AI Lead - Global Engineering & Business Transformation

ABOUT THE ROLE
Due to the continuing success and growth of our team, a fantastic opportunity has opened up at our award-winning Specialist Consultancy, Engineering and Advisory Firm. We are headquartered in London, Riyadh, Singapore and Dubai, Cape Town, Cairo & Sydney, working throughout the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. Our areas of expertise are represented in four core verticals: Building Engineering, Planning and Infrastructure, Strategy and Advisory, and Commissioning, Handover and Asset Management.
The AI Lead will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the company's global artificial intelligence strategy, with a focus on improving operational efficiency, engineering productivity, technical delivery, and business performance. This role involves leading the identification, development, and deployment of AI-driven solutions across engineering disciplines and corporate functions, ensuring that AI becomes an integral part of the company's operations. The AI Lead will work closely with technical leaders, IT, Operations, and Shared Services to identify automation opportunities, develop practical AI solutions, and ensure measurable improvements in productivity, quality, cost efficiency, and project delivery.

QUALIFICATION / EXPERIENCE
Essential:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Artificial Intelligence, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 7–10 years of relevant experience in technology, software development, AI implementation, or digital transformation.
• Demonstrated experience delivering AI solutions and automation projects in a commercial environment.
• Strong knowledge of large language models, generative AI, machine learning, APIs, and workflow automation.
• Experience integrating AI with enterprise applications and business systems.
• Strong project management, stakeholder engagement, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience leading cross-functional technology initiatives.

Preferred:

• Previous experience in an engineering consultancy, construction, architecture, or multidisciplinary professional services organisation.
• Familiarity with BIM, CAD, GIS or engineering design applications.
• Experience with Python, Microsoft Azure AI, cloud platforms, AI agents, and automation frameworks.
• Experience managing internal AI platforms and development teams.
• Understanding of international data protection, cybersecurity, and AI governance requirements.

RESPONSIBILITIES
AI Strategy & Implementation:

• Develop and execute the company's global AI strategy, aligned with business objectives and operational priorities.
• Establish an AI implementation roadmap covering engineering divisions and Shared Services.
• Identify opportunities to automate repetitive processes, reduce manual workloads, and improve operational efficiency.
• Prioritise AI initiatives based on business impact, feasibility, cost savings, and implementation timelines.
• Establish AI governance, development standards, and performance reporting.
• Provide regular progress updates to senior management on AI initiatives, implementation, and measurable benefits.

Engineering AI & Technical Automation:

• Collaborate with engineering teams to identify and implement AI solutions that improve technical workflows.
• Develop and deploy AI tools supporting engineering calculations, design reviews, technical documentation, and quality assurance.
• Explore integration opportunities with engineering software, including Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD, BIM platforms, GIS and other discipline-specific tools.
• Automate engineering deliverables such as technical reports, specifications, schedules, calculations, and design documentation where technically appropriate.
• Support AI-enabled analysis of drawings, project data, technical standards, and engineering information.
• Work with technical specialists to validate AI-generated outputs and ensure compliance with applicable engineering standards.
• Identify opportunities to reduce project delivery hours without compromising technical quality.

Business Process Automation:

• Identify and implement AI automation opportunities across HR, Finance, Procurement, IT, Administration, Marketing, and Work Winning.
• Lead automation of repetitive workflows, data processing, reporting, and document generation.
• Develop AI solutions supporting proposal preparation, scope generation, project documentation, and bid management.
• Integrate AI solutions with existing enterprise systems, including ERP, HRMS, document management, and project management platforms.
• Reduce administrative workload through practical, scalable automation solutions.
• Ensure successful deployment, testing, and ongoing improvement of implemented solutions.

AI Platform Development & Management:

• Lead the development, improvement, and ongoing management of the company's internal AI platform.
• Coordinate with internal developers, IT teams, and external technology partners.
• Evaluate AI models, applications, APIs, and emerging technologies for business suitability.
• Ensure AI solutions meet information security, data protection, and confidentiality requirements.
• Establish appropriate controls over AI access, data usage, output quality, and system performance.
• Oversee system testing, user acceptance, and production deployment.

Performance, Innovation & Continuous Improvement:

• Establish measurable KPIs for all major AI initiatives.
• Track productivity improvements, time savings, adoption, automation performance, and financial benefits.
• Evaluate the return on investment of AI tools and development activities.
• Monitor developments in AI technology and identify opportunities relevant to engineering consultancy.
• Build a prioritised pipeline of new AI projects across the business.
• Work with the AI Training Lead to ensure solutions are successfully adopted by employees.

COMPETENCIES

• Leadership / Management Skills: Overview of management of multiple projects, assuming broader responsibilities in overseeing larger teams and concurrently supporting junior staff in resolving commercial challenges.
• Communication / Collaboration: Provide clear actionable instructions to their teams, deliver feedback effectively, and foster a positive team environment. Play a key role in mediating conflicts and ensuring effective communication among team members and clients.
• Technical Knowledge / Expertise: Guide and mentor team members, oversee projects, and contribute to decision-making processes. Provide support to principal and senior consultants in resolution of complex technical and project issues.
• Creativity / Innovation: Collaborate with other departments and teams to integrate innovation into broader strategies. Actively participate in the creation and implementation of technical innovation to drive efficiencies across the business.
• Client Focus / Relationship Building: Manage multiple Client relationships as key Client Account Manager, generating multiple new work opportunities.
• Strategic Vision / Planning: Work closely with cross-functional teams to gather input for strategy development for their areas of expertise and ensure that initiatives are aligned with the overall strategic vision.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE BASE AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLSET

• Time Management / Planning: Manages priorities to meet the strategic requirements of the organisation. Set priorities in line with departmental objectives. Supports the team in balancing urgent and other activities. Is efficient in how to use the time of self and others.
• Industry Experience / Thought Leadership: Active leadership in industry professional groups and conferences. Industry leader in technical discipline. Preparation of industry research to drive advancements in the industry.
• Project Management / Operational Delivery: Have managed multi-faceted projects valued exceeding ($500k) from inception to completion with a high level of Client feedback. Perform the role of project director for more complex multi-disciplinary projects.
• Leadership / Team Management Experience: Drive training initiatives and continuous technical improvement in the division. Line management of Senior Consultants, Coordinators, and Analysts. Responsible for at least 4 more members of staff. Uphold Core Values.
• Commercial Acumen / Business Development: Independent commercial management of projects, analysing project profitability by comparing costs to revenue generated. Preparation of proposals and seeking and winning new work. Strong understanding of commercials and contracts.
• Problem Solving / Decision Making: Responsible for making decisions that affect their teams and projects. Significant skills in risk assessment, data-driven decision making, and prioritising tasks. They delegate decisions appropriately to their team members.
• Employee Focus / Process Compliance: Individuals adopt a strategic approach to employee-centric experience. Work on initiatives that impact the entire organisation, e.g., designing comprehensive employee benefit programs, diversity and inclusion strategies, and leadership development initiatives.