Project Leader - Advanced analytics and decisioning

Location: Dubai, UAERole DescriptionSutra Management is an analytics and AI driven advisory firm that leverages data, analytics and AI to help businesses improve performance. We are looking for a Senior Consultant – Project / Program Leader to lead and manage strategic Analytics and AI engagements.The role requires a strong combination of working knowledge of analytics solutions and technology, banking domain knowledge, consulting experience, program management and client leadership. The individual will be responsible for driving the program end-to-end, ensuring effective prioritization, delivery governance, stakeholder management and execution of multiple analytics and AI initiatives.Lead the day-to-day management and governance of the project, ensuring delivery of multiple analytics, data science and AI workstreams against agreed timelines and priorities.Act as the primary interface between Sutra, client business stakeholders and delivery teams, ensuring alignment on priorities, expectations, dependencies and outcomes.Translate business priorities into structured analytics / AI initiatives, working with Data Scientists, Analysts and technology teams to define scope, approach, milestones and deliverables.Drive program planning, workstream tracking, resource allocation, dependency management, risk / issue resolution and overall delivery governance.Independently manage client discussions, steering meetings and working sessions; prepare and deliver senior management / executive-level presentations.Ensure quality and completeness of deliverables through effective reviews, challenge and structured problem solving.Work closely with analytics teams to understand models, methodologies and outputs sufficiently to challenge assumptions, identify gaps and connect analytical outcomes to business objectives.Proactively identify opportunities to expand the program, identify new use cases and create additional business value for the client.Identify and resolve business, analytical, operational and delivery issues with minimal escalation.Contribute to proposals, solutioning and development of new analytics / AI opportunities with banking clients.Manage and mentor team members, establish clear ownership and accountability, and foster a high-performance, delivery-oriented team culture.Skill Set7+ years of experience in consulting, analytics, banking or related professional services, with significant experience in program / project management and client-facing delivery.Prior experience working with banks / financial institutions, preferably in the UAE / GCC is a plus.Strong understanding of banking business processes, products and analytics use cases, with exposure to areas such as credit, risk, customer analytics, fraud, AML, collections or financial crime preferred.Proven experience managing multiple workstreams / projects simultaneously, with strong ownership of timelines, dependencies, risks and deliverables.Excellent client communication, stakeholder management and executive presentation skills.Strong problem-solving ability with the confidence to independently navigate ambiguous and unstructured business problems.Ability to work effectively with Data Scientists, Analysts, Technology teams and business stakeholders and bridge business requirements with analytical solutions.Strong people management and team leadership skills, with demonstrated ability to drive accountability and delivery.Prior experience in a management consulting / advisory environment is strongly preferred.MBA or equivalent qualification from a reputed institution preferred.Willingness to travel within the GCC / client locations as required.Key capabilities: Banking Domain | Consulting | Program Management | Client Leadership | Analytics / AI Understanding | Stakeholder Management | Team Leadership | Problem Solving | Business Value Delivery