Manager AI & Process Automation

Our client is a family office 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