Director of Data & AI Strategy

Role

Overview

We are seeking a director-level, business-embedded leader to serve as the line of business's primary resource for data and AI. 

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and apply data and AI solutions across the line of business, accelerating decision-making, improving operations, and unlocking new opportunities.

The role partners closely with the VP of Technology & Innovation, line of business functional leaders, and the enterprise Cognitive Data team to drive data- and AI-enabled business outcomes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader who owns delivery of data and AI solutions while also influencing strategic direction and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the direction and roadmap for how the line of business uses data and AI, aligned to business priorities and outcomes.
• Partner with functional leaders to identify, prioritize, and deliver high-value data, analytics, and AI initiatives from concept through deployment.
• Oversee and ensure successful execution and value realization of data and AI initiatives.
• Evaluate emerging data sources, AI techniques, and tools, adopting new capabilities where they meaningfully improve insight, automation, or decision support.
• Collaborate with BI teams to integrate insights, model outputs, and AI-driven recommendations into dashboards and operational workflows.
• Coordinate with the Cognitive Data team to ensure alignment with enterprise platforms, standards, and delivery approaches.
• Communicate insights and recommendations clearly to leaders and operators to support timely, data-informed decisions.
• Scale solutions across the business to drive operational and economic value.
• Provide leadership and oversight for data and AI capability development within the line of business, including influencing resource planning, vendor selection, and investment prioritization.

Hands-On Contributions

• Conduct exploratory analysis on new data sources or business questions.
• Prototype AI or agentic solutions using LLMs and internal data to validate concepts.
• Build or refine analytical models for complex or strategic initiatives requiring senior involvement.

Success Outcomes

• A clearly defined, actionable data and AI roadmap for the line of business driving measurable impact.
• Foundational reporting and insights capabilities that leaders trust and use.
• Improved data-driven decision-making across functional and operational teams.

Skills & Experience

• 8+ years of experience in analytics, data strategy, or digital transformation roles.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into data and AI solutions that deliver measurable value.
• Strategic mindset with comfort operating at both direction-setting and execution levels.
• Familiarity with modern data and analytics platforms such as Power BI, Snowflake, and Palantir.
• Working knowledge of Python for analysis or prototyping and Git/GitHub for collaboration.
• Strong communication, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working in matrixed environments and across functional teams.

Work Model

This role is remote with preference given to candidates who can work hybrid from our Philadelphia office.

Compensation

About Aramark

Our Mission

Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet.

At Aramark, we believe that every employee should enjoy equal employment opportunity and be free to participate in all aspects of the company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military status, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by applicable law.

About Aramark

The people of Aramark proudly serve millions of guests every day through food and facilities in 15 countries around the world. Rooted in service and united by our purpose, we strive to do great things for each other, our partners, our communities, and our planet. We believe a career should develop your talents, fuel your passions, and empower your professional growth. So, no matter what you're pursuing - a new challenge, a sense of belonging, or just a great place to work - our focus is helping you reach your full potential. Learn more about working here at http://www.aramarkcareers.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.