Smart Automation & AI Associate

Deutsche Bank; Madrid; Hybrid; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Healthcare

Retirement plan

Job summary

DWS Group in Madrid is seeking an Associate – Smart Automation & AI to join the COO Division. You will translate operational pain points into scalable AI and automation solutions, collaborating with Technology and Operations to deliver tangible improvements.

You should have a strong background in Python and SQL, 5+ years in financial services, and a product mindset focused on adoption and measurable value. This hybrid role offers exposure to cutting-edge tooling and career growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of Python development in financial services.
• Strong analytical and programming skills using SQL, Python; experience creating reports and automating analysis.
• Experience designing workflow automation, AI, or data-driven solutions in an operational environment.
• Knowledge of data governance, risk frameworks in enterprise environments.
• Ability to perform root-cause analysis and translate requirements into solutions.
• Experience supporting solution delivery through testing, documentation and monitoring.
• Product mindset with ownership beyond prototype and focus on adoption.
• Ability to turn ideas into controlled proofs of concept quickly.
• Strong engineering discipline with documentation, testing and version control.

Responsibilities

• Assess operational improvement needs and recommend solutions using approved AI, ML, workflow automation and data analytics tools.
• Define design with SMEs and Tech, including requirements, data inputs and controls.
• Build and test proofs of concept and lightweight automation using AI tools, Python, SQL and workflow tech.
• Support controlled implementation through user testing, documentation and performance tracking.

Skills

Python

SQL

Data analytics

Workflow automation

AI tools

Root-cause analysis

Testing

Documentation

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance

Tools

Python

Job description

Job Description:

Employer: DWS Group

Title: Smart Automation & AI Associate

Location: Madrid

Job Code: placeholder for LinkedIn job wrapping

About DWS:

Today, markets face a whole new set of pressures – but also a whole lot of opportunity too. Opportunity to innovate differently. Opportunity to invest responsibly. And opportunity to make change.

Join us at DWS, and you can be part of an industry-leading firm with a global presence. You can lead ambitious opportunities and shape the future of investing. You can support our clients, local communities, and the environment.

We’re looking for creative thinkers and innovators to join us as the world continues to transform. As whole markets change, one thing remains clear; our people always work together to capture the opportunities of tomorrow.

As investors on behalf of our clients, it is our role to find investment solutions. Ensuring the best possible foundation for our clients’ financial future. And in return, we’ll give you the support and platform to develop new skills, make an impact and work alongside some of the industry’s greatest thought leaders. This is your chance to achieve your goals and lead an extraordinary career.

This is your chance to invest in your future.

Read more about DWS and who we are here.

Team / division overview

The COO Division is a key enabler for DWS and is integral to the future success of the company by delivering world-class services across a set of key functions. It covers essential Technology and Operations capabilities to deliver a platform which is efficient, scalable, resilient and agile.

The role forms part of the Smart Middle Office and acts as its extended technology arm, combining operational understanding with hands-on engineering and automation capability. The successful candidate will rapidly translate operational pain points into practical, scalable solutions using approved AI tools, Python, SQL, workflow automation and other approved technologies. Working closely with Operations the role will prototype, implement and embed controlled solutions that reduce manual effort, improve data quality and strengthen operational processes across both Run the Bank and Change the Bank activities.

Your responsibilities –

As our Associate – Smart Automation & AI – Senior Operations Analyst you will:

• Assess operational improvement needs identified by the business and recommend feasible solutions using approved AI, machine learning, workflow automation and data analytics tools.
• Define the solution design with operational SMEs and Technology, including requirements, data inputs, controls, scalability and alignment with business priorities.
• Build and test proofs of concept and lightweight automation solutions using approved AI tools, Python, SQL and workflow technologies; incorporate user feedback and document results and limitations.
• Support controlled implementation through user testing, process and technical documentation, performance monitoring and benefit tracking.

We are looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance, or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience
• 5+ years of experience in python development within financial services
• Strong analytical and programming skills using SQL, Python or comparable tools, including experience creating reports, automating analysis and handling large data sets
• Experience designing and implementing workflow automation, AI, or data‑driven solutions in an operational environment
• Strong understanding of data management, controls, governance, and risk frameworks within enterprise environments
• Proven ability to perform root‑cause analysis, solve complex problems, and translate business requirements into practical solutions
• Experience supporting solution delivery through testing, documentation, monitoring, and continuous improvement
• A product mindset: ownership of a solution beyond the prototype, with focus on user adoption, maintainability and sustainable business value
• A rapid experimentation mindset, with the ability to turn an initial idea into a controlled proof of concept quickly and learn from evidence
• Strong engineering discipline, including reusable design, clear documentation, testing, version control and effective handover into a controlled production environment
• The ability to define meaningful success measures and demonstrate the impact of automation through robust evidence, such as time saved, risk reduced, quality improved or capacity released.
• The judgement to balance speed with security, control and regulatory expectations when experimenting with AI and automation
• A systems perspective, with the ability to look beyond individual tasks and redesign end‑to‑end processes, data flows and human hand‑offs
• A multiplier mindset: sharing reusable solutions, coaching operational colleagues and helping build automation and AI capability across the Smart Middle Office

What we’ll offer you:

At DWS we’re serious about diversity, equity and creating an inclusive culture where colleagues can be themselves sand it’s important to us that you enjoy coming to work - feeling healthy, happy and rewarded. At DWS, you’ll have access to a range of benefits which you can choose from to create a personalised plan unique to your lifestyle. Whether you’re interested in healthcare, company perks, or are thinking about your retirement plan, there’s something for everyone.

DWS’ Hybrid Working model is designed to find the right balance between in-person collaboration and engagement in the office, which is core to our working culture, and working from home. Each business group varies on the split between time spent in the office and at home, but this will be discussed and made clear as part of your application and interview process. We will continue to review and evolve our working environments and methods to ensure that we are working in the best way possible for our people.

If you require any adjustments or changes to be made to the interview process for any reason including, or related to a disability or long-term health condition, then please contact your recruiter and let them know what assistance you may need. Examples of adjustments include providing a change to the format of the interview, or providing assistance when at the DWS office. This will not affect your application and your recruitment team will discuss options with you

Our values define the working environment we strive to create – diverse, supportive and welcoming of different views. We embrace a culture reflecting a variety of perspectives, insights and backgrounds to drive innovation. We build talented and diverse teams to drive business results and encourage our people to develop to their full potential. Talk to us about flexible work arrangements and other initiatives we offer.

We promote good working relationships and encourage high standards of conduct and work performance. We welcome applications from talented people from all cultures, countries, races, genders, sexual orientations, disabilities, beliefs and generations and are committed to providing a working environment free from harassment, discrimination and retaliation.

We at DWS are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, one that embraces dialogue and diverse views, and treats everyone fairly to drive a high-performance culture. The value we create for our clients and investors is based on our ability to bring together various perspectives from all over the world and from different backgrounds. It is our experience that teams perform better and deliver improved outcomes when they are able to incorporate a wide range of perspectives. We call this #ConnectingTheDots.