Director, Data & Analytics Strategy

Location: Ireland - Donegal Town

Category: Business Support

Employment Type: Full time

The Opportunity

The Director, Data & Analytics Strategy leads the strategy, development, and execution of the organization's digital innovation and data analytics capabilities to elevate performance across manufacturing and supply chain. This role oversees a portfolio of digital initiatives while simultaneously building analytics capabilities. Through strong technical leadership, portfolio governance, and cross-functional collaboration, the role accelerates the organization’s digital maturity and data-driven decision-making.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON

Scope & Accountability

• Owns a large-scale digital and analytics portfolio.
• Responsible for departmental budgets, staffing, vendor partnerships, and resource allocation.
• Leads global, cross-functional teams of project managers, digital specialists, data scientists, data engineers, and analysts.
• Makes decisions that directly impact digital capability maturity, project delivery milestones, data integrity, and business performance.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Digital Maturity Leadership

• Develop and continually refine a Digital roadmap aligned with manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and enterprise strategic priorities.
• Identify opportunities for digital enhancements that improve operational performance, reduce cost, improve quality, or strengthen supply resiliency.
• Establish governance, standards, and best practices for digital projects and portfolio management.

2. Data Analytics Strategy

• Lead the comprehensive analytics function, including data science, data engineering, analysis, visualization, and insights delivery.
• Transform raw data into strategic insights that influence major business decisions across supply chain, quality, and operations.
• Integrate advanced analytics, predictive modelling, and machine learning into key processes to enable proactive decision-making.

3. Data Governance & Data Management

• Lead the Data Governance and Data Management Programs, ensuring data integrity, security, compliance, and regulatory alignment.
• Ensure high-quality, reliable data is accessible for organizational decision-making and digital applications.
• Partner with Information Technology and other teams to select, build and manage key platforms and tools.

4. Program & Portfolio Execution

• Oversee planning, execution, and monitoring of large-scale digital and analytics initiatives, including milestones, dependencies, risks, and communication plans.
• Establish and maintain systems to quantify project value and support objective decision-making for resource and investment prioritization.
• Facilitate prioritization and sequencing across digital and analytics portfolios to maximize impact.

5. Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Lead and develop global teams with diverse technical and business skill sets, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Partner with manufacturing site and division leadership to understand business needs, influence decision-making, and increase digital maturity.
• Communicate complex digital and analytical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Engineering, Business, or related technical field.
• 12+ years in roles spanning digital transformation, data analytics, supply chain, operational excellence, program leadership, or related functions.

Technical & Functional Expertise

• Expertise in digital transformation and strategy development, project management, and manufacturing/supply chain processes.
• Deep knowledge of analytics disciplines including data science, data engineering, data visualization, predictive modelling, and machine learning.
• Understanding of Industry 4.0 digital and technology trends.
• Strong understanding of data governance, regulatory requirements, and data security controls.

Leadership & Business Skills

• Strong communication, negotiation, facilitation, and executive influence abilities.
• Proven ability to lead large, diverse teams and manage vendor relationships.
• Demonstrated capability in resource management, strategic planning, and organizational change.
• Results driven, balancing delivery of near-term improvements while maintaining a strong long-term strategic focus.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and leadership skills.