Lead Data Scientist

📌 Abu Dhabi, fully on site

We’re looking for a Lead Data Scientist to drive innovation, guide technical excellence, and lead the development of cutting-edge AI and machine learning solutions.

In this role you will oversee a team of talented data scientists, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, and act as a trusted technical advisor for clients and executive stakeholders. Your work will directly shape strategic decision-making and deliver real business impact.

💼 What You’ll Do

• Lead end-to-end design, development, and deployment of advanced ML models and AI systems for client projects.
• Define model architectures, establish best practices, and ensure high-quality code and strong MLOps governance.
• Identify new opportunities to apply data science in client engagements and evaluate feasibility and impact.
• Serve as a technical advisor to clients and executives, translating complex concepts into clear business insights.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with strategic business objectives.
• Coordinate cross-functional efforts across engineering, product, and business teams for smooth project delivery.
• Mentor and coach junior and senior data scientists on methodologies, code quality, and professional development.

🔍 What You Bring:

• 8+ years of experience in data science.
• 3+ years in a leadership or senior role.
• Strong background in AI consulting, leading projects and teams across industries such as oil & gas, telecom, healthcare, construction, finance, banking, technology, real estate, and media.
• Expertise in strategic project management, MLOps, and coaching data scientists in high-impact consulting environments.
• Strong experience working in Agile/Scrum settings and managing cross-functional coordination.
• Prior pre-sales experience: proposal writing, estimations, and risk registers.

• Recognized contributions to open source, research, conferences, or leadership within analytics communities (highly valued).