Executive Director, Data Ops & Innovation

VML•Detroit, MI

1d•$155,000 - $390,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We’re building a world-class marketing intelligence function and seeking an Executive Director to lead how it operates: the data ecosystem it runs on, the operating model and organization that deliver it, and the innovation agenda that keeps it ahead. Reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Intelligence Officer, this senior leadership role owns the connective tissue of the function across a global, multi-agency network — unifying first-party and partner data into a consolidated client data ecosystem, designing an operating model that balances global consistency with local market needs, and setting the agenda for a modern AI ecosystem that changes how work gets done. The right person operates equally well as a data and MarTech architect, an organizational designer, and an innovation leader who turns emerging technology into operating efficiency.

Requirements

15+ years of experience spanning data and analytics operations, MarTech or data platform leadership, and large-scale organizational or operating-model transformation.
A combination of automotive and/or broader industry expertise and agency or media agency experience, with hands-on experience building and running data-driven marketing operations.
Deep familiarity with the modern MarTech and data stack — CDPs, clean rooms, identity, cloud data platforms, and activation — and a track record of consolidating fragmented first-party data into a unified client data ecosystem.
Demonstrated experience designing and standing up operating models and organizations across complex, distributed, multi-agency or global/local environments.
Strong command of applied AI and automation in an operational context, with the judgment to separate hype from real efficiency and value.
Proven ability to build productive partnerships with client data, IT, and privacy teams and with external technology and data partners.
Demonstrated success managing executive-level deliverables — scoping, financials, resourcing — with precision and discretion.
Exceptional cross-functional leadership, communication, and stakeholder-management skills at the executive level.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategy and build-out of a consolidated client data ecosystem that unifies first-party data across sales, CRM, digital, media, and dealer touchpoints into a governed, decision-ready foundation for measurement, audience intelligence, and activation.
Own the MarTech and data architecture agenda for the function — CDP, clean rooms, identity resolution, data warehousing, and activation pipelines — ensuring platforms are integrated, interoperable, and fit for both global scale and local execution.
Work alongside the client’s data, IT, and privacy teams and external data partners (media platforms, data providers, cloud and technology vendors) to establish shared standards, data-sharing frameworks, and joint roadmaps.
Establish data governance, quality, privacy, and consent practices that make first-party data trustworthy, compliant across jurisdictions, and usable at speed.
Design and implement a best-in-class delivery model for marketing intelligence across the global network and agency partners, clarifying roles, decision rights, service catalogs, and ways of working between global, regional, and local teams.
Define an organization design that reflects global and local needs — centralizing what should be standardized (platforms, methods, standards) while giving markets the flexibility and proximity they require to serve the business.
Build the operational backbone of the function: intake and prioritization, delivery standards, engineering and data practices, documentation, and performance metrics that scale across regions and partners.
Manage executive-level operating deliverables end to end — scoping, financials, resourcing and talent planning, and senior reporting — bringing rigor and visibility to how the function runs and where it invests.
Set and own the innovation agenda for a modern AI ecosystem, defining the platforms, tooling, and partnerships that will underpin how marketing intelligence is produced and delivered.
Identify, prioritize, and operationalize AI and automation use cases — from agentic workflows and automated reporting to augmented analytics and self-service — that materially improve speed, quality, and cost to serve.
Stand up the enabling capabilities for scaled AI adoption: governance and responsible-use standards, reusable platforms and components, enablement and skills development, and clear measures of efficiency gained.
Translate emerging technology and market shifts into a forward roadmap for the function, and develop thought leadership that strengthens our competitive position and supports new-business growth.