrastructure, tooling and integration into business processes. • Platform operations: Ensure reliable, secure and cost - effective services, with clear performance standards and appropriate availability and recovery capabilities. • Team leadership: Assess capability and ways of working, identify gaps, mentor team members and build the skills needed to support the Group's evolving requirements. • Business engagement: Work confidently with C - suite stakeholders, translate technical complexity into clear business choices and demonstrate the outcomes of data initiatives. Minimum qualifications and experience • A postgraduate or master's qualification in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering or a related quantitative field. • Approximately 7 - 12 years of relevant experience in data, analytics or data platforms, including demonstrated team or technical leadership. • Experience in retail, FMCG\/consumer packaged goods (CPG). • Strong hands - on experience building, scaling or modernising cloud - based data platforms and managing complex data environments. • Advanced practical experience with Data Mesh, Lakehouse and Data - as - a - Product approaches is essential . • Proven capability in data governance, Master Data Management, data quality and data rationalisation. • Experience with MLOps and Generative AI infrastructure, together with advanced practical use of AI tools. • Databricks experience, with relevant experience in Azure, Google Cloud or comparable cloud environments. • A track record of delivering multiple projects, supported by evidence of adoption, return on investment, cost savings or operational improvements. • Excellent communication skills, commercial judgement and the credibility to engage effectively with senior executives. You should enjoy an agile environment, be comfortable with change and collaborate effectively across international teams and time zones. Location The role will be based in South Africa for a candidate residing in South Africa, or India for a candidate residing in India, with a hybrid working arrangement. Remuneration R1.5 million - R 1.9 million total cost to company per annum, depending on experience (or the equivalent in Indian currency) . An early start would be advantageous.