Head of AI Transformation | S5 | Data & AI Domain | London & Milton Keynes

Head of AI Transformation | S5 | Data & AI Domain | London & Milton KeynesCountry: United Kingdom

IT STARTS HERE 

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible. 

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.  

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management. 

The Data & AI Domain at Santander is responsible for setting the strategic direction for data, analytics, and artificial intelligence across the organisation. It ensures that data is managed as a trusted enterprise asset and that advanced technologies are applied responsibly, securely, and effectively to create value for customers and the business. 

THE DIFFERENCE YOU MAKE  

The Data & AI Domain is looking for a Head of AI Transformation based out of London and Milton Keynes.  

The Head of AI Transformation is responsible for leading Santander UK’s enterprise-wide adoption of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics to drive business transformation. This role oversees the data science and AI function, ensuring the effective development, deployment, and scaling of AI capabilities across the organisation. 

The role holder partners with senior business, technology, risk, and operations leaders to define and execute a strategic AI transformation roadmap aligned to Santander Group priorities and UK business objectives. They are accountable for embedding AI-driven decision-making into core processes, accelerating value creation, and ensuring robust governance, ethical standards, and regulatory compliance across all AI initiatives. 

This individual plays a critical leadership role in translating cutting-edge AI capabilities into tangible business outcomes, fostering a culture of innovation, and positioning Santander UK as a leader in responsible AI adoption within the financial services sector. 

They are a member of the Data and AI Domain UK Leadership team, are part of the global AI Leadership team and a key influencers of strategic direction for Santander UK We’re shaping the way we work through innovation, cutting-edge technology, collaboration and the freedom to explore new ideas. To succeed in this role, you will be responsible for: 

Responsibilities 

• AI Transformation Strategy & Roadmap 
• Define, own, and deliver the Santander UK AI transformation strategy and roadmap, aligned with Group direction and UK business priorities. 
• Leadership of Data Science & AI Function 
• Lead and develop the UK data science and AI teams, ensuring high performance, strong technical capability, and alignment to strategic outcomes. 
• Enterprise AI Adoption 
• Drive the adoption of AI and advanced analytics across business units, embedding AI into key customer journeys, operations, and decision-making processes. 
• Deployment of Group AI Products 
• Lead the localisation, deployment, and scaling of Santander Group AI products within the UK business, ensuring relevance, performance, and value delivery. 
• Business Value Realisation 
• Ensure AI initiatives deliver measurable business impact, including revenue growth, cost optimisation, risk reduction, and improved customer experience. 

WHAT YOU’LL BRING 

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring. 

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Professional Experience  

AI Product / Operating Model (Required): 

• Shapes an enterprise operating model that enables rapid and responsible delivery of AI products and capabilities. 
• Champions agile, product-led ways of working across business and technology teams to accelerate value realisation. 
• Balances delivery speed with governance, risk management and regulatory requirements. 

Enterprise transformation enabled by AI (Required): 

• Defines and delivers enterprise AI transformation aligned to business strategy and Santander Group priorities. 
• Identifies opportunities to redesign customer journeys, operations and decision-making through AI and advanced analytics. 
• Leads organisational change required to embed AI capabilities and realise measurable business outcomes. 

Technical capability (AI/ML) (Required): 

• Demonstrates deep expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science and advanced analytics, with the ability to translate emerging technologies into scalable business solutions and strategic outcomes. 
• Provides technical leadership and governance across the AI lifecycle, ensuring solutions are designed, deployed and operated in line with regulatory requirements, model risk standards, security, and Responsible AI principles. 
• Maintains a strong understanding of modern AI platforms, data architectures, cloud technologies and MLOps practices, enabling informed decisions on technology strategy, vendor selection, and enterprise AI capability development 

Banking Products and Services (Required): 

• Demonstrates strong understanding of UK retail and commercial banking products, customer journeys and value drivers. 
• Identifies opportunities where AI and analytics can improve customer outcomes, operational efficiency and risk management. 
• Partners with business leaders to embed AI into core products, processes and services 

Cross-functional Collaboration (Required): 

• Knowledge of collaborative techniques and approaches; ability to promote a culture of continuous improvement and working together across functions to solve business problems and meet business goals. 
• Uses specific network of leaderships or experts to help achieve organizational and client goals. 
• Builds trusted partnerships across Business, Technology, Risk, Compliance and Operations to drive enterprise AI adoption. 
• Influences senior executives across Santander UK and Santander Group to align priorities and accelerate delivery. 
• Creates a collaborative environment that enables delivery of cross-functional transformation programmes. 

Decision Making and Critical Thinking (Required): 

• Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyse situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. 
• Makes strategic investment decisions balancing business value, technical feasibility and regulatory obligations. 
• Evaluates competing AI opportunities and prioritises initiatives delivering the greatest enterprise value. 
• Applies sound judgement in managing technology, operational, conduct and model risks. 

Communicating for Impact (Required): 

• Communicates a compelling vision for AI transformation across all organisational levels. 
• Influences Executive Committee and Board stakeholders through clear, evidence-based recommendations. 
• Builds confidence in AI through transparent communication of opportunities, risks and outcomes. 
• Interprets business plans or solutions to top management to gain both collective intelligence and support. 

Strategic Thinking (Required): 

• Knowledge of the importance of "big picture" thinking and planning; ability to apply organizational acumen and competitiveness to identify and maintain focus on key success factors for the organization. 
• Directs strategic alliances and partnerships for mutual benefit. 
• Develops long-term AI strategy aligned with business priorities, emerging technologies and market trends. 
• Anticipates regulatory, competitive and technological developments to position Santander UK as a leader in responsible AI. 
• Creates strategic partnerships that accelerate AI capability and innovation. 

Team Management (Required): 

• Leads and develops high-performing multidisciplinary teams including Data Scientists, ML Engineers, Product Managers and AI Specialists. 
• Builds organisational capability in AI through coaching, succession planning and talent development. 
• Creates an inclusive, innovative culture that attracts and retains leading AI talent. 

Technical & Non-Technical Skills/Knowledge 

• Significant leadership experience in AI, Data Science or Advanced Analytics within a large, complex organisation. 
• Demonstrable experience defining and delivering enterprise AI or digital transformation strategies. 
• Strong understanding of AI governance, model risk management, Responsible AI and financial services regulation. 
• Experience leading multidisciplinary technical teams and building high-performing AI capabilities. 
• Proven ability to influence executive stakeholders and deliver complex cross-functional transformation programmes. 
• Strong commercial acumen with experience delivering measurable business value from AI and analytics investments. 
• Knowledge of modern AI platforms, cloud technologies, MLOps and enterprise data architectures. 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including engagement with Executive Committees and Board-level governance. 

Education 

Undergraduate degree in business or similar related field or substantial and relevant work experience supported by professional certifications/licences (Required)

WE VALUE YOUR IMPACT

At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return.

Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive — personally and professionally.

• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5yrs service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year.
• £8,500 car allowance per year.
• Company funded private medical insurance for you and your family
• Company funded Health screenings every two years.
• Protection for you and your family, with company-funded death-in-service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.
• Share in Santander’s success by saving or investing in our share plans. 
• As a Santander UK employee, you are able to request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, as well as apply to many other deals and discounts in Santander products and services
• Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
• Wellbeing that goes beyond work — we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Support for every life stage — from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.

Ready to be recognised? It starts with you.

LOCAL COMPLIANCE

At Santander, we’re proud to be an inclusive organisation that provides equal opportunities for everyone — regardless of age, gender, disability, civil status, race, religion or sexual orientation.

We’re committed to creating a recruitment experience that’s accessible, fair and welcoming for all candidates.

We want our people to thrive — at work and at home — while delivering the best outcomes for our customers and supporting each other to grow.

To make this possible, our roles are site-based with a hybrid working pattern, where colleagues are expected to attend the office at least 12 days per month (pro-rata for part-time roles).

When applying, please consider the travel distance, time and cost to your chosen office location(s). 

 Right to work in the UK

• Every individual must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander either by way of nationality, visa or work permit. If you do require a working visa / permit this will not influence our decision on whether to progress your application. However, if you do not have a right to work, or an application for a working visa / permit is unsuccessful, Santander will not proceed with your application and will withdraw any conditional offer previously made.

We welcome applications on the understanding that, should you be offered this role, there may be no relocation package available. Santander will pay the employer mandatory government fees that are required to pay in connection with visa sponsorship. You may be liable for your own personal employee immigration and relocation costs.

WHAT TO DO NEXT

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

If there’s anything we can do in the recruitment process to help you achieve your best, get in touch. Whether it’s a copy of our application form in another format or additional assistance, we’re available through email. You can contact us at resourcing@santander.co.uk.