Director, Data Strategy & AI Enablement

About YORK1:
YORK1 is a leader in environmental and industrial services, delivering sustainable waste management solutions across Ontario. With a growing fleet and strong regional presence, we are committed to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. Our culture is rooted in innovation and accountability. Join a company that invests in its people and positively impacts the communities we serve.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on your experience


• Health and dental coverage for yourself and your dependents


• RRSP matching to help you plan for the future


• Ongoing training and development to support your growth and career progression.

Position Overview

The Director, Data Strategy & AI Enablement is a senior leadership role responsible for defining and executing YORK1’s enterprise-wide data, analytics, and artificial intelligence strategy. This role leads the transformation of YORK1’s data ecosystem into a modern, scalable, and insight-driven environment that enables operational efficiency, strategic decision-making, and innovation.

The incumbent will oversee enterprise data governance, business intelligence, advanced analytics, and AI/RPA enablement across all business systems, including ERP platforms such as Trux, Nylus, Jonas, HubSpot, and others. A key focus of this role is driving digital transformation through automation, predictive analytics, and AI adoption aligned with YORK1’s strategic growth objectives.

This role also provides leadership over SharePoint-based intranet systems, enterprise reporting frameworks, and digitization initiatives, ensuring data integrity, accessibility, and security across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Data Strategy, Governance & Architecture

• Define and lead York1’s enterprise data strategy, governance framework, and roadmap.


• Oversee data architecture, integration, and consolidation across multiple ERP and business systems.


• Establish and enforce data quality standards, metadata management, and master data governance.


• Ensure scalable, secure, and high-performance data environments that support business growth.

Business Intelligence & Advanced Analytics

• Lead enterprise reporting, dashboards, and analytics delivery across business units.


• Develop predictive analytics capabilities to support forecasting, operational planning, and decision-making.


• Oversee the design and delivery of data visualization solutions and executive reporting frameworks.


• Monitor KPIs and ensure consistent, trusted reporting across all functions.

AI Enablement & Automation (AI/RPA)

• Develop and execute York1’s AI and automation strategy, including RPA implementation.


• Identify and prioritize AI use cases to improve operational efficiency, cost reduction, and productivity.


• Partner with business leaders to embed AI-driven insights into core workflows and decision-making processes.


• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies, including machine learning and intelligent automation tools.

ERP Systems & Digital Integration

• Provide strategic oversight of ERP and business systems including Trux, Nylus, Jonas, HubSpot, and others.


• Ensure system integration supports a unified data ecosystem and single source of truth.


• Collaborate with IT leadership to modernize legacy systems and enable scalable digital platforms.


• Align system capabilities with business transformation and operational needs.

SharePoint & Digital Workplace

• Oversee the architecture, governance, and optimization of York1’s SharePoint-based intranet.


• Drive digitization of paper-based workflows and manual business processes.


• Enhance collaboration tools and knowledge management systems across the organization.

Strategic Business Engagement

• Partner with executive leadership on budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning using data-driven insights.


• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on data initiatives, AI adoption, and digital transformation progress.


• Act as a trusted advisor on data, analytics, and automation strategy.

Compliance, Security & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with data governance, privacy, and cybersecurity standards.


• Oversee system access controls, audit processes, and data protection protocols.


• Ensure all data and system changes follow formal change management processes and are fully documented.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team of data analysts, engineers, systems specialists, and IT professionals (onshore and offshore).


• Provide mentorship, performance management, and technical leadership.


• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and accountability.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field (Master’s preferred).


• 8+ years of progressive experience in data management, analytics, ERP systems, or enterprise technology roles.


• Strong experience in enterprise data strategy, governance, and analytics leadership.


• Proven expertise in SharePoint administration and enterprise content management.


• Advanced knowledge of SQL and relational database systems.


• Demonstrated experience with BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) and data visualization frameworks.


• Strong understanding of AI, machine learning, and RPA technologies and their business applications.


• Experience leading enterprise digital transformation initiatives.


• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.


• Commitment to continuous learning in emerging technologies including AI, cybersecurity, cloud platforms, and agile methodologies.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Enterprise Data Quality Score


• Business Intelligence Adoption Rate


• AI/Automation Implementation Rate


• Operational Cost Savings from AI & RPA Initiatives


• Data Governance Compliance Rate


• ERP System Uptime & Availability


• Reporting Accuracy & Timeliness


• Digital Workflow Adoption Rate


• Data Integration Project Completion Rate


• User Satisfaction with Data & Analytics Services


• Cybersecurity & Data Privacy Compliance Rate


• Strategic Initiative Delivery Against Roadmap


• Reduction in Manual Processes


• Predictive Analytics Forecast Accuracy


• Team Engagement & Development Metrics

Core Competencies

• Strategic Leadership & Vision


• Data Strategy & Governance


• Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Automation Enablement


• Business Intelligence & Analytics


• Digital Transformation


• Enterprise Systems & ERP Management


• Data-Driven Decision Making


• Change Management


• Innovation & Continuous Improvement


• Financial & Business Acumen


• Stakeholder Relationship Management


• Cross-Functional Collaboration


• Risk Management & Compliance


• Project & Portfolio Management


• Team Leadership & Talent Development


• Executive Communication & Influence


• Problem Solving & Critical Thinking


• Process Optimization


• Customer Service Orientation


• Results-Driven Accountability
  

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS AT YORK1

As YORK1 continues to grow and evolve, data, analytics, and automation are essential to driving operational efficiency, informed decision-making, and scalable growth. The Director, Data Strategy & AI Enablement will lead the organization's data and AI strategy, ensuring business leaders have access to accurate, actionable insights while identifying opportunities to streamline processes through automation and emerging technologies.

This role serves as a key driver of digital transformation, helping YORK1 maximize the value of its technology investments, improve productivity, strengthen data governance, and create a scalable foundation for future success.