Senior Manager – AI

Adecco Portugal; Umm Al Quwain; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Adecco Portugal seeks an AI leader to establish and run the enterprise AI function, shaping strategy and translating AI opportunities into measurable business outcomes. You will work with the CEO and executives to drive AI adoption and create value across the organization.

Leading strategic change, you will oversee AI platforms, governance, and funding, prioritise use cases, and report progress and risks to top management. This role is based in the UAE region with global collaboration.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading enterprise AI strategy, technology transformation and cross-functional programmes.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience, with the ability to influence senior executives and align multidisciplinary teams.
• 5+ years of AI experience within information-intensive industries or digitally advanced enterprises.
• Demonstrated experience delivering AI/ML or advanced data science solutions from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of AI use cases, data engineering, AI platforms and model lifecycle management.
• Experience managing investment portfolios, budgets and measuring business value.
• Ability to connect technical capabilities with commercial priorities and organisational change.
• Exposure to responsible AI governance, audit, risk or compliance processes is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an enterprise AI strategy aligned with business priorities.
• Establish the AI unit, including team structure, resources, operating model and delivery capabilities.
• Identify, prioritise and deliver 5-7 AI use cases annually, ensuring successful deployment, adoption and measurable value.
• Oversee the development and integration of AI solutions, platforms and supporting data capabilities.
• Chair the AI governance board and establish responsible AI policies covering privacy, explainability, fairness, security and compliance.
• Manage the AI portfolio, budgets and resource allocation, tracking business impact and ROI.
• Guide technology selection and build, buy or partner decisions.
• Collaborate with business leaders, technology teams, vendors, research institutions and external stakeholders.
• Lead AI literacy, change management and enterprise adoption initiatives.
• Provide senior management with clear reporting on progress, performance, risks and outcomes.

Skills

Enterprise AI strategy

Leadership & influence

Cross-functional program management

ROI measurement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field

Tools

AI platforms

Job description

We are seeking an experienced AI leader to establish and lead the enterprise AI function, shape its strategy and translate AI opportunities into measurable business outcomes.

This role combines strategic leadership, technical oversight and organizational transformation, working closely with the CEO and senior executives to drive AI adoption across the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an enterprise AI strategy aligned with business priorities.
• Establish the AI unit, including team structure, resources, operating model and delivery capabilities.
• Identify, prioritise and deliver 5-7 AI use cases annually, ensuring successful deployment, adoption and measurable value.
• Oversee the development and integration of AI solutions, platforms and supporting data capabilities.
• Chair the AI governance board and establish responsible AI policies covering privacy, explainability, fairness, security and compliance.
• Manage the AI portfolio, budgets and resource allocation, tracking business impact and ROI.
• Guide technology selection and build, buy or partner decisions.
• Collaborate with business leaders, technology teams, vendors, research institutions and external stakeholders.
• Lead AI literacy, change management and enterprise adoption initiatives.
• Provide senior management with clear reporting on progress, performance, risks and outcomes.

Experience & Skills

• Proven experience leading enterprise AI strategy, technology transformation and cross-functional programmes.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience, with the ability to influence senior executives and align multidisciplinary teams.
• 5+ years of AI experience within information-intensive industries or digitally advanced enterprises.
• Demonstrated experience delivering AI/ML or advanced data science solutions from concept through production.
• Strong understanding of AI use cases, data engineering, AI platforms and model lifecycle management.
• Experience managing investment portfolios, budgets and measuring business value.
• Ability to connect technical capabilities with commercial priorities and organisational change.
• Exposure to responsible AI governance, audit, risk or compliance processes is an advantage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics or a related field.
• Professional certifications in AI, Business Intelligence or Data Management are preferred.