Artificial Intelligence (AI) Business Partner – Shared Services

WSP; Dubai; On-site; AED 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an experienced AI Business Partner – Shared Services to lead strategic transformation through AI, automation and analytics across Finance, HR, Procurement, IT and Legal in the Middle East region.

The role demands a hands-on leader with strong finance transformation experience and the ability to drive outcomes at scale, while aligning with global standards and governance.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in business or finance transformation with delivery accountability.
• Experience in Shared Services/GBS or similar operating models.
• Degree in Finance/Accounting/Business; professional qualification preferred.
• Deep understanding of Finance operations, controls, and performance management.
• Experience delivering capability or learning programmes linked to digital or AI adoption.
• Strong stakeholder management with senior leadership and operational teams.
• Experience in regional roles with global alignment requirements.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver a clear AI-enabled transformation roadmap for Shared Services.
• Translate challenges into high-impact AI use cases aligned to business priorities.
• Build and manage a pipeline of AI initiatives from identification to deployment and scale.
• Ensure regional solutions align with global platforms, governance, and standards.
• Lead end-to-end delivery of AI initiatives—from business case to value realization.
• Drive adoption of Generative AI, RPA, process mining, and advanced analytics across Shared Services.
• Coordinate delivery across multi-country, matrixed environments.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Delivery accountability

AI adoption

Finance transformation

Regional experience

Education

Degree in Finance/Accounting/Business

Professional qualification (CPA/ACCA/CIMA/CFA) preferred

Tools

Power BI

Tableau

ERP (SAP/Oracle)

Job description

WSP Middle East are seeking an experienced AI Business Partner – Shared Services to lead the strategic transformation of core operational functions through the application of AI, automation, and advanced analytics.

This is a senior, delivery-focused role responsible for identifying, prioritising, and implementing AI-driven solutions across Shared Services—including Finance, HR, Procurement, IT, and Legal. The role operates at a regional level, while aligning with global strategies, platforms, and standards to ensure consistency and scalability across WSP.

In parallel, the role will lead the AI capability and learning agenda across the organisation, ensuring that teams across all functions are equipped to adopt and apply AI effectively in their day-to-day work.

This position requires a hands‑on leader with strong finance transformation experience, combined with the ability to operate across multiple functions and drive outcomes at scale.

Responsibilities

Strategic Partnership & Transformation Leadership

• Partner with Shared Services and business unit leadership to define and deliver a clear AI-enabled transformation roadmap.
• Translate operational and functional challenges into structured, high-impact AI use cases aligned to business priorities.
• Build and manage a pipeline of initiatives from identification through to deployment and scale.
• Ensure regional solutions are aligned with global platforms, governance, and technology standards.
• Represent Shared Services within enterprise AI governance and transformation forums.

Finance Transformation & Intelligent Operations

• Lead the application of AI across core Finance processes.
• Drive improvements through AI-led automation, predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and intelligent workflows.
• Enable a transition towards forward‑looking, insight‑driven finance operations, reducing dependency on manual processes.
• Ensure all initiatives are aligned with audit, compliance, and internal control requirements.
• Embed value tracking and performance discipline across all Finance-focused initiatives.

AI Capability & Learning Enablement

• Lead the development and rollout of AI capability programmes across WSP Middle East, delivered through Shared Services and applied across all business units.
• Develop role‑based learning pathways that move beyond awareness into practical application and adoption.
• Create toolkits, guidance, and enablement frameworks that embed AI into everyday workflows.
• Establish communities of practice and champion networks to drive sustained capability growth.
• Integrate AI learning into onboarding, development, and performance frameworks.
• Track adoption, capability uplift, and business impact, continuously refining the approach.

AI Delivery & Implementation

• Lead end-to-end delivery of AI initiatives—from business case through to deployment and value realisation.
• Drive adoption of Generative AI, RPA, process mining, intelligent document processing, and advanced analytics across Shared Services.
• Ensure solutions are scalable, secure, and aligned with enterprise architecture and data standards.
• Coordinate delivery across multi-country, matrixed environments, balancing local needs with global alignment.

Change Management & Adoption

• Ensure strong adoption of AI solutions through structured change and engagement approaches.
• Lead communication strategies, stakeholder alignment, and behavioural change initiatives.
• Build organisational confidence in AI as a practical enabler of day-to-day work.

Governance, Risk & Performance

• Establish governance aligned with Finance, Audit, and Shared Services requirements.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy, regulatory, and intellectual property standards.
• Define and track KPIs, benefits realisation, and programme performance.
• Deliver clear, executive-level reporting on outcomes and progress.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years’ experience in business or finance transformation, with clear delivery accountability.
• Strong track record in Finance transformation, including implementation of AI, automation, or data-driven solutions.
• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related discipline; professional qualification (CPA, ACCA, CIMA, CFA) preferred.
• Deep understanding of Finance operations, controls, and performance management.
• Experience working within Shared Services, GBS, or similar operating models.
• Experience delivering capability or learning programmes linked to digital or AI adoption.
• Strong stakeholder management, with the ability to engage senior leadership and operational teams.
• Experience working in regional roles with global alignment requirements.
• Hands‑on approach with accountability for delivery, adoption, and outcomes.
• Experience with AI and automation platforms (e.g. Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, UiPath or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of data and analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• Exposure to process mining and workflow optimisation tools.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
• Understanding of data governance, security, and compliance within Finance environments.
• Background in a professional services, engineering, or consulting environment.
• Exposure to AI applications across HR, Procurement, IT, or Legal functions.
• Familiarity with Middle East operating environments.
• Experience in operating model or Shared Services transformation.

Technical Capability

• Experience with AI and automation platforms (e.g. Microsoft Copilot, Power Automate, UiPath or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of data and analytics tools (Power BI, Tableau).
• Exposure to process mining and workflow optimisation tools.
• Knowledge of ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or equivalent).
• Understanding of data governance, security, and compliance within Finance environments.

Desirable Experience

• Background in a professional services, engineering, or consulting environment.
• Exposure to AI applications across HR, Procurement, IT, or Legal functions.
• Familiarity with Middle East operating environments.
• Experience in operating model or Shared Services transformation.

Why Join WSP

WSP is a leading global professional services firm, delivering advisory, design, and engineering solutions across the built environment. This role offers the opportunity to shape how AI is applied across core business operations, improving efficiency, strengthening decision‑making, and building long‑term organisational capability across the region.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can. Apply today.