Head of Enterprise Data Platforms

Location: Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, ae

Job Description

To lead the strategic design, development, simplification , modernization and governance of the bank’s enterprise data platforms, ensuring it serves as a robust, scalable, and secure foundation for data-driven decision-making, advanced analytics, AI & agentic initiatives. The role is pivotal in enabling the bank’s digital transformation by delivering a modern data architecture that supports real-time insights, multi disciplinary autonomous AI agents,  regulatory compliance, and innovation across all business units.

Key functions:

•Define and execute the enterprise data platform strategy in alignment with the bank’s digital, agentic and AI roadmap.

•Lead the design and implementation of a modern, cloud-based data architecture (e.g., data lakehouse, data fabric).

•Strategize, lead and execute the data estate simplification agenda and seamlessly decommission the redundant, obsolete and non scalable data platforms and duplicate tooling

•Oversee the integration of structured and unstructured data sources across the enterprise.

•Ensure high availability, scalability, and performance of the data platform.

•Establish and enforce data governance, metadata management, and data lineage practices along side Data Governance unit.

•Collaborate with data science, analytics, and business / OPS teams to enable self-service data access and advanced analytics.

•Drive the adoption of DevOps and DataOps practices for continuous delivery and automation.

•Manage vendor relationships and evaluate emerging technologies for platform enhancement.

•Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and internal audit standards

•Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of data engineers, architects, and platform specialists.

•Develop and manage the data platform budget, ensuring cost-effective operations.

•Report on platform performance, adoption/ usage metrics, and value delivery to executive leadership.

•Foster a culture of innovation, agility, and continuous improvement within the data function.

•Represent the bank in industry forums and contribute to thought leadership in data platform strategy.

Qualifications

•Strategic Thinking & Vision Ability to align data platform strategy with business goals, platform-based architecture, data estate modernization and digital transformation initiatives for AI enablement.

•Technical Expertise Deep knowledge of cloud-native data platforms (e.g., Azure, AWS, GCP), data lake houses (Data Bricks), data mesh, and real-time data streaming (Confluent Kafka).

•Leadership & Influence Proven experience in leading cross-functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders.

•Data Governance & Security Strong understanding of data privacy regulations (e.g., UAE Central Bank, GDPR), data quality frameworks, and security best practices.

•Program & Change Management Expertise in managing large-scale data platform programs and driving organizational change.

•Collaboration & Communication Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work across business, IT, and regulatory functions.

•TCO & Operational Efficiency Mindset Proven track record in optimizing TCO for data estate with FINOPS implementation and tooling simplification strategies and execution