Head of AI and Data Science for Operational Excellence | Al-Futtaim Automotive | Finance

Job Requisition ID: 165830 

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
We are looking for a Head of AI and Data Science for Operational Excellence to join our team at Al Futtaim Automotive. This role is pivotal in implementing use cases defined within our Data and AI Strategy and delivering projects for various business stakeholders, including Passenger Vehicles, Business Operations, Aftersales, Logistics, and Industrial Equipment. 

What you will do

• Implement various predictive models such as price elasticity, operational KPIs optimization, predictive maintenance, churn prediction, and anomaly detection
• Deliver at least two use cases each fiscal year that have a P&L impact through increased sales and cost savings
• Create standardized KPI metrics and report on a near real-time basis
• Identify data insights per brand based on historical data and implement counterfactual models
• Foster a data culture within the organization by running workshops, brainstorming sessions, and participating in data enablement initiatives

Required skills to be successful

• Over 10 years of practical experience in predictive and prescriptive modeling within operations or cross-functional domains
• Background in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, or Machine Learning. An MSc degree is preferable
• Hands-on experience with advanced statistics, mathematical modeling, machine learning, optimization techniques, and various neural networks
• Strong technical background and hands-on experience with advanced data science techniques

About the team
You will be leading a team of data science managers and collaborating closely with various departments, including marketing, IT, and customer service. The team is dedicated to delivering high-quality and accurate models to support business stakeholders and resolve their pain points related to data insights and operational optimization.

What equips you for the role

• Proven track record of implementing predictive models and delivering impactful use cases
• Excellent leadership and team management skills
• Ability to foster a data-driven culture and drive data enablement initiatives within the organization
• Proficiency in AI, LLMs, RAGs, and prompt engineering is highly preferable
• Strong problem-solving, presentation, and communication skills
• Ability to derive decisions from statistical metrics, review code, and upskill team members1.
• Team management and mentoring abilities

About Al-Futtaim Automotive
A major division of the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group of companies, Al-Futtaim Automotive is an industry leader with presence in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.
Our core business activities at Al-Futtaim Automotive include distribution, manufacturing, leasing and aftersales, and we are firmly established as the regional representative of some of the world’s most iconic automotive brands: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Volvo and RAM.
We are driven by a customer-centric approach, constantly pushing the boundaries on innovation, quality standards, and value-added service across our vast universe of customers - right from motoring enthusiasts to fleet operators to contractors. Our mission is to become the leader in custom-made mobility solutions by delivering nothing less than world-class omni-channel experiences. 
We channel our local expertise and global trust to deliver one of the most comprehensive portfolios of mobility products and solutions, from passenger cars to SUVs, electric vehicles to high-performance motorbikes, commercial vehicles to industrial & construction equipment.
What keeps the company moving forward is a 9000-member strong team, with inspiring possibilities for growth, throughout the career path. This is Al-Futtaim Automotive and we empower talent to move forward.