Analytics Unit Head JOB

Job Title: Analytics Unit Head

Sector: Tourism

Department: Tourism Sector Management Office   

Section: Strategy Development

Direct Manager: Strategy Development Section Head

Job Purpose

Lead strategic studies, opportunity assessments, and feasibility analyses to support data-driven decision-making. The role ensures alignment with organizational priorities, manages a high-performing team, and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to deliver actionable insights and strategic recommendations. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Engagements & Execution

• Lead and deliver strategic initiatives including market& opportunity assessments, feasibility studies, and business case assessments.
• Lead on conducting benchmarks, studies, and quantitative/qualitative assessments to identify opportunities and formulate recommendations.
• Develop detailed execution plans, dashboards, and final reports to support strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with internal teams, external consultants, and government stakeholders to ensure strategies are cohesive and well-executed.
• Monitor implementation progress, manage third-party consultants, and ensure timely delivery of initiatives.
• Take end-to-end ownership of assigned strategic projects, ensuring readiness for leadership review.

Research, Analysis & Opportunity Assessment

• Lead on the execution of studies and analytics related to tourism and broader DCT priorities, both short-term and long-term.
• Address ad hoc requests from leadership including the Section Head and TSMO Director with agility and rigor.
• Assess new opportunities and validate ideas through research, analysis, and pilot testing.
• Exhibit flexibility in addressing varied and complex issues, offering creative and evidence-based solutions.

Shared Activities

• Ensure effective cascading of the functional strategy into unit business plans to ensure vertical alignment and horizontal integration with other interfacing sectional strategies. 
• Manage the effective achievement of assigned objectives through the leadership of the unit by setting individual objectives, managing performance, developing and motivating staff to maximize performance.  
• Act as a role model and drive adherence to organizational values and ethics by employees of the assigned unit to foster a value driven culture within the organization.  
• Manage and ensure effective implementation of functional policies, procedures and controls covering all areas of assigned unit activity so that all relevant procedural/legislative requirements are fulfilled while delivering a quality, cost-effective service.  
• Lead the identification of opportunities for continuous improvement and sustainability of systems, processes and practices considering global standards, productivity improvement and cost reduction.  
• Ensure that all unit reports are prepared timely and accurately and meet DCT requirements, policies and quality standards. 
• Comply with all relevant EHS guidelines, policies and procedures, by reporting incidents and hazards on a timely manner, and reduce consumption of natural resources to support in protecting the environment and ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Strategy, Tourism, Hospitality, Marketing, or related fields; Master’s degree preferred.
• At least 5-7 years of relevant experience, ideally with a blend of industry and consulting backgrounds. Preferable 2-3 years in a managerial role.
• Strong preference for candidates with experience in top-tier consulting firms (e.g., MBB, Big 4).
• Proven experience in tourism, government, or related sectors; deep understanding of the UAE and Abu Dhabi tourism ecosystem is advantageous.

Experience

• Excellent stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Demonstrated expertise in opportunity analysis, market research, strategic planning, and feasibility studies.
• Proficient in data analysis, structured reporting, and presenting to C-level audiences.
• Advanced MS Office skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); strong ability to create structured and visually appealing presentations.
• Fluent in English; proficiency in Arabic is preferred.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally based on project needs.