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 leaders 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.

Salary Range:

£108,000.00 - £162,000.00 per annum (depending on experience)

This salary range represents the expected remuneration for the role. Annual salary is based on a standard 35-hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.

• 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