Optimize Search Group

Director of Data and AI
Data
PlanoTexas Direct Hire Jul 22, 2026
Job Title: Director of Data and AI 
Location: Plano, TX 
(On-site Tuesday - Thursday) 
Duration: Direct Hire 

Role Overview

The Director of Data & AI is a strategic and forward-looking leader responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s data and artificial intelligence vision. This role partners closely with business and technology leaders to unlock the full value of data, enabling innovation, scalability, and measurable business impact.
As a key leader, you will build and lead a high-performing data organization, establish modern data capabilities, and champion a data-driven culture across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities
Build Data Foundations (40%)
  • Establish and lead the organization’s Data & AI function, integrating existing data and analytics teams
  • Build trust across the business by delivering impactful, high-value data solutions
  • Champion best practices in data management, analytics, and governance
  • Ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance with enterprise standards and policies
  • Partner with stakeholders to align data initiatives with business priorities and measurable outcomes

Leadership & Business Operations (30%)
  • Transform the Data & Analytics function into a strategic business partner
  • Define and execute a vision for scalable, modern data platforms and infrastructure
  • Balance strategic leadership with hands-on problem-solving in a dynamic environment
  • Foster a high-performance, collaborative team culture built on trust, accountability, and continuous improvement
  • Influence organizational decision-making through data-driven insights

AI/ML Enablement (20%)
  • Develop and implement AI/ML capabilities that drive operational efficiency and business value
  • Identify, evaluate, and prioritize AI use cases with the highest impact
  • Collaborate with technology leaders to integrate emerging technologies into core business processes
  • Advance the organization’s adoption of intelligent automation and predictive analytics

Data & AI Strategy (10%)
  • Define and execute a comprehensive data and AI strategy aligned with business objectives
  • Establish and scale a robust data governance framework to improve accessibility, quality, and compliance
  • Drive innovation through data-driven insights and advanced analytics

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
  • 10+ years of experience in data management, including 5+ years in a leadership role
  • Proven experience building and scaling data and analytics teams
  • Strong expertise in data platforms, analytics, AI/ML technologies, and relevant tools/languages
  • Experience driving enterprise-level data strategy and transformation initiatives
  • Industry experience in construction or related sectors is a plus

Core Competencies
  • Strategic thinking with a strong execution mindset
  • Exceptional leadership and team-building capabilities
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences
  • Ability to influence and collaborate across business and technical teams
  • Results-driven with a focus on delivering measurable business outcomes