Director Data Scientist - Analysis

Company Description

As the region’s leading local tech organization, we’re proud to say that we have been delivering for millions of people right across MENA for the past 20 years. Founded in Kuwait in 2004, and acquired by Delivery Hero (DHER) in 2015, we bring a unique combination of local knowledge and global expertise. This allows us to innovate and bring new technologies for the betterment of the MENA region, such as q-commerce, sustainable packaging, cloud kitchens, autonomous delivery vehicles, robots, and drones.

We operate across 9 countries with a team of over 4,500 employees! Our food delivery business collaborates with over 27,000 brands and nearly 50,000 branches. Our q-commerce concept, Talabat Mart (121 Stores), now offers grocery delivery in Bahrain, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the UAE in 30 minutes or less! Talabat is part of the Delivery Hero Group, the world’s leading local delivery platform operating in over 70 countries worldwide.

Job Description: Quick Commerce Data Science Director

The Quick Commerce Data Science Director will play a pivotal role in leading and accelerating growth strategies across multiple dimensions, including marketing optimization and efficiency, growth product initiatives (e.g., churn reduction), ecosystem plays, and ads revenue optimization for Talabat Mart and Quick Commerce. This leadership position requires close collaboration with product teams, senior marketing, and partner growth leadership to drive data-driven decision-making and achieve transformative business growth.

Data Science Responsibilities

Define and execute a comprehensive data strategy that aligns with the company’s goals, leveraging data to drive business decisions and achieve strategic objectives.

Lead cross-functional teams to design and implement innovative data-driven products and analytics insights, delivering measurable impact on business outcomes.

Strategic Leadership and Business Acumen

Demonstrate strategic leadership skills and an understanding of how data science can drive business success. Articulate your vision for your area and align your team’s work with broader organizational goals. Identify emerging trends and technologies that can drive value for the business and incorporate them into your team’s work.

Collaboration and Influence

Work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior executives, product managers, and engineers. Build strong partnerships across the organization, communicate effectively, and influence decision-making. Manage relationships with external partners, such as vendors or academic institutions, and represent the organization in industry events and conferences.

Resource Management

Manage a larger team of data scientists, analysts, and engineers, as well as budgets and resources. Make data-driven decisions about resource allocation, prioritize projects and initiatives, and manage risk effectively. Coach and mentor managers within your team, helping them to develop their skills and grow as leaders.

Strategic Hiring and Talent Development

Recruit and retain top talent within your organization. Work with HR and recruiting teams to develop job descriptions and identify candidates, create onboarding and training programs, and help new hires get up to speed quickly. Develop career paths for your team members, set expectations for their growth, and provide regular feedback and coaching to help them achieve their goals.

Organizational Change Management

Manage organizational change effectively, whether it involves new technologies, processes, or initiatives. Communicate the rationale for change, involve key stakeholders in decision-making, and manage resistance effectively. Develop and implement change management plans that minimize disruption and ensure that your team can adapt to new ways of working.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience in data science, including leadership roles in data science teams or consulting.
• A Ph.D. or Master's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, statistics, data science, or related disciplines.
• Proven experience in leading and managing managers with a demonstrated ability to foster a high-performance team culture.
• Deep and practical knowledge of data science, encompassing statistics, causality, experimentation, and causal inference, as well as modeling expertise.
• A track record of applying these skills and leading teams to design and implement innovative data-driven products and deliver impactful insights.
• Proven business acumen with the ability to navigate complex business landscapes, including familiarity with industry-specific challenges and opportunities.
• Experience in identifying and quantifying the business impact of data-driven initiatives, such as revenue growth, cost savings, and customer retention.
• A strategic mindset with the ability to envision and communicate