Associate Director - Data Science

Dubai Holding; Dubai; On-site; AED 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A global investment company in Dubai is seeking an experienced Associate Director – Data Science to lead AI initiatives. The right candidate will design and deploy machine learning models while guiding a team of data scientists. The role requires 8+ years in data science and proven leadership skills, with a focus on delivering measurable business impact. Join a dynamic environment committed to innovation and technological advancement.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in data science, applied machine learning, or advanced analytics.
• At least 3 years of experience as a people manager or team leader.
• Proven ability to design and deploy machine learning models and AI solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy machine learning models and AI solutions.
• Manage data science roadmap aligned with overall strategy.
• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists.

Skills

Design and develop machine learning models

Data analysis

Team leadership

Agile methodologies

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in a quantitative field

Advanced degrees preferred

Tools

Python

SQL

MySQL

Palantir Foundry

PL/SQL

Job description

Established in 2004, Dubai Holding is a global investment company with investments in more than 34 countries and a combined workforce of nearly 45,000 individuals. In line with the vision of Dubai’s leadership and economic diversification strategy, Dubai Holding companies have nurtured sectors, irrevocably transforming Dubai’s socio-economic landscape and positioning Dubai as a diversified, globally integrated economy.

Dubai Holding is committed to the diversification of Dubai’s non-oil economy. Our portfolio, valued at over AED 280 billion, spans 10 sectors, including real estate, hospitality, leisure & entertainment, ICT, design, education, media, retail, manufacturing & logistics, and science.

For the Good of Tomorrow

Dubai Holding is looking to hire an Associate Director – Data Science reporting to the Executive Director – Data and AI. The role holder will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying the machine learning models and AI solutions that solve business problems. The role demands hands-on technical expertise on data preparation, feature engineering, experimentation, and production deployment, while ensuring models are robust, explainable, and scalable. Additionally, the role holder leads a team of data scientists and works closely with business and other IT teams to ensure AI initiatives deliver practical and measurable impact.

If you are ready to embark on a dynamic journey where your talents are valued, and your contributions make a real impact, we would like to hear from you.

Key Accountabilities:

AI & Analytics Delivery

• Define and manage the data science roadmap in alignment with the overall Data & AI strategy
• Prioritize and oversee the delivery of AI/Data Science projects in collaboration with business owners
• Build appropriate machine learning models and advanced analytics model to deliver business outcomes
• Ensure models and solutions are explainable, scalable, and deliver measurable business outcomes
• Own the IT business case development for use cases and drive top-line or bottom-line impact through advanced analytics
• Oversee the rollout of AI strategy workstreams including technology development and implementation
• Guide and review experiments (e.g., A/B tests) to validate models and hypotheses
• Establish best practices for experimentation, feature engineering, and model monitoring

Use Case Identification:

• Partner with business leaders and product managers to identify, shape, and deliver AI/analytics use cases
• Translate business challenges into AI/analytics use cases that customer growth or operational efficiency
• Jointly own KPIs and performance metrics with business stakeholders
• Partner with product managers to ensure delivery of use cases within defined scope, budget, and timelines
• Oversee end to end project delivery within scope, budget, and schedule
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of data scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and learning
• Promote agile ways of working and ensure effective cross-functional collaboration with engineering, product, and business teams
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and continuous capability building across the team

Quality & Governance:

• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance with data governance standards
• Promote ethical use of AI and responsible model deployment
• Drive continuous improvement of models, processes, and tools

Who we are looking for:

• 8+ years of experience in data science, applied machine learning, or advanced analytics with at least 3 years of experience as a people manager or team leader
• Proven ability to design, develop, and deploy machine learning models and AI solutions

Education / Professional Certifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a quantitative field (Mathematics, Engineering, Statistics, Science, Data Science/ AI)
• Advanced degrees preferred
• Experience in the following databases: MySQL, Microsoft, Palantir Foundry etc.,
• Experience in implementing AI solutions including OCR, Large Language Models, etc.,
• Experience with LLM, GenAI, machine learning, predictive modelling/ algorithms etc.,
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, PL/SQL, Spark and similar languages
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience working in a tech/ product environment (preferred)
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity and driving clarity
• Experience in agile/start-up environments preferred
• Successful track record of leading complex projects is a plus

As much as we would be delighted to entertain all applicants, due to the high volumes of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted within 14 business days.

This job description is not all inclusive. Dubai Holding reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Dubai Holding is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.

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