Head of Data Science & Asset Risk

Job Requisition ID: 178944

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:

• The Head of Data Science & Asset Risk holds a pivotal role within Al-Futtaim's financial services division, responsible for overseeing analytics, forecasting, and risk intelligence. The key purpose is to optimize the company’s automotive and financial services portfolio using data-driven insights. This role combines financial control, risk management, and analytics leadership to support executive and board-level decision-making. Key responsibilities include maintaining market indices and price curves, defining asset risk frameworks, providing risk-driven inputs to capital planning, and acting as the technical authority on asset valuation and risk. Success is measured by the ability to turn data and AI into explainable, regulator-ready financial outcomes and to influence strategic decisions that impact P&L, balance sheet, and return on assets.The position operates at the intersection of CFO-level financial control, CRO-level risk management and CDO-level analytics leadership, supporting executive and Board decision-making across the group.

What You Will Do:

• Own end-to-end analytics, forecasting, and risk intelligence for the automotive and financial services portfolio.
• Turn data, AI, and market intelligence into financial outcomes that drive pricing, leasing, provisioning, capital allocation, and portfolio strategy.
• Maintain authoritative market indices, price curves, and forward-looking scenarios for all brands, powertrains, and segments.
• Define and enforce the Asset Risk Framework covering market risk, EV transition risk, concentration risk, and volatility.
• Provide risk-driven inputs to IFRS9, provisions, ECL, and capital planning.
• Ensure all models are auditable, explainable, and regulator-ready.
• Act as the single source of truth for portfolio value, forward price risk, stress scenarios, and financial impact of market movements.
• Chair the Residual Value & Risk Committees and translate complex analytics into clear financial actions for CFO, CRO, and Executive Management.
• Influence vehicle pricing and lease structures, portfolio profitability and risk appetite, provisioning and capital allocation, OEM negotiations, and product launches.
• Own the AI-driven asset intelligence platform including data pipelines, forecasting, valuation, and risk models.
• Lead a senior team of Data Scientists and Analytics specialists.

Required Skills To Be Successful:

• Advanced expertise in data science and statistical analysis.
• Proficient in risk management and financial modelling.
• Strong leadership and team management capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills for executive-level reporting and committee participation.

What Qualifies You For The Role:

• 10+ years of experience in statistics, data science, risk management, pricing, forecasting, or financial modelling.
• Experience in automotive, asset finance, banking, insurance, or management of large portfolios.
• Demonstrated ownership of models