Senior Manager - AI and Smart Data

Overview

A prominent insurance company in the region seeks a Senior Manager specializing in AI and Smart Data to lead the development and deployment of data governance, analytics, AI, machine learning, and business intelligence across the organization. This leadership role is instrumental in driving AI initiatives, ensuring data quality, and aligning technology platforms with strategic business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with senior leadership to align AI and data initiatives with measurable business goals.
• Lead the execution of AI and BI roadmaps that support company objectives.
• Manage the AI and data center of excellence and develop innovative AI use cases.
• Oversee predictive and prescriptive analytics model design and deployment.
• Facilitate data democratization by making insights accessible to end-users.
• Transform and analyze structured and unstructured data, including feature engineering for model accuracy.
• Direct the implementation of self-service BI platforms and data visualization tools.
• Supervise development and integration of AI models using Azure and other technologies, ensuring scalability and security.
• Evaluate and deploy AI/ML frameworks, cloud data platforms, and automation solutions.
• Collaborate with InsurTech partners and AI vendors to explore innovative opportunities.
• Define KPIs and monitor ROI for AI and BI initiatives.
• Continuously optimize data pipelines and AI model performance.
• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of data engineers, scientists, and AI professionals.
• Coordinate with business units and cross-functional teams to identify high-impact AI use cases and align efforts.
• Establish and enforce data and AI governance policies to maintain data quality, security, compliance, and ethical AI practices.
• Promote responsible AI adoption and uphold compliance with relevant UAE regulations.
• Drive organizational culture towards informed data-driven decision-making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Over 12 years of experience in AI, data science, or business intelligence, including minimum 5 years in leadership roles within insurance or financial sectors.
• Extensive expertise in data fabric and data mesh frameworks.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, and Java.
• Hands-on experience with machine learning and deep learning frameworks including TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn, XGBoost, and LightGBM.
• Knowledge of large language models and NLP techniques like GPT, BERT, NER, Sentiment Analysis, and OCR.
• Familiarity with MLOps and DevOps tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, MLflow, Airflow, Kubeflow, and CI/CD pipelines for AI.
• Strong background using Azure services including Data Factory, Databricks, Synapse Analytics, Data Lake, SQL Database, Machine Learning, and Cognitive Services.
• Experience with version control systems and collaboration tools like Git and JIRA.
• Competence in databases (SQL, NoSQL) and BI tools such as Power BI, QlikView, and Qlik Sense.
• Proven knowledge in data modeling, master data management, ETL/ELT processes, real-time analytics and data monitoring.
• Sound understanding of data privacy, security, and ethical AI considerations.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate fluently in English at a professional level.

Additional Information

The role requires strong leadership skills to manage a multidisciplinary team and liaise between technical and business stakeholders, ensuring the successful delivery of AI-driven insights and solutions. Responsible AI practices and compliance with UAE-specific legal frameworks are priorities.