Consulting Director, AI Strategy

Mastercard, Inc.; London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in digital payments is seeking a Senior Managing Consultant/Director for AI Strategy. This role involves spearheading AI-driven consulting engagements, leading teams, and developing strategies that transform analytics and automation for financial services clients. Candidates should have a strong background in data-driven strategies, GenAI, and the payments ecosystem.

Benefits

Impact at Scale

Thought Leadership

Professional Growth

Innovative Culture

Qualifications

• Experience leading data-driven strategies in financial services.
• Hands-on experience with GenAI and open-source LLM models.
• Excellent presentation skills for non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop AI-driven strategies for business impact.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams for AI solutions.
• Scale AI initiatives across multiple use cases.

Skills

Data-Driven Strategies

GenAI

Executive Presentation Skills

Agile Methodologies

Payments Ecosystem Knowledge

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science

Master’s Degree

Job description

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we're helping build a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions secure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Senior Managing Consultant/Director, AI Strategy (Financial Services)

Position Overview

Reporting to the Principal and working closely with the Mastercard AI team, the Senior Managing Consultant, AI Strategy will spearhead AI-driven consulting engagements for clients—especially card issuers and other financial services organizations. You will lead multidisciplinary teams of data scientists, ML engineers, and business strategists to develop and implement long-term AI solutions that transform analytics, automation, and value generation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop AI-Driven Strategies for Business Impact
2. Identify high-impact opportunities for AI and analytics within client organizations, particularly in card issuing and payments.
3. Quantify the value potential of AI solutions, including value levers, dependencies, and feasibility pathways.
4. Architect end-to-end AI solutions combining data engineering, design, and domain knowledge.
5. Secure stakeholder alignment and translate AI visions into actionable plans.
6. Scale AI initiatives across multiple use cases, addressing technical and organizational hurdles.
7. Lead Rapid, Iterative AI Delivery
8. Oversee project roadmaps, pilots, and stakeholder updates with AI and ML engineering leaders.
9. Collaborate with business leaders to gather feedback and adjust scopes for maximum value.
10. Ensure problem-solving balances technical feasibility and strategic payoff.
11. Support change management and AI adoption within client teams.
12. Expand Thought Leadership & External Network
13. Publish and present on AI methods and industry insights.
14. Build and maintain an external network of AI experts and industry leaders.
15. Advise on AI ethics, governance, and regulatory considerations.
16. Participate in forums and events to enhance firm reputation and drive new business.
17. Innovate & Scale the AI Operating Model
18. Develop new delivery frameworks and methodologies.
19. Create reusable assets like templates and playbooks.
20. Mentor junior colleagues and foster a collaborative AI community.
21. Promote cross-functional collaboration for holistic solutions.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience leading data-driven strategies with measurable outcomes, preferably in financial services or payments.
• Hands-on experience with GenAI, deploying use cases with proven value, and working with open-source LLM models.
• Proven thought leadership through publications, speaking engagements, or innovative AI solutions.
• Excellent executive presentation skills and ability to communicate complex AI concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and modern project management practices.
• Deep understanding of the payments ecosystem and operational challenges for card issuers.
• Experience managing teams and mentoring talent.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, or related fields; Master’s preferred.

Why Join Us

• Impact at Scale: Drive transformational AI initiatives with top-tier clients.
• Thought Leadership: Shape industry perspectives and build an influential network.
• Professional Growth: Enhance leadership and technical skills on cutting-edge projects.
• Innovative Culture: Contribute to a dynamic environment that values experimentation and continuous improvement.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks carry inherent risks. Everyone working for or on behalf of Mastercard must:

• Abide by security policies and practices;
• Ensure confidentiality and integrity of accessed information;
• Report security violations or breaches;
• Complete mandatory security trainings.