Head of Data Strategy & Analytics | Retail | Corporate | UAE

Robinson & Co (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Dubai; On-site; AED 350,000 - 500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail company in Dubai is seeking a Head of Data Strategy & Analytics to drive innovative data and AI initiatives. This role requires a strategic leader with over 12 years of experience in data transformation, focused on enhancing business performance and customer engagement. The ideal candidate will have strong business acumen and experience in leading cross-functional teams to operationalize data-driven strategies. This position offers an exciting opportunity to lead data modernization and transformation within the retail sector.

Qualifications

• 12–15 years in data strategy, analytics, or transformation roles, with at least 5 in senior leadership.
• Experience in retail or adjacent sectors with complex data ecosystems.
• Proven track record of working with finance, operations, marketing, and technology teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive enterprise-wide data and AI initiatives for business transformation.
• Lead the development of AI-enabled products and services.
• Ensure alignment of data strategies with commercial objectives.

Skills

Strategic Leadership

Business Acumen

Data Governance & Ethics

Stakeholder Engagement

Change Management

AI Literacy & Enablement

Portfolio Oversight

Education

Master's degree in business administration, Data Science, Economics, or related field

Job description

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Head of Data Strategy & Analytics | Retail | Corporate | UAE

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. Our entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enable us 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 every day.

Overview of the role

In a rapidly evolving data and AI landscape, Al-Futtaim Retail is committed to leading transformation across the retail sector by harnessing the strategic power of data and artificial intelligence.

The Chief of Data Strategy & Analytics will be responsible for driving enterprise-wide initiatives that leverage data and AI to enhance business performance, elevate customer engagement, and unlock new growth opportunities.

This role focuses on enabling business transformation by shaping and steering data-driven strategies aligned with Retail Division’s commercial objectives. The Chief will lead the development of AI-enabled products and services, ensuring data becomes a core enabler of innovation, operational excellence, and competitive advantage.

The individual will collaborate with cross-functional teams—including business leaders, marketing, data practitioners, and the Group Technology & Digital Platforms (GTDP) team—to translate strategic priorities into scalable data and AI initiatives. They will ensure that business needs are clearly articulated and solutions designed to deliver measurable impact.

This role also involves engaging with executive leadership, functional heads, external partners, and vendors to foster alignment, drive adoption, and ensure successful delivery of data-led transformation programs.

What you will do :

• Financial Dimensions : The Chief of Data Strategy & Analytics will shape and execute Al-Futtaim Retail’s data and AI strategy to unlock new sources of value. Embedding data and AI capabilities across the business, this role contributes to top-line growth and bottom-line efficiency. Strategic planning and leadership of transformation initiatives will enable:
• Revenue Expansion: Identifying and activating AI-powered opportunities to enhance customer engagement, personalize offerings, and open new service lines.
• Cost Optimization: Streamlining operations, improving decision-making, and automating processes through data intelligence.
• Value Realization: Leveraging data assets to drive measurable business outcomes across sales, leasing, asset management, and customer experience.

This role is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of data and AI initiatives and ensuring their financial impact is tracked, reported, and aligned with broader commercial goals.

Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and execution of a data and AI strategy supporting business growth, operational efficiency, and customer-centric innovation.

Transformation Enablement

Champion data-driven transformation initiatives, embedding data and AI capabilities into core processes, decision-making, and service delivery.

Business Alignment

Work with senior leadership to identify high-impact opportunities where data and AI can deliver measurable outcomes such as revenue growth, cost savings, and risk mitigation.

Portfolio Oversight

Oversee a portfolio of data and AI programs, ensuring alignment with priorities and managing dependencies to deliver value at scale.

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as a bridge between business units and data teams, translating strategic objectives into actionable initiatives and ensuring stakeholder buy-in.

Governance & Ethics

Establish data governance frameworks, ensure compliance, and promote ethical AI use across the organization.

Innovation & Thought Leadership

Stay ahead of industry trends and emerging technologies, providing strategic guidance on leveraging innovations for competitive advantage.

Culture Building

Foster a culture of data literacy, innovation, and continuous improvement, empowering teams to use data strategically.

Required Skills to be successful :

• Strategic Leadership: Ability to define and execute a data and AI strategy aligned with business transformation goals.
• Business Acumen: Deep understanding of retail operations, value drivers, and how data can unlock efficiencies and growth.
• Data Governance & Ethics: Expertise in establishing governance frameworks, ensuring compliance, and promoting ethical AI use.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in translating needs into initiatives and securing buy-in.
• Change Management: Proven ability to lead cultural and operational shifts toward data-driven decision-making.
• AI Literacy & Enablement: Familiarity with AI concepts (LLMs, ML, GenAI) and guiding non-technical teams in adoption.
• Portfolio Oversight: Experience managing a portfolio of data and AI initiatives across multiple units.

What equips you for the role :

• Master’s degree in business administration, Data Science, Economics, or related field.
• Participation in executive data literacy programs and AI strategy workshops is highly valued.
• 12–15 years in data strategy, analytics, or transformation roles, with at least 5 in senior leadership.
• Experience in retail or adjacent sectors with complex data ecosystems.
• Demonstrated success in leading enterprise-wide data modernization or AI-driven transformation programs.
• Proven track record of working with finance, operations, marketing, and technology teams to deliver outcomes.

We’re here to provide excellent service, but your help can ensure a positive candidate experience from start to finish.

Before clicking “apply”: Please read the job description carefully and prepare a personalized CV to enhance visibility. Our Talent Acquisition team members are dedicated to matching talent with opportunities, considering both skills and alignment with our values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence.

We aim to review and respond to every application throughout the process.

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