Head of AI Engineering

Monroe Consulting Group, an Executive Recruitment firm, is partnering with a leading organisation in the Information Technology sector to hire a Head of AI Engineering / AI Development Manager. This opportunity is based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Position Overview

Lead the organisation's AI engineering and application development function, driving the delivery of scalable digital platforms and intelligent technology solutions.

Provide technical leadership, people management, and strategic direction to ensure high-quality software delivery, innovation, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

AI & Software Development Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of AI and software developers.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight across AI-powered applications and enterprise digital platforms.
• Drive the adoption of best practices in software engineering, solution architecture, code quality, testing, and deployment.
• Support the development of intelligent automation solutions, AI-enabled workflows, AI agents, and emerging technology initiatives.

Application & Platform Management

• Oversee the development, enhancement, and maintenance of web, mobile, and enterprise applications.
• Lead application modernisation and platform optimisation initiatives.
• Ensure digital products remain scalable, secure, and aligned with business requirements.
• Collaborate with architecture and infrastructure teams to define technology strategies and roadmaps.

Technical Delivery

• Manage end-to-end software delivery from requirements gathering through deployment and post-launch support.
• Review technical designs, engineering standards, and solution architectures.
• Work closely with business stakeholders to translate operational requirements into scalable technology solutions.
• Ensure projects are delivered within agreed timelines, budgets, and quality standards.

Team & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary people leader for the AI and software engineering team.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing engineering culture.
• Partner closely with technology leadership, business stakeholders, architects, and external partners.
• Provide regular updates on project progress, resource planning, risks, and delivery milestones.

Key Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline.
• 8-15 years of software engineering experience, including a minimum of 3 years in a people leadership role.
• Proven experience managing software development, engineering, or technology delivery teams.
• Strong experience delivering enterprise applications, digital platforms, or business-critical technology solutions.
• Experience operating within complex technology environments and supporting digital transformation initiatives.

Technical / Functional Expertise

• Strong understanding of modern software engineering practices and application development methodologies.
• Knowledge of Java-based backend development.
• Familiarity with React Native or modern frontend and mobile application frameworks.
• Experience working with cloud-native applications and enterprise technology platforms.
• Exposure to Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Generative AI, Agentic AI, or intelligent automation initiatives.
• Strong understanding of API integrations, microservices architecture, and distributed systems.
• Experience with Agile, DevOps, CI/CD, and modern software delivery methodologies.
• Ability to review solution architecture, technical designs, and engineering best practices.
• Knowledge of platform scalability, security, performance optimisation, and enterprise application architecture.

Soft Skills & Leadership Competencies

• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing engineering teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to effectively engage both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Hands-on and pragmatic leadership style.
• Ability to drive delivery while balancing business priorities and technical excellence.
• Comfortable working in dynamic, fast-paced, and evolving environments.
• Mandarin and English proficiency preferred to support regional stakeholder communication.