Director & Head of Data & AI

At Diconium, you’ll work on impactful software, data, and AI projects that help global companies do more with less. Collaborate with 2,300 experts to deliver measurable business value. We foster a supportive, people-first culture with flexible hybrid work options.

About DICONIUM

We’re a global tech group with 30 years of experience delivering software, data, and AI solutions—trusted by industry leaders like STIHL, Zeiss, Trumpf, and Volkswagen.

Operating across Europe, North America, and Asia, we drive digital transformation—from strategy to managed services—shaping a smarter, more sustainable future. We’re proud to be part of the Volkswagen Group.

Job Overview:

We’re looking for a visionary yet hands-on Director of Data & AI to help us build and lead our U.S. Data & AI practice from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of data and AI at Diconium in the U.S. — driving strategy, building the team, and rolling up your sleeves to deliver impactful solutions.

In this role, you’ll work across the Volkswagen Group and other commercial partners to define and execute data and AI strategies, architect and implement advanced analytics and machine learning solutions, and guide clients through their digital transformation journeys. You’ll split your time between strategic leadership and technical execution, making this ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of vision and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership:

• Define and drive the U.S. data and AI strategy in alignment with global business goals.
• Build and lead a high-performing team of data scientists, engineers, and analysts.
• Act as a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders on data and AI trends, technologies, and best practices.

Hands-On Execution

• Architect and develop scalable data pipelines, ML models, and analytics solutions.
• Lead end-to-end delivery of AI/ML projects—from ideation and prototyping to deployment and monitoring.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to embed intelligence into digital products and services.

Data Governance & Infrastructure

• Establish data governance frameworks to ensure quality, compliance (e.g., GDPR, CCPA), and consistency.
• Design and oversee modern data architectures across cloud and hybrid environments.
• Promote data literacy and standardized practices across the organization.

Client Engagement & Communication

• Partner with senior leaders, responsible for building the team and the practice/unit as well as driving sales & business development across existing & new clients.
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Represent Diconium at industry events and thought leadership forums.

Work Authorization

• Applicants must have authorization to work in the United States that does not now, or in the future, require sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, F-1 OPT).

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Standard office environment: use typical office equipment and sit/stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift to 15 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods while traveling by car or airplane.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Statistics, or related field; PhD is a plus.
• 10 years of experience in data/analytics, with 2 years in a leadership or executive role.
• Proven track record of building and scaling data science, AI, and engineering teams along with sales and business development experience.
• Strong knowledge of modern data platforms (Snowflake, Databricks, etc.), analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau), and AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.).
• Experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data ecosystems.
• Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Strong understanding of data privacy laws, ethics in AI, and responsible AI practices.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in highly regulated industries (e.g., finance, healthcare).
• Familiarity with MLOps, CI/CD for ML, and model monitoring.
• Prior experience with GenAI / LLMs is a strong plus.

What We Offer

• Grow through robust professional and personal development programs: training courses, free language classes, competence centers, and an active tech community.
• Enjoy a flexible work life balance with hybrid work, workation options, adaptable hours, unlimited PTO (minimum 15 days) and a companywide Christmas break.
• Access comprehensive benefits featuring employer sponsored 401(k), health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Company car program for directors
• Thrive in a values-driven culture that celebrates diversity, sustainability, and community through our Sustainability Hub, employee resource groups, company-sponsored dinners and other after work teaming activities.

What We Value

At Diconium, we value and recognize the unique perspectives and experiences of everyone. With this in mind, we welcome and cherish every single application equally. At the same time, we stand up against any type of discrimination and harassment based on gender, age, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, origin, disability, gender identity and other protected characteristics.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.