Senior Data & AI Lead Architect (m/f/d)

Senior Data & AI Lead Architect (m/f/d)

We are strengthening our IT Data Management & AI team in Friedrichshafen.

About the team and the position:
Join ZF's central IT Data Management & AI team and help take the company to the next level of efficiency. As a key driver of enterprise-wide digital transformation, we connect data, processes, and ecosystems to unlock measurable business value-building scalable platforms, advanced analytics solutions, and impactful AI use cases across the global organization. Be part of a highly collaborative environment where innovation, technology excellence, and real operational impact come together.

What you can look forward to as Senior Data & AI Lead Architect (m/f/d):

• Own and drive the enterprise-wide Data & AI architecture, translating strategy into scalable solutions that power digital transformation across the organization.
• Act as the leading authority for Data & AI architecture, defining standards, guiding principles, and making high-impact architectural decisions at enterprise level.
• Design and evolve a modern, integrated data landscape enabling advanced analytics, AI, and GenAI use cases across all business domains.
• Evaluate and introduce cutting-edge Data & AI technologies while balancing innovation, performance, and cost efficiency in a global IT environment.
• Mentor and guide a global community of architects and engineers, fostering excellence, collaboration, and a strong data-driven culture.

Your Profile as Senior Data & AI Lead Architect (m/f/d):

• Experienced IT professional with a strong background in enterprise architecture and a degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Technology
• Proven track record in designing and delivering scalable IT architectures and solutions, ideally in the field of Data & AI
• Deep expertise in Data & AI architectures, including modern data platforms, data governance, and AI/ML (incl. Generative AI)
• Solid understanding of cloud environments and architecture governance in complex enterprise landscapes
• Strong strategic mindset with excellent stakeholder management and the ability to translate business needs into scalable solutions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both German and English

Benefits for Friedrichshafen:

• Health management
• Retirement planning
• Subsidies: Public transportation, cafeteria and canteen
• ZF Velo (bike leasing), "EGYM Wellpass" ZF fitness program
• Carpooling options, company shuttle services
• Home office options, ZF daycare center, holiday childcare
• Care support: Assistance with caring for relatives