AI Lead

Building the Future of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport. Join Our Team

SOF Connect has been the operator of the airport under a 35-year concession agreement since April 2021. The company is owned by Meridiam, a global infrastructure investor focused on sustainable public infrastructure development.

We are working on one of Bulgaria’s most significant infrastructure transformation projects – the construction of Terminal 3, the modernization of the airport complex, and the transformation of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport into a five-star regional airport and Bulgaria’s gateway to the world.

The project will increase the airport’s capacity and contribute to the creation of jobs across the aviation sector and related industries.

Guided by a long-term vision, we are investing in sustainable development, decarbonization, innovation, and an outstanding passenger experience, creating an airport that meets the highest international standards.

Join the SOF Connect team and become part of one of Bulgaria’s largest infrastructure transformation projects – one that is shaping the future of aviation, strengthening the economy, and enhancing the country’s connectivity.

For our Main ICT Division, we are looking to hire:
AI Lead

The Role:
SOF Connect is seeking an ambitious and visionary AI Lead to drive the company’s AI transformation agenda and unlock significant business value through the adoption of artificial intelligence across the organization.

Reporting directly to the CIO, the AI Lead will own and execute SOF Connect’s AI roadmap end-to-end, translating a bold AI vision into practical, high-impact initiatives that enhance operations, improve decision-making and create measurable business outcomes. The role combines strategic leadership, innovation management, AI governance and stakeholder engagement, acting as a catalyst for AI adoption and innovation across all departments.

You will lead a powerful AI innovation hub in close collaboration with the CIO, ICT, the Business Intelligence Lead and external partners, including technology vendors and industry experts. You will identify, prioritize and deliver AI use cases that create tangible business value, establish governance frameworks for responsible AI adoption and position SOF Connect at the forefront of AI innovation within the aviation industry.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of AI at Sofia Airport by combining strategic vision with hands-on innovation, while ensuring that all initiatives remain aligned with business objectives, compliance requirements and measurable value creation.

Your Profile:

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading AI, data science, digital transformation or innovation initiatives, including business-facing or leadership responsibilities.
• Proven track record of successfully implementing AI solutions that have delivered measurable business value.
• Experience building and managing innovation ecosystems, including collaboration with technology partners and industry experts.
• Experience establishing AI governance frameworks, policies and ethical AI practices.
• Strong understanding of AI technologies, including Generative AI, Machine Learning, Automation and their practical business applications.
• Knowledge of AI-related regulatory and compliance requirements, including responsible AI principles and relevant European legislation.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for innovation, experimentation and emerging technologies.
• Familiarity with the Microsoft AI, data and analytics ecosystem.
• Fluent in English.

We Offer:

• A unique opportunity to define and lead the AI strategy of Bulgaria’s largest international airport.
• A highly visible leadership role reporting directly to senior management.
• The opportunity to shape and scale AI innovation across all business functions.
• The chance to build and lead an AI community while driving meaningful organizational transformation.
• A collaborative, dynamic and ambitious working environment.
• Attractive remuneration package and ongoing professional development opportunities.

Join SOF Connect and help build the future of Vasil Levski Sofia Airport.
If you already recognized yourself in this role, be kindly invited to send your CV and a copy of the relevant diploma:hr@sof-connect.com

All approved candidates will be invited for an interview.
SOF Connect EAD informs you that some of the data voluntarily provided under this announcement are personal and fall under a special protection regime within the meaning of Regulation 2016/679 and the Personal Data Protection Act. The personal data provided will be processed to achieve the legally permitted purposes related to this advertisement as well as to realize the legitimate interests of the data controller. “SOF Connect EAD processes, stores and uses the voluntarily provided personal data within the legally regulated time limits, ensuring their security and confidentiality. We inform you and you agree that SOF Connect EAD provides personal data to state authorities and institutions, or third parties, where there is such an obligation under the law, or it is necessary for the realization of your rights and legitimate interests as a participant in selection and for the possible future establishment of an employment relationship. Subject to the internal rules of SOF Connect EAD, you have the right to access and rectify your personal data, the right to have your personal data deleted, and the right to object to the processing, provision, and disclosure of your personal data for purposes other than those specified herein.