Senior AI Solution Director (Energy)

About Sand

Sand Technologies is a fast-growing enterprise AI company that solves real-world problems for large blue-chip companies and governments worldwide.

We’re pioneers of meaningful AI: our solutions go far beyond chatbots. We are using data and AI to solve the world’s biggest issues in telecommunications, sustainable water management, energy, healthcare, climate change, smart cities, and other areas that have a real impact on the world. For example, our AI systems help to manage the water supply for the entire city of London. We created the AI algorithms that enabled the 7th largest telecommunications company in the world to plan its network in 300 cities in record time. And we built a digital healthcare system that enables 30m people in a country to get world-class healthcare despite a shortage of doctors.

We’ve grown our revenues by over 500% in the last 12 months while winning prestigious scientific and industry awards for our cutting-edge technology. We’re underpinned by over 300 engineers and scientists working across Africa, Europe, the UK and the US. 

About the role

As Senior AI Solutions Director, you will be accountable for the successful delivery of cutting-edge Enterprise AI solutions within our Energy (Oil & Gas) portfolio, overseeing all aspects of the project lifecycle from conception to execution.

This critical leadership role requires the orchestration of multi-disciplinary teams, including data scientists, data engineers, software engineers, product managers and designers to deliver high-quality results that meet client needs. You will manage timelines, resources, budgets, and project quality to ensure not only client satisfaction but also the creation of innovative, scalable solutions that position our company as a market leader in the energy sector.

In addition to delivery, you will play a key role in supporting the Industry Managing Director (MD) by contributing to the growth of new and existing client accounts. You will help develop and pitch new, innovative AI propositions, collaborate with cross-functional teams to scope enterprise AI projects, and position the company for sustained growth through strategic upselling and business development.

Specific Responsibilities

• End-to-End Project Leadership: Lead and oversee the full delivery of AI programs, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of quality, timeliness, and client value. Your role will involve managing technical project teams, driving resource efficiency, and ensuring that all initiatives align with our clients’ strategic, business, and regulatory goals in the energy sector.
• Strategic Industry Contribution: Collaborate with the MD and CPO to craft new AI propositions that position us at the forefront of technological innovation within Oil & Gas. You'll identify key opportunities for AI solutions and products that add measurable value to client businesses, ensuring both business outcomes and regulatory compliance are achieved.
• Client Engagement & Satisfaction: Build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders within client organizations in the energy industry, driving high satisfaction (CSAT) scores and ensuring that client accounts are primed for future growth and upselling. Act as a strategic technical advisor to clients, providing insights that help them unlock the full potential of AI.
• Business Development: Partner with the MD and BDD’s to pursue and win new business, presenting compelling AI solutions that address client challenges in the energy value chain. Assist with scoping projects, developing proposals, and securing new logos while contributing to account growth and expansion.
• Innovation & Technical Excellence: Drive continuous improvement and innovation within the AI service line by fostering a culture of creativity and technical excellence. Lead the development of proofs of concept (POCs) that demonstrate our industry-leading capabilities, supporting wider product development and deployment initiatives.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams to design and implement pricing strategies, develop scalable AI products, and support go-to-market initiatives. Additionally, collaborate with the marketing team to create impactful presentations that elevate the brand's presence in the industry.

Requirements 

• PhD in Petroleum Engineering or a related technical field.
• A minimum of 10+ years of technical experience as a data scientist or in a relevant technical field with a strong understanding of software development, IT, and data engineering principles.
• Proven leadership experience managing and scaling highly technical teams within the Energy (Oil & Gas) sector.
• Demonstrated success in building and nurturing senior-level client relationships, with a track record of delivering AI projects that achieve tangible business outcomes.
• Experience in dynamic, high-growth environments, including new ventures or scaling businesses, is highly advantageous

Key Skills

• Technical Expertise: Deep expertise in data science, AI, and related technologies. You should be adept at managing the end-to-end delivery of complex AI programs, with a focus on driving client value through innovation and operational excellence.
• Client-Centric Approach: Strong commercial acumen with the ability to scope and sell AI projects. You will support business development efforts by crafting compelling proposals and working closely with clients to understand their strategic challenges.
• Leadership & Strategy:  A natural leader who excels at navigating cross-functional teams, managing stakeholders, and aligning delivery with both client expectations and broader company goals. You’ll need a strategic mindset with the ability to drive both client and account growth.

Key Competencies

• Self-Starter & Innovator: Highly motivated and curious, with a passion for problem-solving. You should have a track record of driving initiatives and achieving results in ambiguous or rapidly changing environments.
• Strategic Thinker: Demonstrated ability to quickly grasp complex industry challenges, create innovative solutions, and translate them into actionable strategies for clients.
• Relationship Building: Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior executives. You’ll be adept at translating technical AI concepts into business-focused discussions.
• Market Insight: Provide valuable industry intelligence regarding competitive offerings and market trends, helping shape both product development and go-to-market strategies.
• Talent Development: Support the growth and development of technical teams within client accounts, ensuring continuous skills development, succession planning, and sustained account growth.

Personal Attributes

• Courage: Willingness to speak up, challenge the status quo, and embrace new challenges.
• Humility: Openness to learning, seeking help when needed, and a focus on serving others.
• Adventure: A passion for setting ambitious goals, tackling difficult tasks, and finding joy in the journey.
• Initiative: Proactive problem-solving, a sense of ownership, and a willingness to go above and beyond.
• Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks, persevere through challenges, and emerge stronger.

Due to the considerable amount of virtual work and interaction with colleagues and customers in different physical locations internationally, it is essential that the successful applicant has the drive and ethic to succeed in working in small teams physically but in larger efforts virtually. Self-drive to communicate constantly using web collaboration and video conferencing is essential.