VP of Data Engineering & Analytics

Role overview

This is a senior leadership opportunity to build and scale a data organization from the ground up for a fast-growing consumer business in Dubai. The role goes beyond standard BI leadership: data is central to the product, and the company is seeking someone who can create a robust data platform, deliver actionable insights, and help open up new commercial value from a distinctive and highly valuable dataset.

You will take ownership of an existing team, strengthen its capabilities, raise the maturity of the platform, and improve the quality, trust, and governance of data across the business. The position calls for a leader who combines strong technical depth with commercial judgment and is comfortable being hands-on when needed.

The ideal candidate has previously built data teams from scratch, knows how to guide an organization from early-stage chaos toward scalable execution, and can influence senior stakeholders while driving measurable business impact.

Key responsibilities

• Set the overall direction for the company’s data function and turn that strategy into execution.
• Design and deliver an AI-ready, modern data platform along with a semantic layer.
• Put in place strong practices for data quality, governance, observability, and consistent metrics.
• Oversee data ingestion, warehousing, and multi-tenant architecture programs.
• Lead BI, analytics, forecasting, and customer-facing data product initiatives.
• Work closely with senior leaders to surface growth opportunities and business insights.
• Grow, coach, and lead a high-performing data team while using AI to improve speed and impact.

Required experience and background

• At least 15 years of experience working with modern data platforms, architecture, SQL, and data modelling.
• Practical experience with contemporary cloud-based data stacks.
• Prior success building and expanding data teams in startup or similarly fast-changing environments.
• Strong capability in data modelling, warehousing, and analytics.
• Ability to turn data work into business outcomes and revenue opportunities.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills and a strong executive presence.
• Proven experience leading and developing high-performing data teams.
• Interest in AI-enabled data platforms and next-generation analytics.

Nice to have

• Experience with predictive analytics, forecasting, churn analysis, and LTV modelling.
• Exposure to SaaS businesses, analytics products, or multi-tenant technology environments.

Work context

This position is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and is a full-time, onsite role. The data function is expected to support both operational excellence and commercial growth, with a strong focus on building scalable capabilities for the future.