Director of Data & Analytics

Extended Stay America•Charlotte, NC

About The Position

The Director of Data and Analytics is responsible for the strategic direction, implementation, and management of data and analytics platforms that align with business needs, adhere to best practices, and maximize the organization's data capabilities. This visionary and forward-thinking leader will continuously explore and integrate modern technologies, including AI and machine learning, to drive innovative solutions and competitive advantages for the company. The role involves developing and maintaining comprehensive data models and frameworks, ensuring data governance and quality, and driving the integration of advanced analytics technologies. The Director of Data and Analytics will leverage their expertise in data architecture, governance, and cloud technologies to enhance data-driven decision-making across the organization. This position ensures that the data platforms are maintained in a coherent and secure manner, with considerations for scalability, quality, and compliance with organizational standards. The role is expected to provide thought leadership, addressing complex project issues and fostering alignment across diverse teams. Importantly, this leader will ensure that all technology solutions deliver tangible business. The winning candidate will be committed, passionate, energetic, responsible, and exhibit good judgment. They will have a collaborative spirit, the ability to adapt to working with other technologists and business leaders and encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing with the larger community of technology resources across the portfolio.

Requirements

At least 10 years of software engineering and architecture experience.
At least 7 years of experience in a senior IT leadership role overseeing data and analytics platforms.
Experience in the full lifecycle of software development projects, including business process design, requirements analysis, feasibility studies, software design, programming, testing, deployment, installation, and operational management.
Proven expertise in data architecture and cloud technologies, particularly AWS, is essential.
Strong understanding of data governance and quality best practices.
Proficient in data modeling and developing predictive, actionable data capabilities.
Demonstrated experience in overseeing large-scale projects and managing vendor relationships.
Strong passion and hands-on experience with AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics technologies.
Experience in managing off-shore and on-shore IT delivery centers.
Experience with relational and dimensional database modeling and implementation.
Strong experience designing and deploying full-stack data analytics platforms, including the use of data warehouse technologies and data visualization tools such as PowerBI and Tableau.
Strong experience with both real-time and batch pipelines-based data integration frameworks.
Experience with visual modeling tools, including UML.
Experience in the full life cycle of complex software deployment projects using structured methodologies, including Agile/Scrum and SDLC.
Thoughtful practitioner of software engineering methodologies, frameworks, and tools.
Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively in a remote working environment.
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to drive cross-functional teams towards common goals.
Able to ramp-up quickly. Takes initiative and is a self-starter
Strong communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Can zoom from big picture to detail
Relevant domain experience
Leadership skills

Nice To Haves

Hands-on experience with Databricks and Apache Airflow a plus.
Creative thinking, problem solving, and decision making
Teaching /coaching Skills
General IT knowledge
Ability to interact with the client executive team.
Experience with organizations of similar size and complexity.
Masters degree in Computer Science, MIS is a plus

Responsibilities

Develop/enhance and lead execution of the technology roadmap for the organization aligning it with strategic business goals covering all critical enterprise applications and technologies.
Lead and manage the core data team, including overseeing large-scale projects and vendor collaboration.
Oversee the delivery and support of data and analytics platforms to meet business objectives leveraging vendor teams or direct staff.
Ensure that the data platforms align with the organization s technology and governance strategies, policies, and standards.
Provide technology thought leadership to address complex project issues by facilitating alignment across disparate teams.
Drive the exploration and implementation of new data technologies and methodologies.
Ensure data governance and quality standards are met and maintained.
Develop and implement predictive and actionable capabilities on the data platform.
Oversee data modeling efforts to ensure the accuracy and efficiency of data structures.
Promote and integrate AI, machine learning, and other advanced analytics into data strategies.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align data initiatives with business goals.
Manage budget skills for both runtime and project budgets, ensuring vendors bill accurately and cost-efficiency is maintained.