Director AI Strategy

Job Description Director AI Strategy (f/m/x) Director AI Strategy (f/m/x) Job Category:  Data, Analytics & AI Job Location (Short):  Düsseldorf, Germany Career Level:  Leadership Work Setup:  Hybrid

TASKS WITH IMPACT

• Define and continuously evolve the Group-wide AI strategy for DOUGLAS in close alignment with the CMO, the Executive Committee and relevant business functions.
• Establish a robust AI governance framework, including use-case prioritization, risk classification, model oversight, responsible AI principles and compliance with the EU AI Act, GDPR and other relevant regulatory requirements.
• Own and manage the AI portfolio across functions and countries, evaluating use cases based on business value, scalability, feasibility, data readiness and risk.
• Develop business cases, investment roadmaps and ROI logic for AI initiatives and represent them at senior management and Executive Committee level.
• Drive the end-to-end delivery of prioritized AI use cases — from idea generation, proof of concept and piloting through to scaling into production.
• Partner closely with Technology/IT, CRM & Loyalty, E-Commerce, Retail Media, Performance Marketing, Store Operations, Legal/Compliance and Data Protection.
• Build a repeatable AI operating model covering intake, evaluation, build-versus-buy decisions, implementation, monitoring and continuous optimization.
• Manage external partners, platform providers and specialized vendors across AI, machine learning and GenAI.
• Build, lead and develop a small, high-caliber core team.
• Drive AI literacy and capability building across the organization through trainings, playbooks, enablement formats and clear guidance for business teams.
• Represent the DOUGLAS AI agenda internally and externally as a strategic ambassador, trend scout and thought leader within the AI ecosystem.

YOUR SKILLS

• You have several years of relevant professional experience, ideally with a focus on AI strategy, data strategy, digital transformation, e-commerce, CRM, analytics or technology-enabled business transformation.
• You bring several years of leadership experience and are able to build and steer small, high-performing teams in a dynamic, complex and cross-functional environment.
• You have a proven track record of translating AI or data initiatives from strategy into implementation - delivering measurable business impact beyond conceptual frameworks.
• You bring a strong understanding of AI technologies, GenAI, machine learning, data products, platform architectures and modern digital business models.
• You understand commercial value drivers in retail, e-commerce or consumer goods and can translate AI opportunities into revenue, margin, efficiency and customer experience impact.
• You are familiar with regulatory and governance requirements around AI, data privacy and responsible technology, particularly the EU AI Act and GDPR.
• You are experienced in engaging with senior stakeholders and Executive Committees and can communicate complex technology topics in a clear, business-oriented and decision-ready way.
• You combine strategic, analytical and pragmatic thinking with the ability to balance ambition, speed, governance and feasibility.
• You are a strong orchestrator who can align business, technology, country organizations and external partners around one common agenda.
• You are fluent in English; German language skills are a strong advantage given the HQ location and stakeholder environment.

DO YOU RECOGNIZE YOURSELF?

Then become part of our international company and apply, stating your salary expectations and possible starting date.

As an international employer, we stand for equal opportunities and diversity. We therefore welcome applications from mothers, fathers, people with disabilities and people from the LGBTQIA+ community. Please let us know if, for example, we should use a gender-neutral pronoun, if you need barrier-free access to our offices or if we should allow more time for the application process.
We look forward to hearing from you!

About the DOUGLAS Group

The DOUGLAS Group, with its commercial brands DOUGLAS, NOCIBÉ, Parfumdreams and Niche Beauty, is the number one omnichannel premium beauty destination in Europe. The DOUGLAS Group is inspiring customers to live their own kind of beauty by offering a unique assortment online and in around 1,970 stores. With unparalleled size and access to customers, the DOUGLAS Group is the partner of choice for brands and offers a premium range of selective and exclusive brands as well as own corporate brands. The assortment includes fragrances, color cosmetics, skin care, hair care, accessories as well as beauty services. Strengthening its successful omnichannel positioning while consistently developing superior customer experience is at the heart of the DOUGLAS Group strategy “Let it Bloom”. The winning business model is underpinned by the Group’s omnichannel proposition, leading brands, and data capabilities. In the financial year 2024/25, the DOUGLAS Group generated sales of 4.58 billion euros and employed more than 19,900 people across Europe. The DOUGLAS Group (Douglas AG) is listed at the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.

Apply now Information at a Glance Apply now Job Category:  Data, Analytics & AI Job Location (Short):  Düsseldorf, Germany Career Level:  Leadership Work Setup:  Hybrid