Data Science Manager - Finance | Al-Futtaim Automotive

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

Job summary

A diversified regional business in Dubai is seeking a Data Science Manager to lead AI and data science initiatives that optimize financial performance and strengthen risk management. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in financial analytics, advanced knowledge of machine learning, and a strong background in statistics. This role offers an opportunity to significantly influence financial decision-making within the organization.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in financial analytics, data science, and machine learning.
• Hands-on expertise in advanced statistics and time series forecasting.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to manage teams.

Responsibilities

• Build and deploy predictive models for financial optimization.
• Collaborate with finance teams to identify data-driven use cases.
• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists.

Skills

Time series forecasting

Regression analysis

Financial risk modelling

Deep learning

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Financial Analytics, Computer Science, or related field

Tools

Python

SQL

Databricks

TensorFlow

Scikit-learn

Job description

Job Requisition ID : 172222

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Overview of the role

As a Data Science Manager(Finance) at Al-Futtaim Automotive, you will lead AI and data science initiatives that optimize financial performance, strengthen risk management, and improve business decision-making. This role focuses on advanced predictive modelling, financial forecasting, and portfolio optimization to create measurable impact across the organization

What you will do

• Build and deploy predictive models for residual value optimization, credit risk scoring, probability of default, and F&I leasing pricing optimization.
• Standardize financial KPIs and risk dashboards using statistical process control and advanced visualization tools.
• Generate financial insights through time series analysis, portfolio optimization, survival analysis, and risk modelling.
• Collaborate with finance and risk teams to identify and prioritize high-potential data-driven use cases.
• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists, ensuring the delivery of scalable machine learning and AI models.

Required skills to be successful

• Advanced expertise in time series forecasting, regression, logistic regression, and random forests.
• Strong skills in survival analysis, neural networks, reinforcement learning, and genetic algorithms.
• Deep knowledge of portfolio optimization, risk modelling, and causal inference techniques.
• Proficiency in deep learning (CNNs, RNNs, LSTMs, Transformers) and advanced pattern recognition.
• Strong understanding of financial regulations and their impact on AI / ML model development.
• Excellent stakeholder management and ability to translate complex financial models into actionable insights.

About the team

You will report to the Head of Financial Data Science and lead a team of Data Scientists and a Data Science Manager. The team operates within the Finance Department, playing a critical role in enhancing financial planning, risk management, and profitability through advanced analytics.

What equips you for the role

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Financial Analytics, Computer Science, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in financial analytics, data science, and machine learning.
• Hands-on expertise in advanced statistics, optimization, causal and Bayesian modelling, time series forecasting, Monte Carlo simulations, graph neural networks, and recommender systems.
• Proficient in Python, SQL, Databricks, and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, ARIMA / SARIMA, Prophet).
• Knowledge of NLP, autoencoders, transformers, NER, computer vision (OpenCV, YOLO), and model explainability (SHAP, LIME).
• Experience with MLOps, Git, and visualization tools (Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly).
• Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to manage teams and deliver business impact.