AI Data & Systems Readiness Specialist (m/f)

What will you do with us?

In this position, you will be responsible for the data and system foundation without which no AI project can work – AI is only as good as the data behind it. Your task will be to ensure that the right, high-quality data is available on time for AI projects in VWG Procurement.

Data analysis and source mapping

• Identify data needs: You will analyze what data the proposed AI projects actually need from a procurement perspective.
• Map data flows: You will identify where this data is located in procurement systems, how it flows between systems, and what dependencies exist between them.

Defining requirements and enforcing standards

• Define data quality and availability: You will define rules for data quality and the speed of data availability for AI systems.
• Drive requirements with IT: You will promote these requirements with IT teams and other partners so that systems and data are prepared according to the specification.
• Describe integrations and governance: You will specify how systems should be connected, how data will be accessed, and which security and legislative rules will apply (data governance).

Connecting business and IT

• Act as a translator: You will coordinate cooperation between the procurement teams of the brands (what they want) and IT specialists (how to achieve it) and ensure that data inputs for AI work flawlessly.
• Validate the architecture: You will consult on and approve the data architecture for specific AI projects with IT suppliers.
• Portfolio monitoring and travel
• Monitor data readiness: You will monitor data readiness across the AI project portfolio and escalate missing data or unprepared systems in time, while proposing solutions.
• Travel to local teams: You will regularly travel to VWG Group brands (e.g. in Germany) to map their data needs and coordinate work with their local IT teams.

What knowledge, experience and skills do you need?

You will work at the intersection of business and IT. Your key competence will be understanding data and its structure and being able to transfer it securely and reliably from procurement systems into AI tools.

Professional knowledge (What you need to know)

• Data architecture and integration: You need to understand how systems share data and be familiar with terms such as API, ETL processes, Data Lake and DWH.
• Data governance and data quality: You need to know what affects data quality (completeness, consistency, timeliness), how data access rules are defined, and how sensitive data protection works.
• AI/ML data needs: You should have an understanding of what data AI needs in order to work (e.g. the difference between structured and unstructured data, and the need for historical data to train models).
• Enterprise systems (ERP): Knowledge of systems such as SAP (widely used in VWG) and other procurement platforms where purchase orders, contracts and invoices are created is a major advantage.

Practical skills (What you need to be able to do)

• Data analysis and mapping: You need to be able to look into a database, find the required tables and attributes, and draw a “map” of data flows between systems.
• Requirements engineering: The ability to understand what data procurement colleagues need and document it in a precise technical specification for IT developers.
• Requirement advocacy and negotiation skills: IT departments often have different priorities – you need to be able to justify why your data requirements are critical for AI projects.
• Analytical and structured thinking: The ability to identify connections in data, detect errors in data flows, and propose how to fix them.

Languages and IT tools

• English at C1 level: You will communicate daily with international IT teams from VW Global IT and brand representatives – fluent English is essential.
• German (a major advantage): Knowledge of German will open many doors, as VW Global IT is based mainly in Germany.
• SQL (Structured Query Language): Knowledge of SQL is a major advantage for data analysis (you will not be fully dependent on IT).

Modeling and visualization tools:

• Experience with diagramming tools (e.g. MS Visio, Miro, Lucidchart) for drawing data flows.
• Knowledge of Power BI or Tableau for data quality analysis is an advantage.
• Advanced MS Excel.

Personal qualities

• Thoroughness and attention to detail: Every detail matters in data. An error in a single data field can compromise the entire AI model.
• Communication skills (“translator”): You need to be able to speak with procurement specialists (prices, suppliers) as well as database administrators (keys, indexes) and ensure they understand each other.
• Willingness to travel: Regular trips to Germany and other VWG brands to map local data sources and systems.

What can you get from us?

• A modern and international work environment. You can look forward to colleagues from not only Germany and Europe, but also many other countries and continents. Get to know the whole world!
• Possibility of career and professional growth. Every day brings new challenges, and your colleagues in the team will often be the best in the field.
• Opportunity to work with the latest technologies, which you won’t easily get the chance to do elsewhere.
• Above-standard salary, and regular variable financial bonuses. As a thank you for your efforts.
• Option of home office. Work from home whenever you need.
• Educational courses and training. Develop your skills and knowledge whenever you like.
• Advantageous rental and sale of ŠKODA cars. How about an outing after work?
• Five weeks‘ holidays. So that you can rest properly.
• Contribution to additional pension insurance, a work mobile phone and notebook, and subsidised catering.