Job Description

To lead the strategic design, development, simplification , modernization and governance of the bank's enterprise data platforms, ensuring it serves as a robust, scalable, and secure foundation for data-driven decision-making, advanced analytics, AI & agentic initiatives. The role is pivotal in enabling the bank's digital transformation by delivering a modern data architecture that supports real-time insights, multi disciplinary autonomous AI agents, regulatory compliance, and innovation across all business units.
Key functions:

• Define and execute the enterprise data platform strategy in alignment with the bank's digital, agentic and AI roadmap.

• Lead the design and implementation of a modern, cloud-based data architecture (e.g., data lakehouse, data fabric).

• Strategize, lead and execute the data estate simplification agenda and seamlessly decommission the redundant, obsolete and non scalable data platforms and duplicate tooling

• Oversee the integration of structured and unstructured data sources across the enterprise.

• Ensure high availability, scalability, and performance of the data platform.

• Establish and enforce data governance, metadata management, and data lineage practices along side Data Governance unit.

• Collaborate with data science, analytics, and business / OPS teams to enable self-service data access and advanced analytics.

• Drive the adoption of DevOps and DataOps practices for continuous delivery and automation.

• Manage vendor relationships and evaluate emerging technologies for platform enhancement.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal audit standards

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of data engineers, architects, and platform specialists.

• Develop and manage the data platform budget, ensuring cost-effective operations.

• Report on platform performance, adoption/ usage metrics, and value delivery to executive leadership.

• Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement within the data function.

• Represent the bank in industry forums and contribute to thought leadership in data platform strategy.

• Strategic Thinking & Vision Ability to align data platform strategy with business goals, platform-based architecture, data estate modernization and digital transformation initiatives for AI enablement.

• Technical Expertise Deep knowledge of cloud-native data platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP), data lake houses (Data Bricks), data mesh, and real-time data streaming (Confluent Kafka).

• Leadership & Influence Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders.

• Data Governance & Security Strong understanding of data privacy regulations (e.g., UAE Central Bank, GDPR), data quality frameworks, and security best practices.

• Program & Change Management Expertise in managing large-scale data platform programs and driving organizational change.

• Collaboration & Communication Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work across business, IT, and regulatory functions.

• TCO & Operational Efficiency Mindset Proven track record in optimizing TCO for data estate with FINOPS implementation and tooling simplification strategies and execution