Data Science Manager - Operations | Al-Futtaim Automotive

Job Requisition ID: 172221

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail and healthcare; employing more than 35,000 employees across more than 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa, Al-Futtaim Group partners with over 200 of the world's most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enables the organization to continue to grow and expand; responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate.

By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration and integrity; Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers each and every day

Overview Of The Role

As a Data Science Manager (Operations) at Al-Futtaim Automotive, you will lead AI and advanced analytics initiatives that transform operational performance across the business. This role focuses on predictive modelling, anomaly detection, and process optimization to drive efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction

What You Will Do

• Build and deploy predictive models for price elasticity, predictive maintenance, churn prediction, and anomaly detection in parts utilization.
• Standardize operational KPIs and real-time reporting systems across brands using statistical process control and advanced visualization techniques.
• Deliver actionable insights on sales and operational performance using causal inference, A/B testing, and counterfactual models.
• Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to identify new use cases, define business cases, and prioritize high-impact initiatives.
• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists, ensuring robust MLOps practices and scalable model deployment
  
  

Required Skills To Be Successful

• Expertise in time series analysis, regression, and survival analysis for price elasticity and churn prediction.
• Proficiency in IoT data analysis, predictive maintenance algorithms, and unsupervised learning techniques for anomaly detection.
• Strong knowledge of causal inference, A/B testing, counterfactual modelling, and optimization algorithms.
• Familiarity with deep learning frameworks and pattern recognition for complex operational data.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to turn complex data insights into operational improvements
  
  

About The Team

You will report to the Head of AI and Data Science for Operational Excellence and lead a team of Data Scientists and a Data Science Manager. The team works within the Finance Department, playing a key role in improving efficiency, reducing risk, and unlocking value across all operational functions

What Equips You For The Role

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in data science, operations analytics, or AI-driven business transformation.
• Hands-on expertise with advanced statistics, optimization, survival analysis, causal and Bayesian modelling, time series forecasting, graph neural networks, and recommender systems.
• Proficient in Python, SQL, Databricks, and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, ARIMA/SARIMA, Prophet).
• Knowledge of NLP, transformers, autoencoders, NER, computer vision (OpenCV, YOLO), and model explainability (SHAP, LIME).
• Experience with MLOps, Git, and visualization tools (Matplotlib, Seaborn, Plotly).
• Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills.
  
  

About Al-Futtaim Automotive

A major division of the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group of companies, Al-Futtaim Automotive is an industry leader with presence in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Our core business activities at Al-Futtaim Automotive include distribution, manufacturing, leasing and aftersales, and we are firmly established as the regional representative of some of the world’s most iconic automotive brands: Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Volvo and RAM.

We are driven by a customer-centric approach, constantly pushing the boundaries on innovation, quality standards, and value-added service across our vast universe of customers - right from motoring enthusiasts to fleet operators to contractors. Our mission is to become the leader in custom-made mobility solutions by delivering nothing less than world-class omni-channel experiences.

We channel our local expertise and global trust to deliver one of the most comprehensive portfolios of mobility products and solutions, from passenger cars to SUVs, electric vehicles to high-performance motorbikes, commercial vehicles to industrial & construction equipment.

What keeps the company moving forward is a 9000-member strong team, with inspiring possibilities for growth, throughout the career path. This is Al-Futtaim Automotive and we empower talent to move forward.