Head of Data & AI

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The company:

Williams’ core competencies are the design and development of racing cars to compete in the Formula One World Championship. As one of the world's leading Formula One teams, the company has secured 16 FIA Formula One World Championship titles since its foundation in 1977 and is now moving into an exciting era under new ownership defined by relentless innovation and living sustainable performance in every dimension.

We are looking for a Head of Data & AI to join us to lead a team dedicated to leveraging data and artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making, performance, and operational efficiency. This leader will own the development and execution of the data and AI strategy, ensuring that all available data is transformed into actionable insights through advanced machine learning models and optimization algorithms.

Reporting to our Chief Information & Analytics Officer, you will collaborate across various departments to ensure a cohesive data strategy and AI-driven approach is embedded throughout the organization. The role encompasses overseeing the creation and evolution of data platforms, supporting business groups in data projects, and building scalable AI solutions that can be used across the organization.

The role requires exceptional leadership, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to balance strategic direction and hands-on execution. You will ensure that AI and data initiatives align with the broader organizational goals and deliver measurable value.

Operational duties and key objectives:

  • Oversee data platform execution: Lead the implementation and continuous optimization of the organization’s defined data platform, ensuring it efficiently supports AI, machine learning, and analytics capabilities across all departments.

  • AI strategy implementation and scaling: Oversee the execution and scaling of the pre-defined AI strategy, ensuring that AI models, algorithms, and processes are deployed effectively across key areas such as vehicle development, race performance analysis, and decision-making support.

  • AI and machine learning leadership: Manage the development, refinement, and deployment of cutting-edge AI models and pipelines across various applications, focusing on ensuring these technologies contribute to competitive advantage in areas such as race strategy, vehicle  dynamics performance, and operational decision-making and others.

  • Data-driven optimization: Lead efforts to apply AI for performance optimization across the business, including leveraging machine learning for real-time simulations, anomaly detection, and data-driven optimization of vehicle dynamics.

  • Cross-functional AI integration: Work closely with technical and business teams to ensure AI solutions are effectively integrated into workflows, supporting everything from vehicle design to race simulations.

  • Innovation and continuous improvement: Ensure that the AI and Data teams remain on the cutting edge by exploring emerging technologies thus promoting a culture of innovation to maintain a competitive edge.

  • Collaborate on data projects: Partner with business units to ensure successful execution of critical data projects that have already been scoped.

  • Leadership & team development: Manage and mentor a team of  AI and Data specialists, data scientists, and engineers, providing guidance to ensure the team delivers impactful results while fostering a culture of high performance, innovation, and adaptability in the competitive F1 environment.

Skills and experience required:

  • Proven experience in developing and deploying AI/machine learning models and optimization algorithms across multiple domains.

  • Strong leadership skills, with the ability to build, lead, and mentor teams while navigating a dynamic business landscape.

  • Experience building and scaling data platforms that support AI, data engineering, and analytics projects across an organization.

  • Expertise in defining and implementing data strategy, governance, and data management best practices.

  • Experience with building and managing machine learning pipelines for various data types (e.g., image, video, and structured data).

  • Strong knowledge of AI and data technologies including Python (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, etc.), experience in C++ would be beneficial.

  • Experience with NLP and model interpretability libraries, bringing explainability to complex models.

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and manage relationships with multiple business and technical stakeholders.

  • The ability to present complex data and AI insights in a concise, clear manner, making data understandable and actionable to non-technical stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize effectively, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

What can Williams offer?

The Williams Group is based in multi acre complex located in Grove, Oxfordshire. The Williams Group offers a competitive holiday package, staff events/open days, a subsidised restaurant on site and various car schemes. We have an on-site gym (open 24 hours a day) as well as various fitness classes including outdoors bootcamps, pilates and yoga free for all staff and contractors to use. Aside from these benefits we can offer free onsite parking and large open green spaces to unwind during breaks. We are a based just 30 mins from Oxford City Centre by bus.

Williams is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We are happy to discuss reasonable job adjustments

Organization: 
Williams Racing