Data AI Lead

Deeplight is a specialist AI and data consultancy dedicated to transforming the regional corporate landscape through bespoke, high-impact intelligent systems. We combine deep quantitative expertise, cutting-edge cloud architecture, and modern MLOps to engineer secure, scalable, and resilient platforms designed to power enterprise AI and digital solutions at scale.With deep roots across the financial services and retail banking sectors in the UAE, we help major financial institutions bridge the gap between complex digital transformation roadmaps and execution. We don't build temporary fixes—we engineer bulletproof, banking-grade data foundations that enable AI initiatives to perform in production safely and reliably.The OpportunityWe are seeking an executive-ready, highly articulate Data for AI Lead to hold the ultimate mandate for ensuring enterprise data foundations are built specifically for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced analytics use cases across our major banking engagements in Dubai.In this role, you will bridge the gap between raw enterprise data assets and high-value AI capabilities. Operating across Retail Banking Group (RBG) modernizations, mobile banking platforms, and real-time digital customer journeys, you will assess estate-wide AI data readiness, define precise model data requirements, and establish robust responsible AI data governance. Presenting regularly to C-level client stakeholders (CTOs, Chief AI Officers, Risk Committees), you will audit AI delivery claims, challenge unviable timelines, and pinpoint whether project delays stem from data quality or pipeline bottlenecks.What You'll DoDrive AI Data Readiness & Strategy: Audit core banking databases, event streams, and feature stores to evaluate data completeness, latency, and structural readiness for AI model training and inferencing; drive targeted remediation roadmapsAssess AI Use-Case Feasibility: Rigorously evaluate proposed Generative AI, RAG, agentic, and predictive ML use cases—testing data availability, volume, privacy controls, and real-time access feasibility before project investmentDefine Model Data Requirements: Specify exact feature schemas, context architectures, and data pipeline contracts required for specific AI models, ensuring delivery squads build strictly to these requirementsEmbed Responsible AI Data Governance: Establish and enforce frameworks covering data usage rights, consent, PII masking, tokenization, data lineage, bias mitigation, and regional regulatory compliance (such as UAE PDPL and Central Bank rules)Power Mobile & Digital Journeys: Ensure real-time telemetry from mobile apps, internet banking, and digital onboarding flows are ingested, structured, and contextualized for predictive analytics, hyper-personalization, and AI agentsAssure SteerCo Content & Challenge Claims: Review and assure all AI-related content in Steering Committee (SteerCo) packs, challenge unrealistic AI estimates and timelines, and diagnose whether project slippages are data-relatedAs an AI consultancy, our greatest asset is the expertise of our people.While technical mastery is the foundation of what we do, the ability to bridge the gap between complex data science and actionable business value is what defines your success with Deeplight.We're looking for individuals who are not only world-class in their fields of specialism, but also compelling communicators and persuasive advocates for their own skills.You will be the face of our firm, tasked with building trust, articulating the "why" behind your technical decisions, and effectively "selling" your vision to high-level stakeholders.If you thrive on the challenge of presenting cutting-edge solutions as much as you do on building them, you will fit right in.RequirementsWhat We're Looking ForProven Track Record: 10+ years of technology leadership spanning data architecture, data science, or AI platform delivery, with 4+ years leading data foundations or governance for AI/ML initiatives in consultancies or enterprise banksRetail Banking Expertise: Solid background delivering data platforms or AI use cases within Retail Banking (RBG) environmentsDigital Journeys & Mobile Apps: Experience leveraging mobile interaction telemetry and digital customer journey data for real-time AI, personalization, or predictive decisioning enginesAI/ML Data Foundations Mastery: Deep expertise in feature store design, RAG vector embeddings, synthetic data generation, real-time event streaming (Kafka), and data quality monitoring for ML pipelinesExceptional Communication Skills: World-class verbal, written, and visual communication capabilities; adept at translating complex data science concepts into clear executive narrativesSenior Stakeholder Gravitas: Proven ability to present to C-level executives (CTO, Chief AI Officer, Chief Risk Officer), challenge unviable AI hype, and defend governance controls under scrutinyWhat Gives You an EdgeAdvanced Degree: Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Mathematics, or a related quantitative fieldAI & Cloud Certifications: AWS Certified Machine Learning - Specialty, Azure AI Engineer Associate, Databricks Certified ML Professional, or recognized AI Governance/Ethics credentialsGCC / UAE Banking Exposure: Direct experience leading AI data initiatives for major financial institutions in the UAE or GCC regionWhy Deeplight?At Deeplight, you will shape the strategic data foundations that power enterprise AI across the region. You will work alongside world-class technical peers, govern high-impact AI use cases, and serve as the trusted AI data authority to executive client sponsors.BenefitsThe benefits you'll enjoy as part of this role include:Competitive salaryComprehensive 'Gold Level' personal health insurance Individual Visa SponsorshipProfessional development and certification supportSubscription reimbursement relating to your roleOpportunity to work on cutting-edge AI projectsMonthly Employee Incentive programCareer advancement opportunities in a rapidly growing AI companyThis position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI implementation while working with a talented team of professionals at the forefront of technological innovation. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in driving our company's success in delivering transformative AI solutions to our clients.At DeepLight AI, we recognise that diversity drives innovation. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where individuals with different thinking styles can thrive and contribute their unique strengths to our specialised AI and data solutions.Our goal is to ensure our application and interview process is accessible, predictable, and fair for all candidates.If you require any specific adjustments to the application process, or if you require any reasonable adjustments should you be successful in being processed to the interview stage, please do let us know. This information will be kept strictly confidential and will not impact hiring decisions.