Practice Head – Data and AI

Through the use of cutting-edge technology, forward thinking human ingenuity and the power of innovation, CODE81 leads the way for truly transformative digital solutions and services. Partnering businesses who seek to shape the future, we fearlessly surge ahead focused on “forever building for tomorrow’s world”. 

Coding a better future
Established in 2023, CODE81 operates autonomously from within the Technology Cluster of Ghobash Group as a highly agile services driven organization, committed to enabling future thinkers. Deeply connected to a rich legacy of credibility and regional business success, our commitment to progress compels us to perpetually move towards the next – the future. It also inspires us to remain agile, constantly adapting to and embracing new ways of thinking, working, partnerships and perspectives. 

We are seeking an experienced Data & AI Lead to spearhead our data and artificial intelligence initiatives. This role will be responsible for leading a team of data scientists, data engineers, and AI specialists to develop advanced AI solutions, leverage big data, and enhance decision-making across the organization. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, engineering, and business units, to drive data-driven strategies and innovations.

• Develop and lead the organization’s data and AI strategy, aligning it with business goals.
• Manage a team of data scientists, data engineers, and AI professionals to deliver high-impact data and AI-driven solutions.
• Oversee the end-to-end AI project lifecycle, from ideation and research to implementation and deployment.
• Stay up to date with the latest trends in AI and data technologies to ensure the organization remains on the cutting edge.
• Advocate for a data-driven culture across the organization, promoting data literacy and AI adoption.
• Design and implement scalable data architectures that enable advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI-driven decision-making.
• Develop and maintain AI models, including machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning models.
• Ensure the integrity, availability, and security of data assets through governance and compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
• Collaborate with IT to ensure data infrastructure (e.g., cloud platforms, databases) supports AI initiatives.
• Work with business units to understand their needs and provide AI-driven insights to solve complex problems.
• Collaborate with product and engineering teams to integrate AI models into products and services, ensuring seamless operations.
• Present data insights and AI model outputs to senior leadership, translating technical results into actionable business strategies.
• Optimize the performance of AI models and ensure their accuracy and efficiency.
• Implement monitoring tools to track AI model performance, addressing issues such as data drift or model bias.
• Conduct periodic reviews of AI models to ensure they are aligned with changing business needs and remain relevant.
• Mentor and develop the skills of team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation.
• Identify training and development opportunities to enhance team members' data and AI expertise.

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in data science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, or related field.
• PhD in a relevant field is a plus.

Skills & Professional Requirements:

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java.
• Strong knowledge of machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Experience in big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark) and working with large datasets.
• Expertise in data modeling, data warehousing, and ETL processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate complex data insights into business actions.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• 7+ years of experience in data science, artificial intelligence, or related fields.
• Proven leadership experience in managing data teams and delivering successful AI projects.
• Hands-on experience with AI technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and predictive analytics.
• Experience with cloud-based platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and data architecture.