Data Analytics Leader

A global manufacturer serving multiple industrial and commercial markets is seeking a Data & AI Analytics Manager to lead enterprise analytics and artificial intelligence initiatives. The company operates across North America, Europe, South America, and Asia, supporting a diverse range of products and applications.

This role is a hands-on individual contributor position with strategic ownership of the organization’s analytics and AI roadmap. The manager will design, build, and deliver data solutions that enhance business performance, while directing a blended team of internal staff and external onshore/offshore resources.

The ideal candidate brings a balance of strategic vision and technical depth, working closely with business stakeholders and technology partners to transform data into actionable insights. A strong background in reporting tools, ETL processes, SAP data structures, and emerging AI technologies is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, development, and deployment of analytics solutions using platforms such as Incorta, Azure Data Services, SAP ECC, SAP BW, Power BI, Qlik, and Cognos.
• Partner with business stakeholders to understand data needs and translate them into technical requirements.
• Manage and mentor data analysts and engineers, fostering innovation and continuous improvement.
• Oversee data integration, modeling, and visualization to ensure delivery of high-quality insights.
• Establish and maintain data governance, security, and compliance standards across analytics platforms.
• Promote self-service analytics and expand data accessibility across the organization.
• Collaborate with IT and business units to align data initiatives with strategic objectives.

• Direct a hybrid team of internal employees and third?party onshore/offshore resources to meet delivery goals.

• Implement and enforce data quality standards and best practices across the analytics ecosystem.
• Drive continuous improvement in reporting capabilities, data literacy, and analytics maturity.
• Monitor KPIs and performance metrics to support operational excellence and strategic decision-making.
• Lead the development and deployment of AI/ML models for predictive analytics, automation, and decision intelligence.
• Evaluate and implement AI platforms and tools to enhance innovation and efficiency.
• Identify AI use cases and deliver both proof?of?concept and production-ready solutions.
• Stay current with AI trends, technologies, and regulatory considerations to guide responsible AI adoption.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in data analytics, business intelligence, or similar roles.

Technical Skills

• Hands-on experience with reporting platforms such as Incorta, Power BI, Qlik, Cognos, and SAP BW.
• Strong proficiency in ETL tools and data pipeline development.
• Deep understanding of SAP ECC table structures and data modeling.
• 5+ years of experience managing third?party onshore/offshore teams.
• Experience designing and deploying AI/ML models in a business environment.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or similar languages used in data science and machine learning.
• Familiarity with generative AI, NLP, and computer vision technologies.

Behavioral Skills

• Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
• Ability to work full-time on-site in Columbus, Ohio.

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan. Additional disclaimer: Unless otherwise noted in the job description, the position Vaco/Highspring is filing for is occupied. Please note, however, that Vaco/Highspring is regularly asked to provide talent to other organizations. By submitting to this position, you are agreeing to be included in our talent pool for future hiring for similarly qualified positions. Submissions to this position are subject to the use of AI to perform preliminary candidate screenings, focused on ensuring minimum job requirements noted in the position are satisfied. Further assessment of candidates beyond this initial phase within Vaco/Highspring will be otherwise assessed by recruiters and hiring managers. Vaco/Highspring does not have knowledge of the tools used by its clients in making final hiring decisions and cannot opine on their use of AI products.