AI Transformation Lead
Office: Singapore
Other Locations: Singapore
EveryoneistalkingaboutAI but veryfewareactuallyimplementingitend-to-end.
Thisroleisnotaboutbuildingmodelsinisolation. This is a senior transformation role focused on enterprise adoption of AI and intelligent automation, not a pure technical AI research or model-building position.
Candidates with strong backgrounds in digital, data, automation, or large-scale transformation — and recent exposure to AI-driven initiatives — are highly relevant, even if their career did not start in “AI-specific” roles.
WhatYouWillActuallyBeSolving(NotJustManaging)
- DisconnectedAIpilotsthatneverscalebeyondPOCs
- LegacysystemsblockingAIintegration
- HighOPEXincustomersupport,networkoperations,andmanualworkflows
- LackofAIstrategyalignmentbetweentech,product,andbusinessunits
- Pressurefromleadershiptomodernisewhilemaintainingoperationalstability
Thisisatransformationmandate,notaresearchrole.
CoreResponsibilities
1.EnterpriseAIStrategy&Execution
- DefineanddriveAItransformationroadmapacrossbusinessunits(Network,CX,Digital,Operations)
- Identifyhigh-impactAIusecasestieddirectlytorevenue,efficiency,andcustomerretention
- PartnerwithC-suitetoalignAIinvestmentswithcommercialpriorities
2.AIUseCaseDeployment(Real,NotTheoretical)
LeadimplementationofAIinitiativessuchas:
- Churnpredictionandretentionmodels
- AI-enabledfrauddetectionandrisksystems
Youwillbeaccountableforscalingsolutionsbeyondpilotstage.
3.Cross-FunctionalStakeholderLeadership
- WorkwithCTO,CDO,Product,andOperationsteams
- TranslatetechnicalAIcapabilitiesintobusinesslanguage
- Alignvendors,internalAIteams,andexternalpartners
- Navigateorganisationalresistancetochange(veryrealintelco)
- EvaluateAIvendors,platforms,andsolutions(GenAI,MLOps,automationtools)
- Avoidoverinvestmentinhype-driventoolswithlowROI
- BuildscalableAIpartnershipswithinthetelcoecosystem
5.OperationalTransformation&CostOptimisation
- ReducemanualworkflowsusingAIautomation
- Improveoperationalefficiencyacrossnetworkandserviceoperations
- DrivemeasurableKPIs(costsavings,speed,CXimprovements)
Requirements
Experience & Background
- 10–15+ years of experience in Digital Transformation, Data, Technology, Product, or Enterprise Change roles within Telco, Tech, Consulting, or large-scale enterprise environments
- Proven track record leading complex, cross-functional transformation programmes (e.g. digitalisation, automation, data transformation, or AI-enabled initiatives)
- Hands-on involvement in deploying advanced analytics, automation, machine learning, or AI-driven solutions in real business settings — not just conceptual strategy
- Strong foundation in technology, data, digital, or AI-related disciplines through formal education and/or substantial enterprise experience
- Ongoing learning in AI and emerging technologies is welcomed, including formal degree programmes or structured postgraduate study
- Surface-level certifications, short bootcamps, or purely theoretical AI credentials without proven large-scale implementation experience will not be considered a substitute for hands-on transformation leadership
- Consulting (McKinsey, BCG, Accenture, etc.) + AI programmes with proventrackrecorddeliveringlarge-scaletechorAIinitiatives(notjuststrategydecks)
This role does not require a decade of pure AI experience. It requires senior leaders who have evolved alongside emerging technologies and successfully integrated new capabilities into legacy and enterprise environments.
- Demonstrated experience implementing AI, automation, advanced analytics, or data-led initiatives within operational or customer-facing functions
- Strong understanding of how AI integrates into enterprise systems (CX platforms, network operations, CRM, billing, digital channels, etc.)
- Ability to translate AI capabilities into measurable business outcomes such as cost optimisation, service automation, customer experience enhancement, and operational efficiency
- We are not looking for a research scientist or pure AI engineer but we are looking for a transformation leader who can operationalise AI at scale. (Practical, Not Academic)
Leadership & Stakeholder Capability
- Experience working directly with C-suite stakeholders (CTO, CIO, CDO, COO, CEO) on strategic technology or transformation agendas
- Strong ability to align technical teams, business units, and external vendors within large, matrixed organisations
- Credibility to influence both technical specialists and non-technical leadership in a traditionally structured industry such as telecommunications
Industry & Environment Fit
- Experience in Telco, Digital Infrastructure, SaaS, Consulting, or other large-scale, regulated, or legacy-heavy environments is highly preferred
- Prior exposure to enterprise-scale systems, legacy integration challenges, and organisational change management
- Familiarity with vendor ecosystems, system integrators, and enterprise technology deployment cycles
What Will Make a Candidate Stand Out
- Experience scaling initiatives beyond pilot stage into enterprise-wide adoption
- Background in digital transformation, data transformation, or automation programmes prior to recent AI initiatives
- Ability to balance innovation with operational stability in complex, legacy environments
- Commercial mindset with a focus on ROI, efficiency, and measurable transformation impact
Thisisnotaplug-and-playhire.
Impact&SuccessMetrics(12–24Months)
- AIinitiativessuccessfullydeployedatscale(notstuckinpilot)
- MeasurableOPEXreductionthroughautomation
- Enterprise-wideAIgovernanceandadoptionframeworkestablished
- ClearROIonAIinvestments