Job description
Role Overview
Director of AI at Mirai Arabian International, a video game support studio based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This is a leadership role reporting to the CEO, combining local and global AI strategy, production leadership, and team development.
Company Overview
Mirai, a Scopely company, is a video game support studio based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, focused on building industry-defining interactive entertainment experiences. As part of Savvy Games Group, Mirai is positioned to play a critical role in developing the gaming ecosystem across the MENA region.
Role Purpose
Lead the production roadmap and integration of AI solutions across a variety of Scopely business units and studio operations teams, while building local capability, driving innovation, and developing world-class AI talent in the KSA and MENA region.
Key Responsibilities
AI & Production Leadership
- Oversee end-to-end development of automation and AI-enabled software solutions for a variety of internal clients and use cases.
- Support the design and implementation of AI strategy across the team's production pipelines.
- Ensure alignment between product vision, technical feasibility, and business goals.
- Collaborate with global teams to integrate best practices and maintain quality.
- Ensure scalable and agile production processes leveraging AI.
Strategic AI Integration
- Identify high-impact AI use cases across development, operations, and player experience in collaboration with the Mirai CEO.
- Drive adoption of AI tools across Central Teams, Engineering, QA, Marketing, Business Development, and Analytics.
- Ensure responsible AI usage, governance, compliance, risk management, and ethics.
Regional Talent Development
- Build and mentor high-performing multidisciplinary teams focused on AI solution creation, integration, and adoption at scale.
- Develop local AI and technical talent in KSA and MENA, growing the Department to a world-class center of excellence.
- Establish internship, mentorship, and training programmes.
- Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and inclusion.
Partnerships & Ecosystem Growth
- Build partnerships with global studios, academia, and AI technology providers.
- Drive community initiatives including AI jams and participation in local industry events.
- Support development of the regional gaming and AI ecosystem.
Studio Leadership & Operations
- Contribute to long-term strategy, operational excellence, and culture of Mirai Studio at large.
- Define Department OKRs, manage Department budgets, and ensure sustainable, long-term success of the Department.
- Collaborate with the Mirai CEO to align AI and production strategy with business objectives, locally for Mirai and globally for internal clients.
- Support executive decision-making with data and insights.
- Act as Studio Expert to support adoption of AI solutions and mindset across the entire Mirai Studio.
Qualifications & Experience
- 15+ years of experience in software development and AI-related roles.
- 7+ years of experience in senior leadership or executive roles, including leading a multidisciplinary department of AI Engineers, Project Managers, and Product Managers.
- Experience shaping AI strategy across production pipelines and leading cross-functional AI adoption across engineering and product teams.
- Strong background in responsible AI governance, compliance, risk management, and ethics.
- Experience defining department OKRs.
- Experience working directly with CEOs or CTOs and partnering with global teams and external institutions such as studios, academia, or AI technology providers.
- Experience in the MENA region is a plus.