Manager AI & Process Automation

Our client is a renowned lifestyle developer and investment firm headquartered in Ras Al Khaimah. The group is dedicated to shaping premier lifestyle communities while expanding its portfolio across hospitality, retail, real estate, and related sectors.

They are seeking an experienced Manager - AI & Process Automation to lead enterprise-wide artificial intelligence and automation initiatives across the group portfolio. Reporting directly to the Chief Investment Officer (CIO), this role will drive digital transformation by implementing cutting-edge AI solutions, including computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), predictive analytics, and robotic process automation. Thus, streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and deliver measurable business value across our portfolio.

This role is based in Ras Al Khaimah and demands a strong on-site presence to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and oversee key deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Roadmap Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive AI and process automation strategy aligned with groups business objectives and priorities.
• Identify high-impact use cases across real estate operations, construction project management, facilities management, hospitality, and corporate functions where AI/automation can drive efficiency, cost reduction, or revenue enhancement.
• Conduct feasibility assessments and ROI analyses for proposed AI initiatives, prioritizing projects with measurable business outcomes.
• Stay current with emerging AI technologies (generative AI, large language models, intelligent document processing) and evaluate their applicability to the organization.

AI Project Delivery & Implementation

• Lead end-to-end delivery of AI/ML projects from ideation through deployment and scaling, ensuring on time, on-budget execution.
• Implement predictive analytics models for forecasting (demand, maintenance, occupancy, cash flow) and decision support.
• Oversee implementation of computer vision solutions (e.g., construction site monitoring, property inspections, safety compliance).
• Deploy natural language processing applications (e.g., contract analysis, customer service automation, document intelligence).
• Roll out robotic process automation (RPA) for back-office functions (finance, HR, procurement, compliance reporting).
• Establish ML Ops practices and governance frameworks for model lifecycle management, monitoring, and continuous improvement.

Technical Leadership & Architecture

• Provide hands-on technical guidance in solution design, model development, and system integration.
• Establish best practices for data engineering, feature engineering, model training, testing, and deployment.
• Ensure AI solutions integrate seamlessly with existing enterprise systems (ERP, CRM, project management, BMS/IoT platforms).
• Architect scalable, secure, and compliant AI infrastructure leveraging cloud platforms and on-premises resources as appropriate.
• Champion data quality, governance, privacy, and ethical AI principles in all implementations.

Business Alignment & Change Management

• Act as primary liaison between technology teams and business units (operations, projects, sales, customer service, finance).
• Translating business process pain points into technical requirements and AI/automation solutions.
• Present business cases, technical concepts, and project updates to senior leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
• Drive user adoption and change management for new AI tools, providing training and ongoing support.
• Measure and communicate the business impact of AI initiatives through clear KPIs and dashboards.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, RPA developers, and business analysts.
• Set clear objectives, foster innovation, and create a collaborative team culture focused on continuous learning.
• Manage relationships with external vendors, technology partners, and consultants.

Governance, Compliance & Risk Management

• Establish governance frameworks for AI solutions covering data privacy (UAE Personal Data Protection Law), security, and compliance.
• Ensure all AI implementations adhere to regulatory requirements relevant to real estate, construction, and corporate operations.
• Implement controls for model risk management, bias detection, explainability, and audit trails.
• Monitor system performance, uptime, and security, addressing issues proactively.

Performance Measurement

• Define KPIs and success metrics for each AI initiative (e.g. efficiency gains, accuracy improvements, cost).
• Continuously monitor and report on the performance and business impact of AI projects to senior management.
• Adjust strategies based on data-driven insights to maximize ROI from AI investments.

Key Qualifications & Requirements

Must Haves

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, Information Technology, or related field
• 5-7 years of hands-on experience managing AI/ML initiatives and automation projects.
• Proven track record implementing enterprise wide digital transformation including AI solutions
• Experience leading technical teams and managing cross-functional projects.
• Real estate & construction domain experience
• Must have professional-level fluency in English

Good to Haves

• Master's degree (MSc, MTech) in AI/ML, Data Science, or Computer Science.
• PMP Certification
• Technical Certification: AI/ML frameworks (TensorFlow or PyTorch) and RPA platforms (UiPath, Automation Anywhere, or Blue Prism)
• Change management certification or training
• Experience presenting to C-suite executives
• Experience with Consulting/Technology Firms