Global Data Science & AI Manager

Global Data Science & AI Manager at Harnham Global Data Science & AI Manager at Harnham in Magnolia, Texas Posted in 14 days ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

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