Global Data Science & AI Manager
Houston, TX (preferred) | Open to relocation
$150K-200K base + 10-20% bonus + equity (flexible)
About the Opportunity
We're partnering with a global industrial manufacturing organization undergoing a major digital and AI transformation to hire their first dedicated Data Science & AI leader
This is a net-new, highly visible role where you'll be responsible for building AI capability from the ground up—defining strategy, identifying use cases, and delivering real business impact across a complex, global organization.
If you're looking for a role where you can own something from day one and shape the future direction of a business, this is it.
What You'll Be Doing
Own the AI Strategy
- Assess current data, systems, and infrastructure
- Define a clear AI and data roadmap aligned to business goals
- Identify high-impact use cases across operations, product, and corporate functions
Drive Execution
- Take AI/ML initiatives from concept through to production
- Focus on real-world impact (efficiency, reliability, cost savings)
- Balance quick wins with long-term transformation
Build from Scratch
- Operate in a true greenfield environment
- Work with messy, fragmented data and bring structure over time
- Help shape future tooling, architecture, and best practices
Work Cross-Functionally
- Partner with IT, R&D, engineering, and business leaders
- Influence without direct authority
- Drive adoption of data-driven decision making across the organization
Set the Foundation for Growth
- Start as an individual contributor
- Help define the long-term AI org structure
- Play a key role in future hiring and team buildout
What We're Looking For
Core Experience
- 5–10 years in Data Science, AI/ML, or Advanced Analytics
- Experience working in industrial, manufacturing, energy, or infrastructure-heavy environments
- Proven ability to operate as both:
- A strategic thinker (roadmap, prioritization)
- A hands-on doer (execution, delivery)
Key Skills
- Experience leading or contributing to data/AI transformation initiatives
- Ability to translate business problems into technical solutions
- Strong stakeholder management across technical and non-technical teams
- Comfortable working in ambiguous, unstructured environments
Technical / Domain Exposure
- Experience with:
- ERP systems and operational data
- Industrial / OT (Operational Technology) environments
- Data pipelines and infrastructure
- Exposure to cloud platforms (Azure preferred)
What Success Looks Like
- Early: Assess current state and define roadmap
- Mid-term: Deliver initial AI-driven wins with measurable impact
- Long-term: Build scalable AI capability across the business
Why This Role Stands Out
- First AI hire ? real ownership and influence
- Greenfield environment ? build it your way
- High visibility ? direct exposure to senior leadership
- Global scope ? impact across multiple business units
- Practical focus ? real results, not just experimentation
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Pragmatic and execution-focused (not overly academic)
- Comfortable working with imperfect data and evolving systems
- Strong communicator who can influence across functions
- Excited by the opportunity to build something from scratch
