Head of AI - Durban at Games Global

What you will do: 

Strategy Development: 

• Conduct thorough analysis of the organization's business objectives, market dynamics, and competitive landscape to inform the development of the AI strategy.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to define clear goals and objectives for AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with overall business strategy. 
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in AI to inform strategy development and ensure competitiveness.
• Develop implementation plans, timelines, and resource requirements for executing the AI strategy, taking into account organizational capabilities and constraints. 

Innovation: 

• Defining and delivering innovative new products and technologies in emerging areas 
• Balance high-level strategy with detailed product requirements and roadmap planning, working closely with customers and engineering 
• Align and motivate others, both within the direct team as well as across the broader organization and cross-functional partners 
• Drive results in a large, cross-functional organization, with excellent communication and collaboration skills 

Team Leadership: 

• Recruit, hire, and onboard top talent in AI, fostering a diverse and inclusive team culture that values collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. 
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and mentorship to team members, empowering them to grow their skills and achieve their full potential.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing among team members, encouraging a culture of openness and trust. 
• Set clear expectations and performance objectives for team members, and provide regular performance evaluations and opportunities for professional development. 

Project Management: 

• Define project scope, objectives, and deliverables for AI projects, in collaboration with stakeholders and project teams. 
• Develop comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets, allocating resources effectively and managing project risks proactively. 
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless execution of AI projects, addressing any issues or roadblocks that arise during implementation. 
• Monitor project progress against milestones and KPIs, and communicate updates and insights to stakeholders regularly. 

Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including executives, department heads, and business units, to understand their needs and priorities related to AI. 
• Facilitate discussions and workshops with stakeholders to identify opportunities for applying AI to solve business challenges and drive innovation.
• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing strategic guidance and recommendations on AI initiatives and investments. 
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization, translating technical concepts into business terms and vice versa. · 

Partnership Management: 

• Identify and evaluate potential AI vendors, research institutions, and technology partners, assessing their capabilities, expertise, and alignment with organizational goals. 
• Negotiate contracts and agreements with external partners, ensuring favorable terms and clear expectations for collaboration. 
• Foster productive relationships with partners through regular communication, collaboration on joint projects, and mutual support. 
• Stay informed about advancements in AI technology and research through participation in industry conferences, workshops, and networking events.

Ethics and Compliance: 

• Establish and enforce ethical guidelines and standards for AI development and deployment, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability. 
• Conduct regular audits and assessments of AI systems to identify and mitigate potential biases, discrimination, and privacy risks. 
• Stay updated on relevant regulations and compliance requirements related to AI, and ensure that AI initiatives adhere to legal and regulatory standards. 
• Educate team members and stakeholders about ethical considerations in AI, promoting a culture of responsible AI use within the organization. ·

Performance Monitoring: 

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the effectiveness and impact of AI solutions on business outcomes. 
• Implement systems and tools for monitoring and tracking AI performance in real-time, collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement. 
• Conduct regular reviews and assessments of AI projects against performance targets, iterating and optimizing solutions as needed to achieve desired results. 
• Communicate performance insights and recommendations to senior leadership and other stakeholders, informing strategic decision-making and resource allocation. 

Training and Development: 

• Develop and implement training programs and workshops to enhance the skills and capabilities of the AI team, covering topics such as machine learning algorithms, data analysis techniques, and programming languages. 
• Encourage team members to pursue certifications, attend conferences, and participate in online courses to stay updated on the latest advancements and trends in AI. 
• Provide opportunities for hands-on learning and experimentation with new AI tools and technologies, fostering a culture of curiosity and innovation. 
• Recognize and reward team members for their contributions to the development and implementation of AI solutions, celebrating successes and fostering a sense of pride and ownership. 

Budget Management: 

• Develop a comprehensive budget for AI initiatives, forecasting resource requirements and allocating funds effectively to support strategic priorities. 
• Monitor expenditures and track spending against budget allocations, identifying areas for cost savings or reallocation of resources as needed. 
• Prepare regular budget reports and financial forecasts for senior leadership, providing transparency and accountability in budget management. 
• Collaborate with finance and accounting teams to ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures, and to optimize financial performance of AI investments. 

Communication and Reporting: 

• Prepare clear and concise reports, presentations, and updates on the progress and outcomes of AI initiatives, tailored to the needs and interests of different stakeholders. 
• Communicate complex technical concepts and findings in a clear and accessible manner, using data visualization and storytelling techniques to engage and inform audiences. 
• Facilitate meetings and discussions with senior leadership and other stakeholders to share insights, gather feedback, and make data-driven decisions. 
• Solicit input and feedback from stakeholders on AI priorities, challenges, and opportunities, fostering a culture of collaboration and transparency in decision-making.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Who are we looking for?

• We are looking for a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and business acumen to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and deliver sustainable results.
• Must have atleast 10 years of experience in Data and AI.
• Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, mathematics, or related field is required
• Technical Expertise is required with a Strong background in AI methodologies, machine learning algorithms, data modeling, and programming languages relevant to AI (e.g., Python, R). 
• Leadership experience required: atleast 5 years of leadership experience with proven ability to lead and inspire teams, with excellent communication, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
• Must be an excellent Project Manager experience in deploying various AI models. Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools, with a track record of successfully delivering complex AI projects on time and within budget.
• Strong Business Acumen is essential: Understanding of business operations, market dynamics, and industry trends, with the ability to translate AI capabilities into tangible business outcomes. 
• Must be a Strategic Thinker with a Visionary mindset. Has the ability to formulate and execute long-term AI strategies that drive competitive advantage and innovation. 
• Familiarity with ethical considerations and regulatory frameworks governing AI applications, with a commitment to responsible AI development and deployment Essential.

Amenable to work onsite in any of our locations

• Cape Town, South Africa
• Durban, South Africa
• Tallinn, Estonia
• Swieqi, Malta
• Douglas, Isle of Man
• Ipswich, UK
• Gibraltar
• USA (remote)
• Industry Certifications in AI is a big plus.