Principal Data Scientist

1. JOB DETAILS:

Position Title:

Principal Data Scientist

Reports to:

Senior Manager, Analytics

Function:

Analytics

Department:

Property Management

2. POSITION SUMMARY:

Serve as the technical authority within Wasl’s Analytics function, leading the design and deployment of advanced machine learning and AI solutions that drive measurable business impact. Shape the technical direction of data science initiatives, mentor other data scientists, and ensure that our data products meet the highest standards of scalability, robustness, and innovation.

Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, translating strategic objectives into actionable analytical frameworks, and guiding teams in the adoption of modern, production-grade data science practices across the organization.

3. JOB DIMENSIONS:

Number of Staff Supervised

Direct Reports:

N/A

Total Reports:

N/A

4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

Position-Specific Accountabilities

• Data Product Development: Lead the design and implementation of innovative data products and analytics systems that serve as scalable solutions for business needs. Ensure that these systems are robust, user-friendly, and capable of handling evolving business requirements.
• Data Analysis and Modeling: Utilize advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze large datasets, identifying patterns and trends that influence strategic decisions.
• System Integration and Scalability: Build and integrate data science solutions into existing business environments, ensuring seamless functionality and scalability. Focus on creating modular and reusable code that can be adapted as business needs grow.
• Technical Excellence: Uphold the highest standards of data integrity and analytical rigor. Continuously refine methodologies and leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance the functionality and efficiency of data products.
• Strategic Business Insights: Translate complex data findings into strategic insights that propel business objectives. Ensure data products are aligned with key performance indicators and business goals.
• Collaborative Development: Engage with cross-functional teams to ensure that data products are integrated effectively across business processes, enhancing decision-making and operational efficiencies.
• Quality Assurance and Data Reliability: Implement comprehensive quality control measures to maintain the accuracy and reliability of all data outputs and systems.
• Professional Development and Innovation: Maintain a proactive approach to learning and adopting new technologies and methodologies in data science. Foster an environment of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Performance Metrics: Develop metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness and impact of data products on business operations and strategic outcomes.
• Advocacy for Data Governance: Champion stringent data governance practices, working collaboratively with IT, legal, and compliance teams to ensure data handling meets industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Generic Accountabilities

Strategy Planning, Development and/or Contribution

• Contribute to the development and implementation of Wasl’s vision, mission, and short- and long-term strategy to facilitate alignment with the organization’s mandate.
• Support the development and execution of the departmental strategy, ensuring alignment with Wasl’s vision, mission, and corporate objectives to drive transformative outcomes and sustained organizational success.
• Support the translation of the strategy into annual business and operational plans, and define functional targets to ensure alignment with the strategic agenda and priorities of Wasl.

Leadership

• Oversee performance and provide continuous feedback to foster high performance and attainment of organizational goals.
• Manage the effective attainment of departmental objectives through effective leadership to ensure efficient execution of plans, aligning with annual organizational targets, policies, and procedures.

Budgeting and Financial Performance

• Facilitate the consolidation of the department’s annual budget to ensure alignment with the annual business plans and achievement of the organization’s objectives.
• Monitor and review the department’s financial performance regularly against targets, identifying any anticipated cost deviations and additional budget requirements.
• Address areas of unsatisfactory performance and capitalize on potential improvement opportunities to ensure adherence to the annual financial plan and objectives.

Policies, Systems, Processes and Procedures

• Support the development and implementation of departmental policies, systems, processes, and controls, ensuring that activities are conducted in line with relevant procedural and regulatory requirements to maintain optimum business operations.

Reporting

• Ensure the preparation of timeous and accurate departmental reports, meeting organizational requirements in adherence to Wasl’s policies and quality standards.

Working as a Team

• Work constructively as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that values diversity, while ensuring the achievement of Wasl’s goals and objectives.
• Demonstrate well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to effectively consult, collaborate, and liaise with team members on both technical and non-technical issues for the purpose of achieving team objectives and maintaining a positive team environment.

Digital Transformation

• Translate conceptual thinking into tangible business deliverables by offering technical and operational subject matter expertise.
• Play an active role in shaping the future of data and analytics within our organization and making a measurable difference in how Wasl harnesses the power of data for better decision-making.

Innovation, Problem Solving, and Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to the improvement of day-to-day operations, systems, and processes associated with Wasl, fostering enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
• Support the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement of Wasl’s systems, processes, and practices considering international best practices, improvement of business processes and cost optimization.

• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement by focusing on enhancing and streamlining current tools and processes, while also driving the implementation of novel operational methodologies

5. COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Internal

• IT
• Departmental Heads
• Strategic Planning & Analytics team
• Other departments as required

External

• IT Vendors
• Service Providers
• Government and Regulatory Entities
• Other external organizations as required

6. SELECTION CRITERIA:

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience (Essential and Desirable):

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree advanced degree in a relevant field such as Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics or a related field, from a recognized and accredited University.
• Master’s preferred.

Minimum Experience:

• 10+ years of relevant experience, with a strong track record in applied machine learning and data product delivery.
• Demonstrated success leading complex data science initiatives across multiple business areas.
• Proven experience mentoring or technically leading teams.
• Experience working with project management tools like Jira and agile methodologies.

Desirable Experience:

• Previous experience in pricing optimization, marketing analytics, or real estate use cases is a plus.
• Previous experience in BI development is a plus.

Position-Specific Skills (Generic/Technical):

• Exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to validate complex statistical and machine learning models.
• Business acumen with a deep understanding of how data analytics contributes to achieving organizational goals.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to drive adoption of data-driven solutions through user-friendly, intuitive dashboards and interfaces.
• Self-starter with the ability to take ownership of projects and drive them to successful completion.