Head of Data Strategy

Encore Fire Protection • Needham, MA

1d • $300,000

About The Position

Encore Fire Protection is seeking a strategic and visionary leader to head our enterprise data function. Reporting to the CIO, this role is responsible for shaping and driving our enterprise-wide data strategy, building strong partnerships with business leaders, and overseeing a growing team of data professionals. The ideal candidate will champion data-driven decision-making, foster innovation through AI enablement, and ensure robust data governance and operations.
The ideal candidate combines strong business acumen with technical depth, excels at cross-functional partnership, and has a proven track record of turning data into measurable business value. This role will lead the continued maturation of Encore’s data capabilities, establishing scalable foundations while accelerating AI-enabled business value.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master's degree in computer science, Data Science, Information Systems, Business, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in data leadership roles, with a proven track record in data strategy, governance, and operations
• Proven success building or scaling enterprise data capabilities, including governance and data platforms
• Experience partnering with executive stakeholders to drive strategic initiatives and organizational change
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and influencing skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience in multi-entity or field service environments
• Private equity or high-growth environments
• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), DCAM, or similar data governance credentials

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the enterprise data strategy aligned to company growth objectives and operational priorities
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the CIO and executive leadership on data, analytics, and AI opportunities
• Collaborate with business and functional leaders to identify and unlock value from data, supporting strategic decision-making and operational excellence
• Translate business needs into actionable data strategies and roadmaps
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing team across data governance, engineering, analytics, and AI enablement
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Advocate for a data-driven culture, influencing stakeholders at all levels to embrace data and analytics in their decision processes
• Establish and oversee enterprise data governance frameworks, policies, and standards to ensure data quality, security, privacy, and compliance
• Lead the development and maintenance of scalable data operations, including data architecture, data management, and master data initiatives
• Ensure responsible and secure use of AI technologies across the organization
• Own the end-to-end data technology ecosystem, including platforms, tools, and infrastructure
• Ensure optimal performance, scalability, security, and reliability of the data stack
• Evaluate and select new technologies to support evolving business needs
• Drive adoption of AI and advanced analytics capabilities, identifying practical opportunities to improve efficiency, decision-making, and customer outcomes
• Develop and own the multi-year data technology and capability roadmap, ensuring alignment with business priorities
• Prioritize initiatives based on business value, risk, and organizational readiness
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and on budget
• Define and track value metrics for data initiatives, demonstrating clear ROI to the business
• Manage budget, optimizing spend and resource allocation for maximum impact

Benefits

• Competitive Salary: Compensation commensurate with your experience, with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses tied to your personal effectiveness and contributions to the team.
• Purpose-Driven Work Environment: We believe in working smarter, not harder. You’ll be part of a culture that values results, and we empower our team to focus on impactful work.
• Flexible Dress Code: Upon joining, you’ll receive branded Encore swag, and we believe in dressing for the objective, not the occasion. Most days, you can enjoy a casual work environment, but we’ll dress up when the situation calls for it.
• People-Focused Culture: We know our greatest strength is our people. That’s why we’ve built a culture that encourages experimentation, learning, and improving together. You’ll have the space to share your ideas and help shape a company that is constantly growing.
• Tools for Success: Access to leading-edge web-based productivity tools.
• Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Retirement Planning: Participation in our Fidelity 401(k) plan with a company match, helping you save for your future.
• Life Insurance: Company-paid life insurance policy of $50,000 to give you peace of mind.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive