Head of Data Science - Generative AI

We help the world run better
At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we'll bring out the best in you. We're builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what's next. The work is challenging - but it matters. You'll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What's in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.

Summary:
We are searching for a passionate and experienced leader (m/f/d) to head the team working on Generative AI and Foundation Models development on SAP data in Newport Beach. This dynamic team is at the forefront of SAP's cloud transformation efforts, leveraging large language models to accelerate our customers' data and code transformation. The team collaborates closely with established teams in Europe and India, various SAP stakeholders, UC Irvine, and early adopter customers.

What you'll do:Team Lead: Form and lead a diverse team of data scientists and data engineers.Foundation Model Development: Oversee the development, fine-tuning, and delivery of foundation models to streamline SAP customers' cloud transformation journeys.Stakeholder Management: Ensure alignment of team objectives with the broader goals of the Foundation Model unit and coordinate with different stakeholders within SAP.Research Collaboration: Drive and manage research initiatives in collaboration with UC Irvine to produce cutting-edge innovations.

What you bring:

Educational Background: Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.Experience: Proven experience in managing and leading data science teams.Technical Proficiency: Strong expertise in data science, machine learning algorithms, and NLP.Leadership: Demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor, and develop high-performing teams.Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of effectively interacting with stakeholders at various levels.Collaboration: Experience working with cross-functional teams and managing research collaborations.

Meet your team:

The Generative AI foundation within Business AI at SAP focuses on helping high value scenarios across SAP ecosystem. As a part of it, our team focuses on creating and refining our own Foundation Models using SAP Business Data, pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI in business applications. By joining our team, you'll be an integral part of shaping the future of AI at SAP and driving significant advancements in the field.

Bring out your best
SAP innovations help more than four hundred thousand customers worldwide work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end-to-end business application software and related services for database, analytics, intelligent technologies, and experience management. As a cloud company with two hundred million users and more than one hundred thousand employees worldwide, we are purpose-driven and future-focused, with a highly collaborative team ethic and commitment to personal development. Whether connecting global industries, people, or platforms, we help ensure every challenge gets the solution it deserves. At SAP, you can bring out your best.

We win with inclusion
SAP's culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone - regardless of background - feels included and can run at their best. At SAP, we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better world.

SAP is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with SAP and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an e-mail with your request to Recruiting Operations Team:

For SAP employees: Only permanent roles are eligible for the SAP Employee Referral Program, according to the eligibility rules set in the SAP Referral Policy. Specific conditions may apply for roles in Vocational Training.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability.

Compensation Range Transparency: SAP believes the value of pay transparency contributes towards an honest and supportive culture and is a significant step toward demonstrating SAP's commitment to pay equity. SAP provides the annualized compensation range inclusive of base salary and variable incentive target for the career level applicable to the posted role. The targeted combined range for this position is 00(USD) USD. The actual amount to be offered to the successful candidate will be within that range, dependent upon the key aspects of each case which may include education, skills, experience, scope of the role, location, etc. as determined through the selection process. Any SAP variable incentive includes a targeted dollar amount and any actual payout amount is dependent on company and personal performance. Please reference this link for a summary of SAP benefits and eligibility requirements: SAP North America Benefits.

AI Usage in the Recruitment Process

For information on the responsible use of AI in our recruitment process, please refer to our Guidelines for Ethical Usage of AI in the Recruiting Process.

Please note that any violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Requisition ID: 445179 | Work Area: Software-Design and Development | Expected Travel: 0 - 10% | Career Status: Management | Employment Type: Regular Full Time | Additional Locations: #LI-Hybrid

Requisition ID: 445179

Posted Date: Jan 14, 2026

Work Area: Software-Design and Development

Career Status: Management

Employment Type: Regular Full Time

Expected Travel: 0 - 10%

Location: