Head of Automation & Data
Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka (Hybrid)
Employment Type: Full-Time

About Our Client Partner

Our client is a fast-growing energy infrastructure management company operating a distributed portfolio of over 1,400 sites across Sri Lanka. The organisation manages a complex, multi-entity structure spanning solar PV, battery energy storage, and energy-as-a-service assets. Currently in a phase of significant digital transformation, the business is investing heavily in building a proprietary asset management platform and embedding automation and AI across every function — from finance and operations to ESG and executive reporting. This is a high-impact, high-visibility role at the centre of that transformation.

Role Summary

We are seeking a driven and technically accomplished Head of Automation & Data to lead enterprise-wide automation and AI integration as a standalone function. This is a rare dual role — part hands-on engineer, part strategic architect — responsible for mapping and delivering an automation plan that connects every business function, while simultaneously serving as the internal technical owner of the organisation's proprietary digital asset management platform, currently in build with an external technology partner.

The successful candidate will work cross-functionally with Finance, Asset Management & Operations, Technical, Legal, ESG, and HR teams to eliminate manual workflows, embed AI into core processes, and deliver automated reporting that gives the business near real-time visibility across its entire portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Automation Mapping & Delivery

Map the end-to-end automation landscape across Finance, Operations & Maintenance, Asset Management, ESG, HR, and Executive Reporting
Translate the automation map into a sequenced delivery roadmap with clear priorities, owners, and measurable outcomes
Build scalable data pipelines linking operational, financial, and performance datasets across SPVs and operating entities
Eliminate manual data handling and embed structured validation, audit trails, and data integrity controls
Standardise data architecture across departments and third-party technology providers

AI Implementation for Large Dataset Analysis

Apply AI to large operational datasets covering 1,400+ distributed assets, using off-the-shelf LLM tools or machine learning libraries as the use case requires
Deliver use cases including performance benchmarking, anomaly detection, forecasting, predictive maintenance, contract analytics, and document review
Build intelligent dashboards that surface portfolio-wide insights and exceptions for technical and commercial teams
Deploy generative AI for internal productivity, reporting automation, and routine analytical workflows
Ensure responsible AI governance, data security, and model validation across all use cases

Automated Reporting

Design and deliver automated reporting across board, investor, regulator, lender, and management audiences
Standardise reporting templates and reduce manual effort across monthly, quarterly, and ad-hoc cycles
Build self-service dashboards in Power BI (or equivalent) for portfolio performance, financial consolidation, and ESG metrics
Enable near real-time reporting and analytics across operational, financial, and performance datasets

Microsoft Ecosystem & Platform Architecture

Architect solutions across Microsoft Dynamics 365 / Business Central, Power BI, Power Automate, Power Apps, SharePoint, OneDrive, and Azure Data Services
Design centralised data models spanning SPVs, asset management entities, and O&M operations
Lead API integrations for invoice extraction, financial consolidation, and operational data flows
Implement structured data governance across SharePoint and OneDrive

Proprietary Platform Development & External Collaboration

Act as the internal technical owner of the organisation's proprietary asset management platform — the long-term operational backbone for managing the 1,400+ site portfolio
Lead the relationship with the external development partner on roadmap, delivery, and architectural alignment
Ensure the platform integrates cleanly with the wider Microsoft ecosystem and remains interoperable with third-party platforms
Advise on long-term architectural decisions to avoid vendor lock-in and protect the platform's value as a strategic asset

Cross-Department Engagement & Training

Translate operational needs across departments into structured technical solutions
Host internal workshops and training sessions on data discipline, automation tools, and AI literacy
Develop clear SOPs for system usage and governance
Champion a culture of innovation, automation, and data integrity across the organisation

Requirements

7+ years of experience in automation, data engineering, or enterprise systems architecture
Demonstrable experience mapping and delivering automation across multiple business functions
Hands-on experience deploying AI for operational or analytical use cases, using off-the-shelf LLM tools and/or machine learning libraries
Strong track record building automated reporting and self-service analytics (Power BI or equivalent)
Advanced expertise across the Microsoft ecosystem — Dynamics 365 / Business Central, Power Platform, and Azure
Proven API integration and data pipeline experience
Experience designing enterprise data models and financial consolidation pipelines
Experience working with external technology partners on platform builds

Preferred Experience

Background in infrastructure, renewable energy, utilities, or asset-heavy industries
Exposure to distributed asset portfolios or multi-SPV structures
Generative AI deployment in operational or reporting environments
Experience supporting platform build-outs or digital transformation initiatives
Knowledge of data governance, ISO frameworks, or cybersecurity standards