Principal (Director) Data Science Consultant Practice Lead

About the Job:
EPAM is driving digital transformation across the Middle East, expanding our Data Practice in Saudi Arabia to meet the rising demand for cutting-edge Generative AI (Gen AI) and advanced data solutions. We are looking for an experienced Principal (Director) Data Science Consultant Practice Lead with a strong focus on Gen AI applications across industries.
In this role, you will design, deploy, and optimize AI-driven solutions, helping organizations unlock new opportunities and navigate the evolving AI landscape. If you are passionate about leveraging AI to solve complex business challenges and create real impact, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of AI-driven innovation. This role offers exciting opportunities to play a highly visible role in partnership with the wider European data leadership teams to drive growth in the region.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership and strategic direction expertise with clients across industries to define and execute Gen AI strategies that align with their business goals.
• Design and implement innovative AI-driven products, including customer personalization tools, demand forecasting systems, dynamic pricing solutions, and operational automation.
• Lead the development, deployment, and monitoring of Gen AI/ML models with a strong focus on MLOps, operational scalability, and model lifecycle management.
• Leverage Gen AI technologies, including Large Language Models (LLMs) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), to solve industry-specific challenges such as supply chain optimization, risk assessment, predictive maintenance, and enhanced customer engagement.
• Communicate AI strategies, opportunities, and risks effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
• Ensure AI solutions are fair, explainable, and aligned with responsible AI practices.
• Work closely with legal and compliance teams to navigate industry regulations.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging Gen AI technologies, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
• Contribute to pre-sales activities, including client presentations, product demos, and responses to RFPs/RFIs.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field, or extensive relevant work experience.
• Extensive experience in data science leadership roles with demonstrable impact across various industries; experience in IT consulting is highly desirable.
• Ability to drive the development and expansion of the Middle East Practice in partnership with the wider Data leadership teams.
• Expertise in Gen AI, including Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and advanced AI applications.
• Strong understanding of AI/ML tools and platforms such as Azure, AWS, GCP, Databricks, MLFlow, and Streamlit.
• Proficiency in Python and experience with frameworks like Airflow, Plotly Dash, or similar tools.
• Proven track record of implementing responsible AI practices, addressing bias, and ensuring model explainability.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate complex AI concepts into actionable insights for senior business leaders.
• Familiarity with AI regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in pre-sales or supporting sales teams.
• Arabic speaking skills is an advantage.

We Offer:

• General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI)
• Private healthcare and life insurance
• End of service gratuity
• Annual air travel tickets for expatriates
• Corporate Programs including Employee Referral Program with rewards
• Learning and development opportunities including in-house training and coaching, professional certifications, and access to over 22,000 courses on LinkedIn Learning Solutions.
  All benefits and perks are subject to certain eligibility requirements.
  Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  Work Conditions: On-site, Full-time