Job Category: Data and Digital

Job Description: Join our emerging and dynamic Data Office as Head of Data Science. In this exciting position, you will be a leader of Heathrow's AI journey towards a digital future. You will have the opportunity to use your creativity to drive impactful projects, while leveraging your PhD/Masters in Maths, Science or AI to solve complex problems that make the lives of our colleagues, customers and passengers better.

This is a pivotal senior leadership role reporting directly to the Director of Data and AI, accountable for establishing and leading Heathrow's enterprise-wide data science and AI capabilities as a strategic business function. This role drives the development, deployment, and operational excellence of advanced analytical solutions across all business domains, managing multiple teams, strategic vendor partnerships, and multi-million-pound budgets for data science infrastructure and AI initiatives.

The post-holder operates as a key member of the senior data and AI leadership team, providing enterprise-wide influence on data-driven decision making, establishing corporate AI governance and ethics frameworks, and ensuring operational excellence while fostering industry leadership and external partnerships.

Responsibilities:

1. Developing and executing Heathrow's enterprise data science and AI strategy, aligned with corporate objectives and integrated across all business directorates.
2. Establishing and maintaining corporate AI governance frameworks, policies, and standards ensuring responsible AI deployment and regulatory compliance.
3. Providing strategic advisory to the Executive Team on AI/analytics opportunities, contributing to board-level technology strategies.
4. Accountability for end-to-end delivery of analytics services across the enterprise, meeting agreed SLAs and performance metrics.
5. Establishing and maintaining business continuity and disaster recovery plans for critical AI/analytics systems.
6. Leading performance management frameworks for analytics service delivery, driving continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
7. Managing significant budgets for data science platforms, AI infrastructure, and analytics tools.
8. Leading business case development and ROI analysis for major AI/analytics investments, ensuring strong financial returns.
9. Conducting commercial negotiations with major analytics vendors and consulting partners, optimising cost-effectiveness and service quality.

Qualifications:

• Master's or Ph.D. in a quantitative field (e.g., Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, AI).
• Proficiency in data science with leadership experience managing data science or AI teams.
• Extensive hands-on experience developing and deploying machine learning models and AI solutions in a commercial setting.
• Strong understanding of AI governance principles, ethical AI frameworks, and relevant regulatory considerations.
• Experience in strategic planning and execution of data science and AI initiatives.
• Proficiency in programming languages used in data science (e.g., Python, R) and relevant libraries/frameworks.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with MLOps practices and tools.

About Us: Heathrow is a unique and iconic airport offering a vibrant work environment full of opportunities. We support your learning and development, encourage diversity, and promote sustainability. Join us to be part of a team that is shaping the future of aviation.