Director Of Data

About HALA

HALA is a pioneering fintech organization in the MENAP region, dedicated to transforming financial services and shaping the future of banking for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Our mission is to empower SMEs by providing them with innovative financial and technological solutions that enable them to launch, manage, and expand their businesses seamlessly. Through our advanced platforms, HALA offers merchants the tools to digitize payments, streamline sales, and optimize operations. With a presence across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt—including entities such as HALA Payments and HALA Logistics—we are committed to driving digital transformation in the financial ecosystem. Founded in 2017 and licensed by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank, HALA is at the forefront of redefining financial services in the region.

Key Responsibilities

As the Director of Data, you will play a pivotal role in shaping HALA’s data-driven future by leading the development and execution of our enterprise data strategy. Your responsibilities will include:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a robust data strategy that aligns with HALA’s business objectives and digital transformation roadmap, ensuring data initiatives drive measurable value across the organization.
• Data Ecosystem Development: Establish a modern, scalable, and secure data ecosystem that supports analytics, artificial intelligence, reporting, and informed decision-making across all levels of the organization.
• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams in Data Engineering, Business Intelligence (BI), Analytics, and Data Governance, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Data Infrastructure Oversight: Oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise data platforms, including data warehouses and data lakes, to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the business.
• Data Integration & Automation: Ensure the reliability and efficiency of data pipelines that integrate critical systems such as payment platforms, merchant solutions, financial systems, CRM, and operational applications, with a focus on automation, scalability, and performance.
• Collaboration with Engineering: Work closely with the Engineering team to establish and enforce enterprise data architecture standards, ensuring alignment with HALA’s technological vision.
• Executive Reporting: Deliver high-impact executive dashboards and KPI reports to senior management and Board Committees, providing actionable insights to drive strategic decisions.
• Data Governance & Quality: Establish and enforce enterprise-wide data governance policies, standards, and ownership models. Define and implement data quality controls, metadata management, master data management, and lifecycle processes to ensure data accuracy, completeness, consistency, and integrity across all systems.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all data management practices adhere to stringent regulatory requirements, including SAMA regulations, NCA Cybersecurity Controls, and the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL), as well as HALA’s internal security and governance standards.

Qualifications & Skills

To excel in this role, you will bring the following qualifications and competencies to HALA:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related field. Alternatively, equivalent years of relevant experience may be considered.
• Experience:
  • 8-10 years of progressive experience in Data Engineering, Analytics, Business Intelligence, or Data Management.
  • 5+ years in a leadership role managing enterprise data teams, with a proven track record of delivering data-driven solutions in a fast-paced environment.
  • Prior experience in fintech, banking, or financial services is highly desirable.
• Technical & Soft Skills:
  • Fluency in both English and Arabic is essential.
  • Strong analytical and reconciliation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights.
• Core Competencies:
  • Process Optimization & Innovation: Advanced proficiency in identifying inefficiencies and implementing innovative solutions to enhance data processes.
  • Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Advanced ability to work cross-functionally, engaging with stakeholders at all levels to align data initiatives with business goals.
  • Strategic Thinking & Execution: Moderate proficiency in developing long-term data strategies while ensuring timely and effective execution.
  • Business Acumen & Operational Efficiency: Moderate proficiency in understanding business needs and optimizing data operations to drive efficiency and growth.

What We Offer

At HALA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and innovative work environment where employees can thrive. We offer a range of benefits designed to support your professional and personal growth, including:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Enjoy the flexibility of remote, in-office, or hybrid work setups, tailored to your preferences and role requirements.
• Competitive Compensation: Benefit from highly competitive salary packages, with the potential for equity-based incentives that align your success with HALA’s growth.
• Learning & Development: Invest in your future with regular training opportunities, an annual learning stipend, and access to cutting-edge resources to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry.
• Global Exposure: Join a dynamic team of over 30 nationalities working across 7 countries, gaining invaluable experience in a high-growth fintech sector.
• Autonomy & Trust: Take ownership of your role with the freedom to innovate and make decisions that drive impact. We believe in empowering our leaders to achieve exceptional results.
• Mentorship & Growth: Receive guidance from industry experts and set ambitious goals that challenge you to reach new heights in your career.

If you are ready to take on a leadership role in a transformative fintech organization and contribute to shaping the future of financial services for SMEs, we encourage you to apply and become part of our remarkable team.