Director Of Data

About HALA

HALA is a pioneering fintech organization in the MENAP region, dedicated to transforming financial services and pioneering the future of banking for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Our mission is to empower SMEs by equipping them with innovative financial and technological solutions that facilitate business initiation, management, and growth. Through our advanced platforms, including HALA Payments and HALA Logistics, we provide merchants with the tools to digitize transactions, streamline sales processes, and optimize operational efficiency. Established in 2017 and headquartered in the UAE, HALA operates across multiple entities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, with a strong regulatory foundation as a licensed entity by the Saudi Arabian Central Bank.

Role Overview

As the Director of Data, you will play a pivotal role in shaping HALA’s data-driven future by developing and executing a robust enterprise data strategy that aligns with our business objectives and digital transformation roadmap. You will lead the charge in building a modern, scalable, and secure data ecosystem that supports advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, reporting, and data-driven decision-making across the organization. This leadership position requires a strategic vision to oversee the design, implementation, and optimization of enterprise data platforms, including data warehouses and data lakes, while ensuring seamless integration with critical systems such as payment platforms, merchant systems, financial infrastructures, CRM, and operational applications.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a comprehensive enterprise data strategy that aligns with HALA’s long-term business goals and digital transformation initiatives.
• Team Development: Lead, mentor, and grow the Data Engineering, Business Intelligence (BI), Analytics, and Data Governance teams to foster a high-performing and innovative culture.
• Data Infrastructure: Oversee the design, implementation, and continuous optimization of enterprise data platforms, ensuring they are scalable, secure, and capable of supporting advanced analytics and AI-driven insights.
• Data Integration: Ensure the reliability and efficiency of data pipelines that integrate diverse systems, including payment gateways, merchant platforms, financial systems, CRM, and operational applications.
• Performance & Automation: Drive automation, scalability, and performance improvements across data infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities.
• Collaboration with Engineering: Work closely with the Engineering team to establish and enforce enterprise data architecture standards, ensuring consistency and alignment with business needs.
• Executive Reporting: Deliver high-impact executive dashboards and KPI reports for senior management and Board Committees, providing actionable insights to drive strategic decisions.
• Data Governance: Establish and enforce enterprise-wide data governance policies, standards, and ownership models to ensure data accuracy, completeness, consistency, and integrity across all systems.
• Compliance & Security: Ensure adherence to 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 a blend of technical expertise, leadership acumen, and industry experience. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and competencies:

• 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: A minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in Data Engineering, Analytics, Business Intelligence, or Data Management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing enterprise data teams. Prior experience in fintech, banking, or financial services is highly advantageous.
• Languages: Fluency in both English and Arabic is required to effectively engage with stakeholders and teams across HALA’s diverse operational regions.
• Core Competencies:
  • Process Optimization & Innovation: Advanced proficiency in identifying and implementing process improvements to drive efficiency and innovation.
  • Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Advanced ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and engage stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strategic Thinking & Execution: Moderate proficiency in developing and executing strategic initiatives that align with business objectives.
  • Business Acumen & Operational Efficiency: Moderate proficiency in understanding business operations and driving efficiency through data-driven insights.

What We Offer

At HALA, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and innovative work environment that supports both personal and professional growth. Our culture encourages flexibility, allowing employees to thrive in remote, in-office, or hybrid work setups. We offer a highly competitive compensation package, including the potential for equity participation, to recognize and reward your contributions. Our dedication to your development is reflected in our comprehensive training programs, annual learning stipends, and opportunities to tackle new challenges in a dynamic, hyper-growth environment.

Join a global team of over 30 nationalities working across seven countries, where you will gain invaluable experience in a fast-paced and exciting industry. We empower our employees with autonomy, mentorship, and challenging goals that create opportunities for both personal and organizational success. If you are ready to take on a leadership role with significant responsibility and trust, we invite you to apply and become part of our remarkable journey toward redefining financial services for SMEs.