Summary
wasl Asset Management Group is hiring a Principal Data Scientist for its Property Management department in Dubai. The role leads the design and deployment of machine learning, AI, statistical modelling, and predictive analytics solutions, and translates business priorities into scalable data products and recommendations. It also establishes technical standards, supports data governance and model quality, and provides technical guidance and mentorship to analytics professionals. Applicants should have a relevant bachelor’s degree, 7–10 years of relevant experience, and advanced skills in Python, R, SQL, or comparable tools.
The posting
As published on wasl.ae. Pulled from the employer's site and shown as they wrote it.
JOB DETAILS
Position Title: Principal Data Scientist
Reports to: Head – PM Strategy Hub
Department: Property Management
POSITION SUMMARY
The Principal Data Scientist serves as the technical authority for advanced analytics and data science within Property Management, leading the design and deployment of machine learning, AI, and predictive analytics solutions that deliver measurable business value. The role translates strategic business priorities into scalable data products, establishes robust analytical practices, and provides technical leadership and mentorship to data science practitioners across key initiatives.
JOB DIMENSIONS
Number of Staff Supervised
Direct Reports: 0
Total Reports: 0
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Key Accountabilities
- Lead the design, development, validation, and deployment of advanced machine learning, AI, statistical, and predictive analytics solutions.
- Develop scalable data products that address Property Management priorities and support operational and strategic decision-making.
- Translate complex business requirements into analytical frameworks, models, and measurable data science solutions.
- Establish technical standards for model development, validation, coding, documentation, and analytical quality.
- Analyze large and complex datasets to identify patterns, trends, risks, opportunities, and business drivers.
- Integrate analytical models and data products into business processes and existing technology environments.
- Develop reusable, modular, and production-grade analytical code to support scalability and long-term maintainability.
- Translate analytical outputs into clear business insights and recommendations for senior stakeholders.
- Define and monitor KPIs to measure the performance, adoption, and business impact of data products.
- Implement appropriate data and model quality controls to ensure accuracy, reliability, and consistency of analytical outputs.
- Partner with IT, business teams, and other stakeholders to ensure effective deployment and adoption of analytics solutions.
- Champion appropriate data governance, security, privacy, and regulatory requirements in collaboration with IT, Legal, and Compliance.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to data scientists and analytics professionals without formal people-management responsibility.
- Evaluate emerging AI, machine learning, and analytics technologies and recommend opportunities for practical application within Property Management.
- Support continuous improvement of analytics methodologies, tools, processes, and delivery practices.
KEY TECHNICAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Skill
Description
Proficiency Level
Statistical Analysis & Modelling
Design and validate advanced statistical, machine learning, and AI models for complex business applications.
Advanced
Forecasting & Predictive Analytics
Develop and oversee predictive models and forecasts to support planning and decision-making.
Advanced
Data Tools & Programming
Establish high-quality coding practices and develop scalable solutions using Python, R, SQL, and related technologies.
Advanced
Business Insight Generation
Translate complex analytical findings into strategic, commercially relevant recommendations.
Advanced
Data Collection & Cleaning
Define data preparation, validation, and quality standards for analytical solutions.
Advanced
Data Visualization
Design effective approaches for communicating complex insights to business and senior stakeholders.
Advanced
Survey & Experimental Design
Apply experimentation and testing methodologies to validate analytical hypotheses and business interventions.
Intermediate
COMMUNICATIONS & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Internal: Head – PM Strategy Hub, Property Management leadership, IT, Strategic Planning and Analytics, Finance, Asset Management, and other business functions as required.
External: Technology and analytics vendors, service providers, specialist consultants, and other external organizations as required.
WORK SETTING & DECISION AUTHORITY
- Operates as a senior individual functional expert responsible for technically complex and high-impact data science initiatives.
- Exercises significant professional judgment in selecting analytical approaches, methodologies, model architectures, and technical solutions.
- Provides technical recommendations that influence Property Management strategy, operational decisions, and analytics practices.
- Leads complex data science projects and provides technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams without formal line-management responsibility.
- Escalates significant data, technology, governance, or business risks to the Head – PM Strategy Hub.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- No direct budget ownership.
- Supports evaluation of analytics technology, vendor, and solution requirements to ensure appropriate business value and cost effectiveness.
- Contributes to measurable financial and operational benefits through data-driven optimization, forecasting, and decision support.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
- Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
- 7–10 years of relevant data science and advanced analytics experience, including 3–5 years in a senior technical leadership or managerial capacity.
- Strong track record in applied machine learning, predictive analytics, statistical modelling, and delivery of production-grade data products.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex data science initiatives across multiple business areas.
- Advanced proficiency in Python, R, SQL, or comparable analytical and programming technologies.
- Strong understanding of model validation, data quality, scalability, and integration of analytics solutions into business environments.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to translate business problems into analytical solutions and measurable outcomes.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
- Experience providing technical leadership, coaching, or mentorship to data science professionals.
Desirable
- Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, or a related discipline.
- Experience in real estate, property management, asset management, pricing optimization, or marketing analytics.
- Experience with business intelligence and visualization platforms.
- Experience with Agile delivery methodologies and project management tools such as Jira.
- Exposure to cloud analytics, machine learning platforms, MLOps, or generative AI solutions.