Sr Director Analyst, Data Management and AI Enablement

Sr. Director, Analyst - Data Management and AI Enablement

We are seeking an authoritative and strategically-minded senior director to be part of our premier research team dedicated to data management, AI enablement, and modernized data platforms for technical professionals. This role requires exceptional leadership, deep technical domain expertise, and the ability to deliver actionable, thought-leading guidance that shapes the strategies of technical professionals globally.

• Lead the Strategic Research Agenda:
  Define and execute the annual research strategy, including setting the editorial calendar and scope for technical deep dives, market trends, and best-practice implementation strategies. Focus research initiatives on the evolving landscape of data management, including its intersection with AI, Analytics, and digital business.
• Technical Content and Quality Control:
  Ensure the technical execution and quality of all output is delivered in a timely manner. Provide high-quality and timely research peer review, ensuring all content is innovative, analytically-deep, fact-based, and thought-leading.
• Define Foundational Data Guidance:
  Ensure research provides forward-looking guidance to technical professionals, specifically data architects and data engineers, on strengthening core data management capabilities, adapting to emerging trends, and thriving in an AI-centric world.
• Cover Critical Domain Areas:
  Guide analysis on best practices for selecting, implementing, and managing modern data management systems, including data warehouse, data lake, lakehouse, Data Ops, and data engineering. Analyze how modern data architectures must be future-proofed against disruptive technologies like Data Fabric, Data Mesh, AI-enabled automation, and knowledge graphs.
• Accelerate AI Readiness:
  Strategize research around key client challenges, such as operationalizing AI, strengthening AI readiness through architecture assessments, and leveraging metadata-driven governance to ensure data is trustworthy, contextual, and fit for purpose.
• Cultivate Stakeholder Engagement and Team Leadership
• Mentor and Develop Talent:
  Provide guidance and mentoring to junior research analysts, fostering a strong team-working ethos and developing world-class research talent.
• Act as an Executive Authority:
  Create and deliver high-value presentations derived from the body of research. Present complex findings and strategic recommendations to executive stakeholders and clients (architects, engineers, and IT leaders) at events, conferences, workshops, and briefings.
• Drive Business Impact:
  Identify critical questions facing clients and craft appropriate research methods to address them. Assist the Sales organization in selling and retention by providing expert domain support on data management topics.
• Champion Strategic Governance:
  Engage business stakeholders and technical professionals to align governance programs with business outcomes, adopting a strategic mindset rather than a compliance-only function. Lead or participate in research community meetings to discuss issues and collaborate effectively with peers.

Required Expertise and Experience

• Domain Leadership: 12–15 years of experience within the field of data management, demonstrating significant applicable experience in the related industry discipline.
• Senior Management Background:
  Proven experience previously holding a leadership role within a business or technology field, ideally overseeing a research, analysis, or technical execution team.
• Deep Market Insight:
  Deep understanding of both technology and industry, including the market, key vendors, leading products, and user strategies in specific data management areas.
• Strategic Alignment:
  Familiarity with Chief Data and Analytics Officer (CDAO) initiatives, goals, objectives, and understanding of the business value and ROI of data governance and architecture modernization.
• Client Engagement Record:
  Proven experience in presenting to clients at major events and conferences, performing technical workshops, and conducting briefings.

Critical Skills and Qualifications

• Exceptional Analytical Ability:
  Ability to apply…