AI Governance Director Data Science

Elsevier; Greater London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Elsevier is seeking an AI Governance Director to own the end-to-end governance framework for AI and ML within the Data Science function. You will lead policy implementation, risk classification, approvals, documentation, and lifecycle oversight, while aligning with regulatory requirements and business goals.

You will collaborate with Legal, Compliance, Privacy and InfoSec to embed governance, drive continuous improvement, and advance scalable processes across production AI systems.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in AI/model governance, model risk management, data governance, compliance, or a related risk discipline, including people management.
• Strong knowledge of AI governance regulations and frameworks (EU AI Act, ISO 42001 or similar) and their practical application.
• Experience designing and operating governance processes for AI/ML models in production environments.
• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to balance innovation, risk, and business objectives.
• First class stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience influencing senior technical and business leaders.
• Proven track record of creating scalable governance processes, driving continuous improvement, and introducing automation.
• Working knowledge of the AI/ML lifecycle, including data sourcing, model development, validation, deployment, and monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end AI and model governance framework on behalf of the Data Science function, including policy implementation and continuous improvement.
• Define standards for model risk classification, approvals, documentation, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Set the strategic roadmap for AI governance tools and processes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant AI regulations and standards, including the EU AI Act, GDPR, and emerging global requirements.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and Information Security teams to maintain governance policies.
• Act as a key contact for audits, regulators, customers, and industry forums on AI governance matters.
• Establish governance metrics, reporting, model inventory oversight, and operational effectiveness measures.
• Lead and develop governance capability while supporting training and awareness across the organisation.

Skills

AI governance

Model risk management

Data governance

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

Automation

AI/ML lifecycle

Policy development

Audits & regulators

Job description

Are you passionate about building and owning practical, scalable AI governance frameworks that enable innovation while managing risk?

About the Role

As AI Governance Director, you will own and evolve the end-to-end AI and model governance framework on behalf of the Data Science function. You will provide strategic leadership, helping to ensure AI systems are developed and deployed responsibly while balancing regulatory compliance, risk management, innovation, and business outcomes. This role partners closely with technical, legal and product stakeholders to embed effective governance into how we use AI.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end AI and model governance framework on behalf of the Data Science function, including policy implementation and continuous improvement.
• Define standards for model risk classification, approvals, documentation, monitoring, and lifecycle management.
• Set the strategic roadmap for AI governance tools and processes.
• Ensure compliance with relevant AI regulations and standards, including the EU AI Act, GDPR, and emerging global requirements.
• Partner with Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and Information Security teams to maintain governance policies.
• Act as a key contact for audits, regulators, customers, and industry forums on AI governance matters.
• Establish governance metrics, reporting, model inventory oversight, and operational effectiveness measures.
• Lead and develop governance capability while supporting training and awareness across the organisation.

Requirements

• Significant experience in AI/model governance, model risk management, data governance, compliance, or a related risk discipline, including people management.
• Strong knowledge of AI governance regulations and frameworks (EU AI Act, ISO 42001 or similar) and their practical application.
• Experience designing and operating governance processes for AI/ML models in production environments.
• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to balance innovation, risk, and business objectives.
• First class stakeholder management and communication skills, with experience influencing senior technical and business leaders.
• Proven track record of creating scalable governance processes, driving continuous improvement, and introducing automation.
• Working knowledge of the AI/ML lifecycle, including data sourcing, model development, validation, deployment, and monitoring.

Work in a Way That Works for You

We promote a healthy work/life balance across the organisation. We offer an appealing working prospect for our people. With numerous wellbeing initiatives, shared parental leave, study assistance, and sabbaticals, we will help you meet your immediate responsibilities and your long-term goals.

About the Business

A global leader in information and analytics, we help researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. Building on its publishing heritage, we combine quality information and vast data sets with analytics to support visionary science and research, health education and interactive learning, as well as exceptional healthcare and clinical practice. At Elsevier, your work contributes to the world's grand challenges and a more sustainable future. We harness innovative technologies to support science and healthcare to partner for a better world.