Head of Data, AI and Digital Applications - Purchasing (M/F)

Saint-Gobain's Purchasing function is pursuing an ambitious transformation centered on Data, Artificial Intelligence, and process digitalization. With an international environment covering more than 100 ERPs, 12 business activities, and 76 countries, data and digital tools play a critical role in value creation, operational performance, and decision-making.

In this strategic role, you will define and lead the Data, AI, and Digital Applications roadmap for the Purchasing function to enhance performance, data quality, process automation, and value creation on a global scale. You will operate at the intersection of Purchasing teams, Group IT, business functions, regions, and technology partners to ensure the consistency, relevance, and adoption of deployed solutions.

You will be responsible for a broad ecosystem including the Purchasing Data Lake, business data models, management dashboards, supplier master data, data quality tools, Market Intelligence platforms, and a comprehensive portfolio of Purchasing digital applications covering Supplier Portal, e-Procurement, e-Sourcing, e-Negotiation, e-Contracting, and performance management solutions.

You will also contribute to accelerating the adoption of AI within Purchasing, whether through automation, advanced analytics, enhanced user experience, or decision-support capabilities.

Reporting to the Regional Chief Purchasing Officer (CPO) in charge of the Digital Transformation for the Group Purchasing function, you will leverage an international organization of more than 30 employees and consultants, including a direct team based in Paris La Défense.

You will work closely on a daily basis with Chief Purchasing Officers, Purchasing Directors, IT teams, CFOs, and CIOs/CDIOs.

Your responsibilities

Data & Analytics Strategy

Define and drive the Purchasing Data & Analytics roadmap to foster a data-driven decision-making culture. You will oversee the evolution of data models, management tools, and performance indicators aimed at improving the effectiveness of the function.

Data Governance & Quality

Establish and lead Purchasing data governance, ensuring data quality, reliability, and compliance. You will also oversee strategic master data management and ensure adherence to security and confidentiality requirements.

Purchasing Digital Applications

Manage the global portfolio of Purchasing digital solutions and define development priorities according to business needs. You will support process automation, improve user experience, and drive user adoption across the organization.

Artificial Intelligence & Innovation

Identify, test, and deploy high-value AI use cases for Purchasing. You will contribute to the innovation of the function by developing new applications in analytics, automation, and decision support while maintaining active technology monitoring.

Leadership & Performance Management

Lead a multidisciplinary international team and oversee resources, budgets, and project portfolios. You will monitor initiative progress, manage priorities, and participate in governance committees to ensure the achievement of objectives.

Change Management

Support the digital transformation of the Purchasing community by developing the teams' Data and Digital capabilities. You will lead training initiatives, promote solutions across Group entities, and foster sustainable adoption.

Occasional travel is required, approximately one trip per quarter (India and Europe).