Principal Product & AI Delivery Lead (Onsite in Riyadh)- Octopus by RTG

robusta; Riyad Al Khabra; On-site; SAR 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology organization is seeking a Principal Data & AI Delivery Lead in Riyad Al Khabra, Saudi Arabia. This role demands extensive experience in technology and expertise in data platforms and applied AI. The candidate will oversee project execution, lead diverse teams, and ensure alignment with public sector standards. Ideal for professionals with a proven track record in delivering impactful tech solutions. Join us to transform the public sector with innovative digital insights.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in technology with strong expertise in data platforms and applied AI.
• 5+ years leading multi-disciplinary delivery teams in complex or regulated environments.
• Proven record of converting strategy into shipped products or services.

Responsibilities

• Analyze problem statements and define target outcomes.
• Translate policy goals into an executable product strategy.
• Direct high-level data and AI architecture.
• Build delivery plans, resource models, and budgets.
• Ensure privacy, security, data governance, and accessibility.
• Lead Engineers, Data Scientists, and Product Managers.
• Drive alignment with senior officials and partner vendors.
• Define test strategy and evaluate model performance.
• Track benefits, adoption, and operational readiness.
• Identify risks and maintain mitigation plans.

Skills

Product Leadership

Technical Fluency

Delivery Excellence

Communication

People Leadership

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data, or related field

Master’s degree or MBA

Job description

Who we are

Who we are

Octopus by RTG is enabling a key partner organization to grow their tech teams while focusing on AI. We are currently looking for the right pioneers to join the team!

Octopus is proud to be part of the Robusta Technology Group (RTG), a leading tech group. With a decade of experience and a successful track record of delivering over 300 projects across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, RTG has established itself as a preferred employer in the Egyptian market. Octopus and Robusta are building a bridge between Europe and Africa, creating tailored hub solutions to connect companies with top talent across the globe.

Octopus is specialized in rapidly assembling remote & onsite global tech teams that are fully aligned with the culture and practices of a particular brand. By providing tailored hubs to suit its clients’ needs, Octopus gives companies all the advantages of remote work and offshoring without all the negatives.

Role Summary

A highly experienced senior leader with 10+ years in technology, specializing in data and AI. This role combines product management discipline with hands-on delivery leadership. The Principal Data & AI Delivery Lead will be accountable for assessing public sector digital initiatives, shaping execution strategy, aligning stakeholders, and leading cross-functional teams to deliver secure, testable, and measurable outcomes. Prior experience working with ministries or large public organizations is preferred but not required.

Core Responsibilities

• Initiative Assessment : Analyze problem statements, current systems, policy constraints, data readiness, and feasibility. Define target outcomes, KPIs, and success criteria.
• Product & Delivery Strategy : Translate policy goals into an executable product strategy, roadmap, and operating model. Prioritize scope using value, risk, and effort.
• Solution Architecture Oversight : Direct high-level data and AI architecture, integration patterns, and MLOps approach in collaboration with Solution and Data Architects.
• Execution Planning : Build delivery plans, resource models, and budgets. Sequence discovery, build, and pilot phases with clear exit criteria.
• Governance & Compliance : Ensure privacy, security, data governance, and accessibility are embedded by design. Align with national standards and audit requirements.
• Team Leadership : Lead Engineers, Data Scientists, Product Managers, Designers, and QA professionals. Set rituals, remove blockers, coach leads, and raise delivery quality.
• Stakeholder Management : Drive alignment with senior officials and partner vendors. Run steering routines and communicate trade-offs and decisions clearly.
• Testing & Piloting : Define test strategy, run controlled pilots, evaluate model and product performance, and plan scale-up.
• Value Realisation : Track benefits, adoption, and operational readiness. Oversee handover to operations with runbooks and training.
• Risk & Vendor Management : Identify risks early, maintain mitigation plans, and manage SOWs and acceptance criteria with third parties.

Requirements

• 10+ years in technology with strong expertise in data platforms and applied AI.
• 5+ years leading multi-disciplinary delivery teams in complex or regulated environments.
• Proven record of converting strategy into shipped products or services with measurable impact.
• Familiarity with public sector constraints (procurement, compliance, legacy integration) or similar experience in highly regulated industries.
• End-to-end lifecycle ownership from discovery to pilot to scale.

Skills & Competencies

• Product Leadership : Outcome definition, backlog strategy, hypothesis testing, and value tracking.
• Technical Fluency : Data modelling, analytics engineering, ML lifecycle, API design, systems integration.
• Delivery Excellence : Agile at scale, program planning, budgeting, and RAID management.
• Communication : Executive storytelling, clear documentation, and negotiation.
• People Leadership : Coaching, performance management, and culture building.
• Problem-Solving : Structured analysis, prioritization, and decision-making under ambiguity.

Education & Credentials

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data, or related field.
• Master’s degree or MBA is a plus.
• Certificates in cloud, data, or product management are advantageous.