Head of Applied AI

Role Overview

We are looking for a Senior AI leader to build and lead an organisation’s applied artificial intelligence capability. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and embedding enterprise-ready AI solutions across internal operations and client-facing engagements.

Positioned across strategy, product development, and engineering, this role converts business and client requirements into scalable, secure, and commercially viable AI platforms. You will manage a small AI team, collaborate closely with executive leadership on innovation, and partner with client-facing and delivery teams across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and deliver the organisation’s applied AI roadmap, spanning internal tools and external client solutions
• Design and maintain the end-to-end enterprise AI ecosystem, including:
• Large language model integration and orchestration
• Rapid interface and product prototyping tools
• Workflow automation and AI-driven process orchestration
• Secure backend infrastructure, data management, and authentication layers
• Translate strategic, research, communications, and operational needs into robust AI-enabled systems
• Lead the development of internal AI tools supporting insight generation, research, content creation, and knowledge management
• Establish and enforce AI governance frameworks covering data security, model usage, cost control, prompt management, and auditability
• Partner with senior leadership and client teams to shape AI-driven offerings that meet enterprise and public-sector standards
• Ensure AI solutions are production-grade, reliable, scalable, and secure rather than experimental
• Oversee system performance, stability, and long-term maintainability
• Produce clear technical documentation covering architecture, workflows, and design decisions
• Track emerging AI technologies and assess their relevance to future operating models and client propositions

Required Experience & Skills

Essential

• 5–7+ years of relevant professional experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related field
• Proven experience building and deploying applied AI or AI-enabled platforms in live environments
• Strong understanding of large language models, APIs, and AI orchestration approaches
• Experience with cloud-based systems, microservices, and secure data architectures
• Demonstrated ability to lead small technical teams and manage multiple delivery streams
• Strong interest in AI systems and backend development

Desirable

• Experience with enterprise-scale LLM deployments
• Exposure to automation or low-code platforms
• Background in developing AI tools for research, communications, policy, or advisory contexts
• Strong technical writing and architecture communication skills
• Arabic language skills are an advantage but not essential