Head of Data & AI

Job Title: Head of Data & AI

Location: Dubai/Abu Dhabi, UAE

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of Data & AI to lead our organisation's data strategy and AI initiatives. In this role, you will drive innovation, utilise data to deliver business value, and oversee the development of AI solutions to achieve organisational goals. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a strong background in data science, AI, and business leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and implement a data and AI strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Promote data-driven decision-making and evaluate emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge.
• Build and lead a team of data scientists, engineers, and AI specialists.
• Foster collaboration across departments to maximise the impact of data initiatives.
• Ensure data quality, security, and compliance with UAE and international regulations.
• Develop and maintain robust data infrastructure and governance frameworks.
• Drive the creation of AI-powered tools to enhance operations, customer experiences, and business processes.
• Partner with business units to identify and deliver high-impact data and AI projects.
• Communicate progress and outcomes of data and AI initiatives to leadership.
• Represent the organisation at industry events and build external partnerships.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. A PhD is a plus.
• Experience: 10+ years in data science, analytics, or AI, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
• Proven track record of delivering data and AI solutions that drive business outcomes.
• Skills: Expertise in AI (e.g., machine learning, NLP, computer vision) and data tools (e.g., Python, R, SQL).
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Knowledge of the UAE market and data protection regulations is advantageous.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with AI ethics and governance.
• Familiarity with the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and large-scale project delivery.
• Understanding of industry-specific data applications (e.g., finance, healthcare, retail).

Compensation

Competitive salary and benefits, commensurate with experience.