Director, AI and Data Analytics, Internal Audit
Flex
Flex intends to spin off its Cloud and Power Infrastructure segment into a new, independent publicly traded company, Axiom, with the spin planned for Q1 2027. If the intended spin occurs, this role will support Axiom, a company focused on critical digital infrastructure and delivering end-to-end power and thermal management solutions for AI data centers and other mission-critical applications.
To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a Director, AI and Data Analytics, Internal Audit in Chennai, India.
ARMS is undergoing a strategic transformation into an AI-native, data- and intelligence-driven function. We are looking for a Director to lead this transformation by spearheading the department's AI implementation strategy and overseeing all data science, reporting, and dashboarding efforts. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can set technical direction, build and mentor a high-performing team, and partner closely with audit leadership across regions to embed AI and analytics into everyday audit practice.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical fluency in AI/ML and data engineering with the leadership maturity to manage a mixed team of managers and technical specialists, and the communication skills and executive presence to influence senior stakeholders in a global organization.
What a typical day looks like:
AI Strategy & Implementation
- Own and drive the roadmap for AI adoption across Internal Audit, identifying use cases where AI can improve audit coverage, efficiency, and risk detection.
- Lead the design, build, and deployment of AI/ML solutions (e.g., anomaly detection, natural language processing for control testing, Agentic AI implementation and optimization, generative AI for audit documentation) to meet Audit objectives and Fraud Analytics plan.
- Evaluate and pilot emerging AI tools and vendor platforms; make build-vs-buy recommendations, coordinate with various internal teams and vendor to onboard solutions
- Establish governance, risk, and quality standards for AI models used within audit (model validation, explainability, bias monitoring, usage standardization).
- Lead all data science initiatives supporting annual audit planning for the department, individual audit planning, execution, and reporting.
- Own the strategy and roadmap for enterprise audit dashboards and reporting tools used by audit leadership and the broader team.
- Develop and deploy a Data-Analytics Self-service platform to ‘shift-right’ and democratize the technology usage within the team.
- Ensure data pipelines, models, and reporting infrastructure are scalable, well-documented, and maintainable.
- Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
- Inspire, lead and develop a highly motivated and high performing team of 4–5 resources, including 2 managers and technical individual contributors (software developers, AI engineers, data scientists/analysts).
- Set team priorities, allocate resources across competing initiatives, and manage delivery quality and timelines.
- Coach managers on individual development and growth, team development, technical direction, and stakeholder management.
- Build a strong engineering/data science culture within an audit function — balancing innovation speed with the rigor and controls expected in audit.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for AI, data science, and reporting initiatives with Senior Directors across regional audit teams.
- Work with stakeholders and audit teams from Asia, India, EMEA and North/South America
- Encourage usage of shared tools, data sources, and methodologies.
- Present strategy, progress, and results to senior audit leadership and other executive stakeholders.
- Design and lead an AI fluency/upskilling program for the broader Internal Audit team, ensuring auditors across all levels understand how to use and interpret AI-driven tools responsibly.
- Develop training materials, workshops, and office hours to build a data- and AI-literate audit culture.
- Act as an internal evangelist and change agent for the department's broader data and intelligence transformation.
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering, Finance or Operations.
- 10+ years of experience in data science, AI/ML, or advanced analytics, including 5+ years in a people leadership role managing technical teams.
- Demonstrated experience leading AI/ML projects from concept to production.
- Track record in data engineering, reporting/BI tools (e.g., Power BI, MSTR, Tableau, SnowFlake), and modern data science stacks (Python, SQL, ML frameworks).
- Experience managing a team with mixed skill sets (management + individual technical contributors).
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical, senior stakeholders.
- Experience in Internal Audit, Risk, Compliance, or a related governance function.
- Experience in manufacturing domain
- Familiarity with fraud analytics, IT audit, or regulatory/controls environments.
- Experience building AI governance frameworks (model risk, explainability, responsible AI).
- Track record of designing enablement/training programs to build data or AI fluency across a broader organization.
- Experience working with global stakeholders and teams.
- Health Insurance
- PTO
Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email [email protected] and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).