We are looking for a seasoned Director - Data & AI Delivery to lead large-scale data and AI transformation programs for our client. This is a senior leadership role that sits at the intersection of technology delivery, client management, and business strategy. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of delivering complex data engineering, analytics, and AI/ML initiatives on Azure and Databricks environments, while managing cross-functional teams and senior stakeholder relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

Delivery Leadership:

- Own end-to-end delivery of Data & AI programs across multiple client engagements, ensuring on-time, on-budget, and high-quality outcomes

- Define and govern delivery frameworks, project plans, risk registers, and escalation protocols

- Drive Agile/Scrum or hybrid delivery methodologies across distributed teams

- Conduct regular program reviews with internal and client leadership, proactively flagging risks and mitigation plans

Technical Oversight:

- Provide architectural guidance and hands-on oversight across Azure Data Services (Azure Data Factory, Azure Synapse, Azure Data Lake), Azure Analytics, and Databricks

- Review and validate data engineering pipelines, cloud architecture designs, data platform builds, and AI/ML model deployments

- Ensure best practices in data governance, data quality, security, and compliance are embedded in all deliverables

- Stay current on emerging technologies in AI, GenAI, and cloud data platforms and bring relevant innovations to client solutions

Stakeholder & Client Management:

- Act as the primary point of contact for senior client stakeholders (CTO, CDO, VP level)

- Build and sustain trusted advisor relationships, identifying opportunities for account growth and expansion

- Translate complex technical solutions into business impact narratives for executive audiences

Team Building & People Leadership:

- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of data engineers, architects, analysts, and AI/ML practitioners

- Define team structure, hiring plans, and capability roadmaps

- Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and delivery excellence

Pre-Sales & Solutioning Support:

- Collaborate with sales and practice teams on proposals, RFP responses, and solution design

- Contribute to effort estimation, resource planning, and commercial structuring for new opportunities

Must-Have Skills:

- 15+ years of experience in data & analytics, with at least 4-5 years in a delivery leadership or program management role

- Deep hands-on expertise in Azure Data Services, Azure Analytics, and/or Databricks

- Strong understanding of data engineering, cloud architecture, data platforms, AI/ML model lifecycle

- Proven experience managing large, cross-functional delivery teams (onshore + offshore)

- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Good to Have:

- Experience in consulting or professional services environment

- Exposure to GenAI, LLMs, or MLOps frameworks

- Certifications in Azure (DP-203, AZ-305) or Databricks

Why This Role?

- High-visibility leadership role with direct client impact

- Work across cutting-edge Data & AI technologies

- Hybrid flexibility - remote from India or onsite in Dubai

- Competitive compensation for the right candidate