Global Data Lead

The Global Data Lead is responsible for defining, building, and scaling EXALTA's global data strategy, platforms, and analytics capabilities in alignment with the company's strategic priorities. This role serves as the enterprise leader for data architecture, engineering, analytics, governance, and AI enablement, ensuring that data becomes a strategic asset across the organization.

Working closely with executive leadership and business stakeholders, the Global Data Lead will establish the enterprise data roadmap, modernize data infrastructure, and develop scalable data and AI capabilities that improve decision-making, operational performance, forecasting, and business intelligence across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Commercial, and Corporate functions.

This is a highly visible leadership position that combines strategic vision, technical expertise, and organizational leadership. The role is responsible for building a high-performing global data organization while driving enterprise-wide adoption of modern analytics, AI, automation, and self-service reporting capabilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Enterprise Data Strategy

• Define and execute EXALTA's enterprise data strategy and multi-year roadmap.
• Partner with executive leadership to align data initiatives with business priorities and strategic objectives.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the company's AI strategy and roadmap.
• Serve as the enterprise advisor on data, analytics, AI, and information management.
• Establish governance, standards, and best practices across all business functions.

Data Platform & Architecture

• Own the enterprise data platform strategy, architecture, and technology roadmap.
• Design scalable data models, pipelines, and integration frameworks supporting enterprise applications.
• Optimize data movement and transformation across business systems.
• Ensure the reliability, scalability, performance, and security of enterprise data platforms.
• Lead enterprise data governance initiatives, including data quality, stewardship, security, and master data management.

Analytics, Reporting & AI

• Define and execute the enterprise analytics strategy.
• Identify opportunities for predictive analytics, automation, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Develop reporting frameworks that improve operational visibility and executive decision-making.
• Drive adoption of dashboards, KPIs, and self-service analytics across the organization.
• Partner with business leaders to transform data into actionable business insights.

Project & Portfolio Leadership

• Own the global portfolio of data, analytics, and AI initiatives.
• Prioritize projects in partnership with executive leadership based on business value and strategic impact.
• Lead cross-functional steering committees for enterprise data initiatives.
• Oversee project execution, resource planning, risk management, change management, and successful user adoption.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with business objectives.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing global Data organization including Data Engineers, Data Scientists, and Analytics professionals.
• Establish and grow a company-wide Data Community consisting of Data Champions and Business Analysts.
• Develop organizational capabilities through coaching, mentoring, and succession planning.
• Manage relationships with external consulting partners, technology vendors, and implementation providers.
• Serve as a key member of the Digital Information Solutions (DIS) Leadership Team, contributing to strategy, budgeting, organizational planning, and technology investment decisions.

KEY SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND COMPETENCIES

• Deep expertise in enterprise data architecture, engineering, and modern data platforms.
• Strong knowledge of SQL environments, ETL/ELT processes, data modeling, and enterprise data integration.
• Experience with modern data technologies including Airflow, dbt, cloud data platforms, and Business Intelligence tools.
• Strong understanding of AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, and automation technologies.
• Experience developing enterprise reporting, KPI frameworks, and executive dashboards.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience partnering across Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Finance, Quality, Commercial, and Corporate functions.
• Proven ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.
• Demonstrated success leading organizational change and driving enterprise adoption of new technologies.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Engineering, Business Analytics, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Data Engineering, Analytics, Data Architecture, Business Intelligence, or Data Leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience building and leading enterprise data organizations.
• Proven experience designing and scaling enterprise data platforms and data architecture.
• Track record delivering successful analytics, automation, and AI initiatives that drive measurable business value.
• Experience partnering with executive leadership and influencing enterprise technology strategy.
• Strong background managing complex cross-functional technology initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting manufacturing, supply chain, quality, finance, or other industrial business functions.
• Experience within private equity-backed, high-growth, or acquisition-driven organizations.
• Experience with cloud-based data platforms and modern analytics ecosystems.
• Master's degree in a related discipline preferred.